An award-winning author will be lecturing students, teachers and scientists about human treatment of the world's oceans.

Marine conservationist and author of the award-winning book, The Unnatural History of the Sea, Dr. Callum Roberts will be here on Monday to go diving, visit local schools, meet students, teachers and scientists during his stay. The Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) will host his visit.

Dr. Roberts is a professor of marine conservation in the environment department of the University of York, in the United Kingdom.

His research focuses on the often-devastating human impact on ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and the decline of fisheries around the globe. The Unnatural History of the Sea charts the effects of 1,000 years of exploitation of ocean life. It was chosen by The Washington Post as one of the 10 best books of 2007, was a gold medallist in the environment book category of the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and also was named best oceanography book of 2007 by the Library Journal.

In addition to all of Dr. Robert's studies worldwide, he was awarded a Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation in 2000 to tackle obstacles to implementing marine reserves, and in 2001 was awarded a Hardy Fellowship in Conservation Biology at Harvard University.

He will be giving a public lecture and book signing at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Tradewinds Auditorium at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI). His talk, which takes its title from his book, details the history of human treatment of the world's oceans, and also highlights ways countries can help restore fish stocks and the health of marine environments to reverse the trend.

Lecture tickets are $15 for BZS and BUEI members, $20 for non-members and can be purchased from the front desk, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. Copies of The Unnatural History of the Sea will be on sale at BUEI at the lecture.

For more information, contact 293 2727 ext 136, or email development.bzs@gov.bm">development.bzs@gov.bm. Due to limited seating, advance purchase of tickets is suggested.