Oregon Coast Aquarium News & Announcements

Oregon Coast Aquarium Opens Its Doors to Lincoln County Hospitality Workers

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:52:38 -0700

Newport, Oregon— The Oregon Coast Aquarium will thank Lincoln County restaurant, hotel, gas station and attraction venue employees with free admission for themselves and half off admission for up to two others from Wednesday, May 15 through Friday, May 24.

Aquarium President and CEO Carrie Lewis explained the Aquarium hosts Hospitality Days because, “Lincoln County visitors often look to hospitality employees for advice on local attractions and we are happy to take this opportunity to reach out and thank our neighbors.”

Hospitality employees that wish to take advantage of the offer will be asked to provide proof of employment with a recent pay stub or staff identification badge.

Eligible Lincoln County workers who take advantage of Hospitality Days will be able to explore this world-class marine education facility that is in their backyard. The Passages of the Deep exhibit features 200 feet of acrylic tunnels that stretch through three different marine ecosystems representative of the sea life and features of the Oregon coast. The newly remodeled Pinniped Exhibit, home to the Aquarium’s harbor seals and California sea lions, reopened in April. These exhibits, along with a diverse array of other galleries, make the Aquarium the most popular vacation destination on the Oregon coast.

The Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and will extend its hours to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting May 25. For prices and other information, call 541-867-3474 or visit aquarium.org.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is dedicated to the highest quality aquatic and marine science programs for recreation and education so that the public better understands, cherishes, and conserves the world’s natural marine and coastal resources. An accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums institution, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. Visit us at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. www.aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium, or Twitter.com/OrCoastAquarium for the latest updates.

# # #

Run Yaquina Bay for the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s Flippers, Fins and Feathers 5k

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:13:11 -0700

Newport, Oregon— The Oregon Coast Aquarium is asking people to lace up their shoes and hit the trail for its inaugural Flippers, Fins and Feathers 5k on Saturday, May 25.

The route winds through the Aquarium grounds along the estuary where walkers and runners will be greeted with facts about native wildlife along the way.

The Aquarium will provide racers with refreshments and free admission to the Aquarium for the day. Participants that pre-register for the event by May 15 will also receive a free event shirt and water bottle. To register, visit http://bit.ly/XHtWTu .

Racers should check in from 6:00 – 6:30 a.m. to be ready for the starting shot at 7:00 a.m. Car Audio 101 will play motivating tunes to help participants warm up at the starting line. The event is open to runners and walkers 12 years and older. Strollers are allowed but racers should be aware the course has uneven ground with some gravel.

The Flippers, Fins and Feathers 5K was organized to promote healthy living on the Oregon coast. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s animal care programs.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is dedicated to the highest quality aquatic and marine science programs for recreation and education so that the public better understands, cherishes, and conserves the world’s natural marine and coastal resources. An accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums institution, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. Visit us at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. www.aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium, or Twitter.com/OrCoastAquarium for the latest updates.

# # #

Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes to Keynote Oregon Coast Aquarium Ocean Steward Luncheon

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:10:48 -0700

Newport, Oregon— “The importance of our oceans is difficult to overestimate. They are crucial to our health, our food supply and our economy. I look forward to discussing these issues and the important work of the Oregon Coast Aquarium,” said Cyliva Hayes, First Lady of Oregon who will speak at the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s Ocean Steward Luncheon. The event, on Tuesday, May 14, is generously presented by Oregon Coast Bank and will be hosted by NW Natural at their headquarters in Portland.

Hayes, CEO of 3EStrategies, a clean economy consulting firm, will draw from 23 years of professional experience in sustainable energy, economic development, green jobs and sustainable forestry and agriculture during her discussion on healthy oceans and the clean economy.

As First Lady of Oregon, Hayes is a policy advisor to the Governor on clean energy and economic development issues. She has authored several books about sustainable economics and development and is a regular contributor to Grist and Huffington Post.

