The theme for the week will be “Deep Sea Pot-Pourri,” with each day focusing on a different aspect of the deep ocean environment. The biology and evolution of deep sea organisms, the ecology of the deep sea, and the technology used to explore the depths will be discussed.
Frederic (Ric) Martini, Ph.D. received his graduate degree from Cornell and much of his thesis work was done on Star Island before the Shoals Marine Lab moved to Appledore Island in 1973. He has been a member of the Star Island Corporation for over 30 years. He sailed on a 36í ketch from Appledore to Australia in 1975-1977, and ultimately settled on Maui with his wife, Kitty, in 1979. He remains associated with SML and is an Affiliated Associate Researcher in the Department of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Over the years, Ric has worked with sharks, dolphins, whales, and hagfishes, and his research publications have addressed anatomy, physiology, ecology, and natural history. His research projects have included deep submersible dives in the Johnson SeaLink, the Alvin, the Pisces IV, and the Pisces V.

Minister of the Week: The Rev. Dr. Charles C. Close. An ordained minister for over 30 years, Charlie is presently the Pastor of the Wilbraham United Church in Wilbraham, MA. He lives in Springfield, MA with Karen Close, his wife of 35 years. They have two grown children. During the Natural History Conference, Charlie will be leading a series of services entitled: “Moving Out into Deeper Waters.”

Chairs: Steve and Edie Whitney (508) 533-8455; email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Registration Fee: $125 per person.

Registrar: Ellen Campbell, 280 Lower Dedham Road, Holden, ME 04429, (207) 843-5858, email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Download Registration Form

Scholarships: Request an application for partial funding from the registrar. The form must be returned by March 10.

Theme: Birding on the Historic Isles of Shoals (Program No. 11716). Study birds of the Atlantic Flyway as they fly south, and learn to separate them by size, shape, and flight patterns. Emphasis will be placed on shore and migratory birds around the Isles of Shoals. Binoculars and a field guide of birds of North America are recommended. Beginning and intermediate birders welcome.

Theme: Watercolor Painting on the Historic Isles of Shoals (Program No. 11879)
Enjoy painting where Childe Hassam created over 100 canvases. Focus on shoreline landscapes, the lighthouse, stone buildings, and ocean seascapes on the historical Isles of Shoals. Create your own mix of class instruction, painting on location, and daily critique to suit your interests. Beginnings through advanced painters are welcome.

Theme: Digital Photography on an Atlantic Ocean Island (Program No. 15432)
Explore, study, and photograph the beautiful Isles of Shoals. Each day includes instruction, critique, historical studies, free time for exploring, composing and taking photographs, and the mutual support of other photographers. Emphasis will be on composition, visual language and learning how to see. Bring your point and shoot camera, spare batteries and a connection cord to transfer files to a laptop for projection. Beginning and experienced photographers are welcome.