All about a changing planet
‘Polar Palooza’....direct from the USA
Polar Palooza
Thursday 12 November 2009...6-8 pm
Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
Scientists believe that krill, the tiny shrimp-like creatures that live in all the world’s oceans, might
have a lot of useful information to impart on the big issues of climate change.
Australian marine biologist Rob King will report on the latest research at a climate change forum at
the National Maritime Museum, Sydney, on Thursday evening, 12 November.
Mr King, a scientist with the Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, says krill are a pivotal organism
in the Southern Ocean food web.
Slight changes to the composition of sea water, resulting from climate change, could impact on
the health and numbers of the ocean’s krill, and in turn on the many creatures including whales,
dolphins and seals that feed on them.
Mr King, who has been studying Antarctic krill for the past 15 years, will tell how scientists are now
monitoring the minute creatures’ physiology, behaviour and reproduction for the slightest signs of
change.
The museum is inviting anyone interested in learning more about our changing planet to attend
this special multimedia forum called Polar Palooza (named for the US music festival Lola Palooza).
Using amazing visulisations and video five polar scientists (two from the US and three from
Australia) will share their expert knowledge and personal stories on why and how the Poles are
changing faster than ever, and the impact this will have on the whole world.
Visitors wil also see a 2,000 year old ice core - which reveals amazing detail about our changing
environment and how what we do effects the Poles.
In its only Sydney showing, Polar Palooza will be at the National Maritime Museum in Darling
Harbour on Thursday 12 November from 6 pm to 8 pm. Tickets are $25 per person and include
refreshments. Bookings essential, (02) 9298 3644.
A free family-day themed around Polar Palooza will be held on Sunday 15 November, specifically
aimed at children. Polar Palooza will then tour to Questacon in Canberra ACT and Scitech in Perth
Images and interviews with the scientists available on request.
2 November 2009
Media information, interviews and images: Shirani Aththas 0418 448 690
NEWS 
