For those of you who are interested in experiencing a scientific event/conference in Second Life (virtual world), the Nature Publishing Group’s Island, Second Nature, is hosting a special educational event entitled “Mermaids or Manatees: Myth & Reality” on Monday, FEB 18th 2008.

Having studied to be a marine biologist for the first half of my college life (I eventually switched to neuroscience, but got a minor in marine science), I am very excited about this and I’m looking forward to attending it.

If you haven’t already downloaded and installed Second Life (a.k.a. 2L) and created your “alter ego”, you’ll need to do that first before you can attend this virtual event, so go to the 2L website and get started…

Here are details on the event:

Title: Mermaids or Manatees: Myth & Reality

Abstract: Do you have a clue as to what a manatee is, what they eat, or where they live? Why are they on the endangered species list and what are some of the issues that have put them there? For answers to these, and other questions you may have about manatees, please join us as CeAire and Hawc Decosta give an educational presentation on “Meet the Manatee”, information about the real life organization Save the Manatee Club, and ways you can help save this gentle sea cow.

Date: Monday 18th February 2008

Time: 5pm GMT, midday EST, 9am PST/SLT

Location: Second Nature Island (this will bring you to the 2L teleport page)

Contact: Joanna Wombat

This event is free and open to all: voice will be used, so get there early if you need help setting it up or IM Joanna Wombat beforehand.

Related Links:

• Save the Manatee
• IUCN Red List species information
• ‘Snooty Cam’ at the Parker Manatee Aquarium
• Recent article reference development and dugongs in Japan
• Recent article concerning public comments solicited for swimming with manatees rules