On February 5, 2001, the South Carolina Aquarium became the 14th Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center in the network. In his opening remarks, Governor Jim Hodges noted, "As a Coastal Learning Center, the South Carolina Aquarium will have access to a broad variety of speakers, experts and exhibits. Students will learn that our oceans and coastal areas are worth exploring ... and worth protecting." Senator Clementa Pinckney lead the ceremony participants in an invocation recognizing the learning center's mission to help people be good stewards of natural resources, and the Mayor of Charleston, Joseph Riley, recognized the Aquarium for it's important role in revitalizing the city's waterfront in addition to being a premier educational facility. Students from Jennie Moore and Memminger Elementary Schools performed songs reflecting how the Aquarium has inspired them "to be responsible for the environment, to be powerful in their protection of it and to be joyful as they experience the wonder of this extraordinary Aquarium."

Margaret Davidson, Acting Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration served as the designating official, signing the Memorandum of Understanding with Dr. Chris Andrews, Executive Director for the Aquarium. Together with Mayor Riley, they unveiled the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center plaque.

Other highlights of the ceremony were the statements of commitment and the presentation of token gifts by 13 representatives of the federal agency partners. Examples include:

• Access to EPA's ocean survey vessel, the Peter W. Anderson, or other research vessel for educational and media tours.
• A framed landcover map of Charleston and support for the South Carolina Aquarium web page provided by NOAA's Coastal Services Center.
• Access to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood plain model for educational programs, as well as opportunities to collaborate on coastal restoration projects, three hurricane surge maps for the SC coast, and the accompanying public information CD-ROM.
• Framed environmental-related posters, a picture of the Navy's Blue Angels, and various environmental educational handouts provided by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Navy.

The South Carolina Aquarium ceremony marked the first time the Marine Corps has participated in a Learning Center designation.

The South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf
P.O. Box 13001
Charleston, SC 29413-9001
(843) 720-1990

http://www.scaquarium.org

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