Shell Museum Launches Free Lectures

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel is presenting a lecture series this summer and fall, which will be offered live via Zoom. All the lectures are free to the public. Here are all the details…

“These talks touch on a range of the beauty, biology, habitats, conservation, and clean water issues of our region’s waters and marine life,” said Sam Ankerson, National Shell Museum & Aquarium Executive Director. “We hope people will take advantage of these free offerings, enjoy the presentations, and learn something new.’’

Thursday, July 24, 2025, 5:30pm
“Recent Research and Revelations at the Shell Museum & Aquarium’’ by Dr. José H. Leal, Science Director and Curator, and Jorden Falker, Associate Director of Education

In this talk, Dr. Leal and Jorden Falker share recent research and findings the Museum is involved with, including first-time observation of a threatening condition in Horse Conchs, the regional spread of the invasive Thrush Cowrie, assessments of local marine and land mollusk distributions, and more. Attendees will learn the latest and see some of the important work that goes on behind the scenes at the Museum.

Thursday, August 21, 2025, 5:30pm
“South Florida’s Seasonal Seas” by Gabriel Jensen, Photographer and Photo-Naturalist

By utilizing international award-winning photographs taken during thousands of hours underwater, Gabriel Jensen uses anecdotes of adventure paired with population data to tell the story of South Florida’s underwater seasons, what they mean for marine animals, and why it matters.

Gabriel’s underwater images have been featured by NOAA, BBC, Smithsonian Magazine, and National Geographic among others. His work is the focus of a new exhibition, Brilliant Colors of the Sea: Nudibranchs and Their Relatives, now on view at the Museum.

Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30pm
“What Can Oysters Tell Us About the Restoration of the Everglades?” by Stephen Geiger, Ph.D., Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

This talk introduces the biology of oysters and explains the environmental conditions that allow them to thrive and why they are a good metric for water quality. Dr. Geiger also outlines some of the threats to oysters and provides an overview of changes that scientists have observed in oyster populations in the Florida Everglades.

Dr. Geiger is a Research Scientist studying Molluscan Fisheries/Marine Fisheries Biology at the Fish & Wildlife Research Institute of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Thursday, October 16, 2025, 5:30pm
“Gulf Seafood: Sustaining Wildlife and Our Way of Life” by John Fallon, Audubon Nature Institute

The Gulf is home to the second largest commercial fishery in the United States, and the seafood industry in the region provides tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions in economic impact annually. This talk, held during National Seafood Month, explains what makes Gulf seafood sustainable, the challenges facing fisheries in the region, and what you can do to support your local seafood industry. 

John Fallon is Director of Sustainability and Coastal Conservation Initiatives at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. 

Although free of charge, pre-registration for the lectures is required. CLICK HERE