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WSU hosts the author of ‘Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime’

Date: 10/25/2013

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD – The ocean is home to an array of sea life and each species has its value in the environment, from the microscopic organisms to the blue whale.

As part of its Guest Lecture Series, Westfield State University will host Dr. Ellen Prager, marine scientist, will discuss her book “Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter,” on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Scanlon Banquet Hall. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Prager took time out from editing her new book to discuss the book and her career with Reminder Publications.

Prager explained her motivation for writing “Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime. “I went to conference on marine biodiversity and was struck by how important the diversity of life in the sea is, but also how as scientists we were not communicating this in a way that was engaging or even very understandable. Then while visiting in Maine, the idea to use wacky sea creature stories as a theme for the book arose when my good friend there had me rolling in laughter because she had developed a hagfish phobia and didn’t want to go swimming.”.

The hagfish is commonly known as “the slime eel” and is noted for its ability to produce more than five gallons of slime (mucus) from 100 glands along its body when captured and held by its tail.

She continued, “The goal of the book is to engage a broad audience in learning about the ocean, marine life and their connections to society. And of course, to do it in a way that is both entertaining and scientifically accurate. I also hope that it will get people to support behaviors and policies that are beneficial to the ocean and to people. I’ve been very happy to learn that some educators are using it as a means to engage students in learning more about the ocean.”

The underwater explorer explained the importance of educating people about marine life. “Unless people either care about the ocean or understand its value to the planet and to society, they won’t do what is needed to protect the sea or its inhabitants. As a writer, I have a means to reach out to people to inform them, hopefully in an engaging and even entertaining way, about the ocean and its value. I can hopefully also have a platform to discuss ocean issues and potential solutions,” Prager stated.

“I have had so many wonderful adventures in, on and under the ocean. One of my favorites is doing some of my first night diving under a pier in St. Croix with fellow students (juniors in college). The pilings of the pier were covered with marine life and when using a light at night, their colors became dazzling. We used to see bright yellow seahorses, iridescent green octopus, along with beautiful sponges, fish and more. Then when we turned off our lights and swirled the water with our hands, there would be a twinkling of light in the sea due to the bioluminescence of phytoplankton,” she added.

Her love of nature and water led her to become a marine scientist. “I’ve always loved nature and the water. As a kid, I played for hours in the woods, exploring streams, climbing trees, etc. Then while a lifeguard in high school, my co-workers introduced me to a scuba tank and it was love at first underwater breath. They had a hard time getting me out of the pool,” she shared.

When asked what species of marine life is her favorite, Prager responded, “No one species has solely captured my attention. I’m truly fascinated by most marine animals. That said, I have come to appreciate and be amazed by the remarkable capabilities of the octopus – the brainiac of the sea, it’s very smart, flexible, super strong and the best camouflage artist on the planet. Amazingly, researchers have discovered that they are color blind – so how do they mimic their surroundings? That one remains a mystery; though people are working on it.”

If Prager had to choose just one tidbit of information to share about marine life, it would be the fact that scientists “are increasingly looking to marine organisms in the search for new drugs and in biomedical research.” As environmental changes to the sea result in loss of species, the possibility of discovering new treatments vanishes too.

She is currently working on two books that will be published in 2014.

“In February, Sylvan Dell will publish a children’s illustrated book, ‘Sea Slime: It’s Eeuwy, Gooey and Under the Sea.’ It is a very fun and educational look at how marine animals use mucus (aka slime) in the ocean. There are also some educational activities in the back of the book, like [how to] make your own slime.”

She added, “In May, Scarletta Press is publishing the first book, “The Shark Whisperer,” in my new middle grade fiction series (Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardians). The books combine humor and adventure with learning about the ocean and marine life. The target age is 8 to 12 years old and my test readers (both young and old alike) love them. I’m working on the third book in the series right now and love writing these.”

For more information about Prager, go to www.earth2ocean.net/page2.html. For a complete schedule of the Guest Lecture Series, visit www.westfield.ma.edu/speakerseries.