Alaska SeaLife Center celebrates World Oceans Day on June 8
June 7, 2017

Seward, Alaska (June 07, 2017) – On Thursday, June 8, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) will join the global celebration of World Oceans Day. This year’s theme is “Our Oceans: Our Future.” With paid admission, ASLC is celebrating with free interactive and educational activities for the whole family with a special emphasis on reducing marine debris.
 
“By learning about the ocean, its importance and our influence on it, we can all help to protect and preserve this important natural resource,” said Jeff Dillon, ASLC senior education manager.
 
World Oceans Day activities for all ages will be available between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm (see detailed activity schedule below), including an opportunity to shake wings with ASLC mascot, Tuffy the Puffin, and explore exhibits through the new, interactive Ocean Quest game. Visitors may also help build a floor mural out of plastic bottle caps, a common source of marine debris.
 
Making his world debut is “Alex,” a four foot high Orca sculpture created by 5th grade students from Anchorage’s Willow Crest Elementary School as part of the our Sea Journey education program. The students collected and recycled plastic packaging from their school lunches to build the sculpture, drawing attention to the presence of plastics in our daily lives. Also debuting on June 8 in the Center’s theater is an inspiring new film that documents one man’s commitment to addressing marine debris, from childhood to adulthood.
 
 
Visitors will be invited to participate in the “Plastic Footprint Challenge” by tracking their plastic usage for one week. Are you up for the challenge that can help save our oceans and our future? Come take the “Plastic Pledge” to show your support. There will even be a photo booth to take photos and share with your friends on social media!
 
“This World Oceans Day we hope to inspire and challenge our visitors to make an informed choice to stop marine debris and help clean up the oceans,” said Dillon. “Come join us and celebrate this amazing blue marble of ours and appreciate the life the ocean allows us to live.”
 
World Oceans Day Schedule
11:00 am: Steller sea lion feeding
11:00 am12:00 pm: Meet Tuffy
12:00 pm: Feeding in the bird habitat
12:15 pm: Marine debris presentation
2:00 pm: Steller sea lion feeding
3:00 pm: Feeding in the bird habitat
3:15 pm: Keeper chat with avian staff
3:30 pm: Marine debris presentation
 
All-Day Events
Bottle cap mural activity for all ages
Marine animal coloring activity for kids
Marine debris film debut in theater
Ocean Quest marine debris scavenger hunt
Alex the Orca on display
Plastic pledge and photo booth
 
Daily encounters, experiences and behind the scenes tours are available throughout the summer. Reservations are recommended (1-888-378-2525) and age restrictions apply.
 
Alaska SeaLife Center hours through September 3, 2017, are:
Friday – Saturday – Sunday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
 
About the ASLC
Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.
 
High resolution photos available from media@alaskasealife.org; 907-224-6370.
Media contact Email: media@alaskasealife.org.
 
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