April Meetup-Andrew Kough and Conch Research!

We are again meeting earlier than usual!

Our speaker in April will be Dr. Andrew Kough, research biologist at the Shedd Aquarium, who will discuss his research on the conch.

A passionate marine biologist, Andrew Kough’s work at Shedd Aquarium focuses on investigating invertebrate fisheries conservation. This group includes ecologically, culturally, and commercially valuable species that are increasingly threatened by over fishing, habitat loss, and changing ocean conditions.
In his research, Kough conducts diverse experiments, field surveys, and mathematical modeling to better understand these challenges and develop strategies to mitigate them. His applied research on Queen Conch (Aliger gigas), a species listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act, has direct conservation management implications including evaluating fishery policies, testing translocation as a remediation tool, and assessing the effectiveness of protected areas in replenishing populations. The goal of his research on these sometimes uncharismatic, yet vital, snails is to guide conservation efforts and inspire people to protect them.

7:00pm- Meet and Greet (buy food and drink!)
7:30- Meeting
8:00- Presentation