Following the successful first series of Expedition Lectures on Antarctica in May this year, PONANT is conducting a second series of Premiere Lectures to be broadcast on their Facebook page during June, this time focussing on the remote Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia.

“We received over 13,000 views on our Facebook page for our first series, which suggests we have struck a chord. So, during June, please join us and meet 4 of our Sub-Antarctic specialists - an Expedition Leader, two outstanding Naturalists and a professional Photographer - as they enthusiastically and knowledgeably share personal specialist perspectives from previous visits to these islands,” invites Monique Ponfoort, PONANT Vice President Asia Pacific.

Penguins and sea lions, orcas, and mega herbs, PONANT specialists share their knowledge

“Each of these islands is so removed from the next that they have distinctly different geographical features, flora and fauna… Their status recognised as national reserve and nature reserve sanctuaries, and the numbers of visitors each season strictly limited by permit. Join us to hear about these very special places to visit, so close to home too.”

PONANT invites you to sit in on any, or all four weekly presentations during June on Facebook to learn more from each specialist as they share their personal experiences of extraordinary diversity that thrives in abundance - mega herbs and luxuriant grasses, seals and sea lions, orcas, birdlife ranging from albatross to banded dotterels, some fauna in profusion while others such as the yellow-eye penguin and New Zealand sea lion, are extremely rare and endangered… and, in week four, hear how best to capture photographic images of the wildlife.

This series of virtual lectures is easily accessible every Thursday in June on PONANT's Australia and New Zealand Facebook page.

Meet the Who's Who of PONANT's Sub-Antarctic experts:

Sandrine Erwin-Rose - PONANT Expedition Leader
Join Sandrine to hear about some unforgettable experiences to expect when exploring the Sub-Antarctic Islands as she shares her passion for wildlife conservation and the protection of the natural environment of Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Campbell and Macquarie islands.

Dr Rebecca Wellard - PONANT Naturalist
Rebecca has extensive experience researching marine mammals, working across various disciplines, including bioacoustics, cognitive behaviour and applied conservation. Her PhD research focused on Antarctic and Australian killer whales, specifically investigating their communication, social structure and feeding preferences. An avid science communicator she loves to share her fascination and enthusiasm for marine wildlife through lectures, presentations and film.

Chloe Power - PONANT Naturalist
Utterly obsessed with the cold, the ice and species that are found nowhere else on the planet Chloe has long held a thirst for more knowledge, and an obsession with Antarctica, where her true love and passion lies. She will be sharing fascinating background on Sub-Antarctic species including the seals and sea lions found in this region.

Nick Rains - Wildlife Photographer
Highly regarded professional photographer and Leica Akademie Principal Instructor Nick Rains, will share some valuable tips on how to capture outstanding wildlife images in the Subs. His work has been featured in publications that include Australian Geographic, Outback Magazine and Australian Photography. View examples of his work at nickrains.com

Click here to send your nature and wildlife photos to Nick for a chance to be reviewed during his photography lecture.

Join the lectures:

• 1 Lecture each Thursday in June starting at 05:00pm AEST / 7.00pm NZST
• Viewers can submit questions to the presenter in advance. Be sure to 'like' PONANT's Australia and New Zealand Facebook page for updates and how to submit questions
• Lectures to be broadcast on PONANT's Australia and New Zealand Facebook page at facebook.com/PonantAU
• Following the live presentation, the videos will be available on PONANT's Australia and New Zealand Facebook page
• Click here to submit your photographs to Nick Rains for a chance to be reviewed during his photography lecture and receive his tips and best practice.

Discovering the New Zealand and Australian Sub-Antarctic Islands with PONANT in June - All presentations commence at 5.00pm AEST / 7.00pm NZST:

• Thursday 4 June 2020 - 'Discovering the Sub-Antarctic Islands' with Sandrine Erwin-Rose – PONANT Expedition Leader
• Thursday 11 June 2020 - 'Orcas - The Sub-Antarctic Killer whale' with Dr Rebecca Wellard - PONANT Naturalist
• Thursday 18 June 2020 - 'Seals and Sea Lions of the Sub-Antarctics', with Chloe Power, PONANT Naturalist
• Thursday 25 June 2020 - 'Wildlife Photography' with Nick Rains – Australian Photographer and Leica Akademie Principal

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