When we got the call from a reporter in Tonga, we knew this story was global. You couldnÕt read a newpaper, turn on a radio or watch the news on television over the past few weeks without coming across DalhousieÕs newest media stars, Boris Worm and Heike Lotze. CNN, MSNBC, BBC, the Globe and Mail - media from every corner of the world were talking about WormÕs and LotzeÕs breakthrough research that finds that populations of most wild seafood face collapse by 2050 if current trends continue. In total, the story was covered in 187 media outlets (and counting).
Even before the research was made public, international reporters were anxiously knocking at the door. A teleconference was set up in which the San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Newsday, the Seattle Times, and CTV in Toronto peppered the Dal researchers for information. In the days afterward, there were dozens of interviews and photo sessions.
Despite repeated badgering from Communications and Marketing, Drs. Worm and Lotze stepped up to the countless media demands and each request was greeted with gentle good humour. One day, the Cincinnati Post, the next, USA Today. In the morning, an interview with the China View, in the afternoon, a conversation with ABC Australia; from Time Magazine, to The Mirror in Great Britain. The story even found its way to the ÒWeekend Update” segment of Saturday Night Live Ð to our knowledge, the first time Dalhousie research made it to the pop culture institution.
In each case Dr. Worm and Dr. Lotze were front and centre, shining examples of the world-class calibre of Dalhousie's research community.
And the storyÕs not over. The research has sparked debate on our pages and in the worldÕs media. Stay tuned for a follow-up on the aftershocksÉ
For a selection of media coverage, see Dalhousie in the News.
For another example of DalhousieÕs leadership position in the field of ocean research, read about our landmark international conference on Ocean Track Network here:
Changing how we see the ocean
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