Meet the Expert: Jen Hazeres, Senior Biologist at the Newport Aquarium
Jen Hazeres is a senior biologist at the Newport Aquarium. Jen manages the Surrounded by
Sharks exhibit at the aquarium which houses 1.2 Bowmouth guitarfish as well as several other
species of elasmobranchs. Since being introduced to bowmouth in 2005, Jen has been
passionate about this species and the potential aquariums have in aiding in conservation efforts
of this critically endangered animal. She is the AZA program leader for Rhina ancylostoma and
helped publish the first edition of their AZA Regional Studbook in 2019 as well as the first
Breeding and Transfer Plan in 2020.
Check out the fun things you can do when you vist the Newport Aquarium HERE
What does a bowmouth guitarfish look like?
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CHALLENGE: Learn three facts about guitarfish and what threats they have to their habitats.
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Highlighted Book for this episode!
The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves by Jennifer Swanson
After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found the remains of a forest deep beneath the waves. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Acclaimed science writer Jennifer Swanson brings readers along with a group of scientists as they work to explore and map the site, collect samples of cypress wood, and learn about the marine creatures that live here―namely, shipworms. Page Plus links lead to videos of the scientists at work.
For Further Reading:
Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact by Jennifer Swanson
Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia by Doring Kindersly Books
Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang (Albert Whitman Books)
Dive In: Swim With Sea Creatures at Their Actual Size by Roxie Munro (Holiday House)
Ocean Animals: Who’s Who in the Deep Blue by Johanna Rizzo (NGKids Books)
