Learn About NOAA, Meet Wyland and Troll at Aquarium of the Pacific

By Marilyn Padilla

Long Beach, CA - Learn about current climate predictions, sustainable seafood, marine mammal conservation, deep sea exploration, & more with exhibits, films, & interactives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Did you ever wonder what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is and what it does for you? The public is invited to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific on November 15th, 2008 for “NOAA and Our Planet” day to learn how this national agency protects our oceans and coasts and monitors our weather. Tour a NOAA research vessel, view science on a sphere, ask NOAA scuba divers questions, interact with the science zone, view award winning NOAA films, enjoy a puppet show on ocean conservation, learn how NOAA protects ocean life, and get the facts on climate change. Meet special guests Robert Wyland and Ray Troll, world-famous marine life artists. All NOAA activities start at 9am and are free with general admission.

Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Included with general Aquarium admission, $20.95 adult (12+), $17.95 senior (62+), $11.95 child (3-11), and free to children under age 3 and Aquarium members

562-590-3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org

NOAA:        NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to understanding and predicting changes in the Earth’s environment and conserving and managing coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation’s economic, social, and environmental needs.  (www.noaa.gov)
AQUARIUM:        The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, is dedicated to instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.  Home to over 12,500 animals, the Aquarium features a variety of programs both on and off-site to engage the public in ocean conservation and environmental education, including Aquarium on Wheels outreach programs for low-income inner city schools and cleanups efforts to help wildlife. The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the top aquariums in the nation and is ranked in the top two Los Angeles cultural attractions. The Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed Dec. 25, 2008 and in April for the Grand Prix).

VISUALS/
SCHEDULE:
   NOAA Day Saturday, November 15, 2008
     10:30 A.M.: Channel Islands Puppet Show at the Marine Life Theater
     11:15 A.M.: Film Presentation featuring live intro and Q&A with Pat Rutten– Watershed, Pollution, & Stewardship at the Honda Theater
     11:30 A.M.: Channel Islands Puppet Show at the Marine Life Theater
     12:45 P.M.: Blue Cavern Dive with NOAA Sanctuaries in the Great Hall
     1:00 P.M.: Film Presentation featuring live intro and Q&A with Peter Fischel– Research & Exploration at the Honda Theater
     1:30 P.M.: Channel Islands Puppet Show at the Marine Life Theater
     2:15 P.M.: Children’s Shark Talk Show–Shakabet, A Sea of Sharks from A to Z with ocean life artist Ray Troll at the Honda Theater
     3:00 P.M.: Live presentation by Dr. Frank Schwing– What you need to know about climate change at the Honda Theater
     3:45 P.M.: Film Presentation featuring live intro and Q&A with Dr. Frank Schwing– Climate Change at the Honda Theater