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Coastal Ecosystems Learning Centers

Link to  Coastal Ecosystems Learning Centers  Map
Visit the Newest Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers
Aquarium of the Pacific
Dauphin Island
South Carolina Aquarium

Learning about our coasts is easy and fun at Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers

What are Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers?

In 1996 the Coastal America Partnership established a network of Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers. The network combines the resources of federal agencies with marine educational centers. Most Learning Centers are aquariums, but marine science centers and even a fishing museum are part of this network!

The goal of each Learning Center is to educate and involve the public in protecting our nation's coastal ecosystems.

What does this mean?

It means that the CELCs have access to things that they wouldn't normally have. Millions of people are interested in coastal ecosystems and visit the Learning Centers each year. Thanks to the partnership with the federal agencies, each center has unique access to expert speakers, exhibit information, educational publications, teaching materials, field trip sites, and scientific data from around the country.
Photo of the US Coast Guard teaching children

 Photo of the NOAA Ship

This type of added support helps make the Learning Centers even more exciting and educational!

The number of Learning Centers across the country has grown rapidly - from two in 1996 to fifteen in 2001.

Clearly there is a great demand for the types of partnerships established by the Learning Centers!

Through the CELCs Coastal America has furthered its goal of educating the public about our country's coastal resources. The continued success of the program is helping to teach citizens and empower them about what each of us can do to help protect our valuable coastal ecosystems.

How do Coastal America Partners help the CELCs?





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This page was updated Tuesday, 22-Jun-2004 09:08:43 EDT

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