Did you know there’s a underwater mountain range 80 miles east of Cape Ann known as Cashes Ledge that is home to giant kelp, schools of red cod and pollock, herring, and migratory bluefin tuna, sharks, whales, and turtles? Known as Cashes Ledge, this ecological treasure harbors the deepest and largest cold water kelp forest along the eastern seaboard. Closed to bottom trawling for nearly 15 years, this extraordinary seascape is now under threat of reopening to bottom trawling once again. Brian Skerry and Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) are working to document and protect this special place. Come hear why Skerry says diving on Cashes Ledge is every bit as thrilling, surprising, and beautiful as anywhere else he’s been. Skerry will give a short talk, featuring his original photography, about what he’s seen in the kelp forest on Cashes Ledge and why he i s motivated to help keep it thriving. After the talk, there will be a panel discussion with Skerry, CLF’s Director of Ocean Conservation Priscilla Brooks, and marine biologist Les Kaufman.