World Oceans Day coming to aquarium

June 4th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

— K. Williams Brown – Statesman Journal

How important are the oceans? Answer: Super, super important.

The ocean “generates most of the oxygen we breathe, helps feed us, cleans the water we drink — and provides limitless inspiration, of course,” said Cindy Hanson, a spokeswoman for the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

This Monday, oceans will be celebrated at the aquarium as part of World Oceans Day. There will be representatives from the National Oceangraphic and Atmospheric Administration and people from the Surfrider Foundation, along with face painting, crafts, presentations about global warming and scuba demonstrations.

Young and old alike also can learn about the seven C’s of ocean conservation. A teaser: “Commit to making a difference” is one of them. The rest you’ll have to discover on your own when you take the pledge.

Cindy Hanson Special to the Statesman Journal World Oceans Day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium celebrates the ocean and its creatures large and small. These mosshead warbonnets often hide in rocks or inside the casings of the giant acorn barnacle. To the left are penpoint gunnels.

Most events will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; there will be dive presentations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a talk on penguins and climate change at 3 p.m.

There’s no charge beyond standard aquarium admission, which ranges from $9.45 for ages 3 to 12 to $14.95 for adults. Infants and toddlers are free. The aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road in Newport. For more information, call (541) 867-3474 or visit www.aquarium.org.