Press Releases

Feb 11, 2000
Sea Snake Expert Speaks at Southampton College

Contact:
Darren Johnson
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

For those infatuated with marine science, it's the perfect topic for just after Valentine's Day: Australian researcher Glen Burns says that sea snakes are better lovers than fighters. Burns, who has studied the underwater reptiles for over 20 years, will try to dispel myths about their danger, and shed light on their mating practices.

As a part of the Current Topics in Marine Science lecture series, Burns' talk is titled "Sea Snakes" and is about the animal that can grow larger than six-feet long. The event takes place Thursday, February 17, at 6:30 p.m. in Duke Lecture Hall at Southampton College of Long Island University. It's free and open to the public. For further information, call (631) 287-8407.

"My goal is to break down the myths of sea snakes being dangerous and attacking divers," Burns said. "People say that they are the most aggressive and deadly snakes in the world, but most of that isn't based on fact."

Burns holds a Ph.D. from Australia's University of New England and recently produced a documentary on sea snakes. He is a research fellow for Australia's Parks and Wildlife Service and has also studied coral bleaching.

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