Cayuga Community College will spotlight the newly designated Lake Ontario Marine Sanctuary in an upcoming presentation on its Fulton Campus, part of the Cultural Speaker Series. Biology professor and Lake Ontario Marine Sanctuary Advisory Board member Dr. Robert Humphrey will discuss the sanctuary’s establishment and potential impacts on Oswego County and surrounding areas.
The event, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 4, from 4 to 5 p.m. in Room F204, is free to attend and will cover the sanctuary’s historical and ecological significance and its role in promoting research, education, and tourism. Dr. Humphrey, who contributed to the sanctuary’s advisory board since its inception in 2020, plans to delve into the federal designation process and outline what this recognition could mean for the community moving forward.
“The designation of the Lake Ontario Marine Sanctuary celebrates our region’s rich history and cultural resources,” said Emily Cameron, Cayuga’s Director of Community Education and Workforce Development. “Dr. Humphrey will provide unique insight into how this recognition can benefit Lake Ontario and the surrounding area.”
Dr. Humphrey noted that, while the sanctuary designation honors Lake Ontario’s cultural legacy, it also serves as a catalyst for local education, tourism, and environmental stewardship. “I’m excited to share insights from my work on the Advisory Board and help the community understand the significance of this designation,” he said.
Spanning 1,300 square nautical miles and encompassing parts of Cayuga, Jefferson, Oswego, and Wayne counties, the Lake Ontario Marine Sanctuary is one of only 17 marine sanctuaries in the United States. The designation, which was finalized in 2024 after a seven-year application process by nearby counties and the City of Oswego, opens doors for regional economic and environmental opportunities.
This talk marks the second event in Cayuga’s fall Cultural Speaker Series. The final installment will feature author Heidi Nightengale on Nov. 18, discussing “The Creative Writing Process” at the Auburn Campus.
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