On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the Department of Natural Marine Sciences hosted a distinguished lecture presented by graduate student Mohammed Majid Shaker. The lecture addressed a vital scientific topic: a molecular study of genes associated with high salinity tolerance in the shrimp *Metapenaeus affinis*, an important species in the Iraqi marine environment.

The researcher began his lecture with background information on the impact of salinity on marine life, then presented his research findings, explaining the molecular methods used in his study. He presented data demonstrating the relationship between genes and salinity, which sparked the audience's interest and opened the floor for lively discussions and interactive questions.

The lecture emphasized the importance of environmental research in enhancing the scientific understanding of genes and their effects in harsh environments, contributing to the sustainability of marine resources and strengthening the ability of marine species to adapt to environmental changes.