COASTAL AMERICA
For Immediate Release Contact: Barbara Elkus
9/25/98
Alaska Gains A New Educational Resource
Joining just eight others in the nation, the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward is about to become a National Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center. The new Learning Center will be dedicated on Monday, September 28, at 4:00 PM. The ceremonies will be led by Terry D. Garcia, Commerce assistant secretary for oceans and atmosphere, and deputy administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
As a National Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center, the SeaLife Center will join a network of aquariums delivering a strong public message about the importance of our coastal resources.
"The Coastal America Partnership created the innovative network so that all Americans, particularly younger Americans as the future stewards of our coasts, can better understand how human activities can help or harm the environment along our shorelines," Garcia said. "This partnership is an excellent example of how government and private organizations can effectively work together to promote and protect the nation's resources."
The Coastal America Partnership works across the country to protect, preserve and restore the nation's coastal heritage. Partners at every level federal, state, local, tribal and private share ideas, expertise, technology and funding. In Alaska, Coastal America is now restoring critical habitat and stabilizing the Kenai River shoreline, among numerous other efforts.
In establishing the Learning Centers, Coastal America combines the resources of outstanding regional educational centers with those of federal partners. The federal partners provide expert speakers, publications, lesson plans, exhibits, films and many other resources. This information reaches the millions of people who visit the Learning Centers each year.
In addition to the SeaLife Center, Learning Centers are located in Boston, Mass.; Tampa, Fla; Mystic, Conn.; Baltimore, Md.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Corpus Christi, Texas; Hatfield, Ore.; and Monterey, Calif.