The luncheon is a forum for the exchange of the latest conservation ideas between the Aquarium’s senior staff and leading thinkers. The event also provides the Aquarium with charitable support, from sponsors like Vernier Software & Technology, which help make the Aquarium’s world-class marine science facility and education programs possible.

Pre-registration for the event is required. To order tickets or reserve a table, contact Libby Scott, Development Manager, at (541) 867-3474 x5217 or at libby.scott@aquarium.org. All proceeds from the event benefit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its coastal and marine conservation and education programs.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Newport on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Our mission is to inspire the public to better understand, cherish and conserve marine and coastal ecosystems. The Aquarium is a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. It has been named one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. Visit us at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. www.aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium for the latest updates.

# # #

Oregon Coast Aquarium and Cascade Raptor Center Partner for a Unique Migratory Bird Day Event

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:45:29 -0700

Newport, Oregon— Oregon Coast Aquarium staff and volunteers will take aspiring birders under their wing on Saturday, May 11 for International Migratory Bird Day.

The annual event, held to educate the participants about migratory birds, is celebrated throughout North and South America on the second Saturday of May.

This year’s event centers on the Life Cycles of Migratory Birds and the importance of thoughtful conservation for all stages of migratory birds’ lives. According to the event website, migratory bird conservation needs participation every day of the year. Winter conditions may determine nesting success the following spring so it is important to minimize human impacts on birds throughout their migration.

Visitors can take advantage of a rare opportunity, to get a unique, up close look at raptors they usually only see soaring in the skies or resting on high perches. These birds of prey, from the Cascade Raptor Center in Eugene, will be presented on handlers’ gloves during educational presentations and for special encounters from noon – 2 pm.

The Aquarium will also be bustling with special education opportunities like guided bird watching tours along the Aquarium’s nature and estuary trails, vulture and sea bird feeding presentations, story time in the Sea & Me theatre and a talk from Rob Suryan, an Associate Research Professor for Oregon State University, about his research on Common Murre populations off the Oregon coast.

Interactive activities to engage visitors of all ages in migratory bird conservation will include tables covered with biofacts, bird feeder crafts, games and scavenger hunts. Guests inspired by the event are encouraged to hang a card with their personal promise to promote migratory bird conservation on the Bird Pledge Tree the Aquarium will have at the event.

CJ McCarty, Curator of Birds for the Aquarium explained that her team organized the Aquarium’s event with the hope that, “Our activities and participation in international migratory bird day will not only enhance visitor experience but also raise awareness of migratory birds and encourage people to get involved in their conservation.” Pre-registration is not required and all activities are included with the cost of admission.

The Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Road. For prices and other information, call 541-867-3474 or visit aquarium.org.

# # #

Oregon Coast Aquarium Completes Remodel of Pinniped Exhibit

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:37:09 -0700

Newport, Oregon— The Oregon Coast Aquarium opened its remodeled Pinniped Exhibit with a ribbon cutting celebration on Saturday, April 27. The exhibit, home to the Aquarium’s Harbor seals and California sea lions, has new features that will benefit animals and guests alike.

Ken Lytwyn, Curator of Marine Mammals for the Aquarium explained, “We’ve opened it up for a much better visitor experience and it is much more keeper friendly.” The remodel created larger, flat platforms for the Aquarium’s mammalogists and animals to showcase training sessions.

People that saw the old exhibit will immediately notice the viewing areas that were doubled in size to enable approximately 100 additional people to see each feeding session. These expanded unobstructed viewpoints, coupled with an improved speaker system, will provide guests more opportunities to interact with the Aquarium’s pinnipeds and staff. Aquarium President/CEO Carrie Lewis explained, “We hope the changes to the exhibit will cultivate a connection between each guest and the Aquarium’s incredible animals and the marine environment they depend on.”

The haul-out areas within the exhibit were modified to be more ergonomic and additional long-term holding areas were built behind the scenes as a part of the project. The new off-exhibit facilities will provide more flexibility for animal care. The Aquarium’s Director of Animal Husbandry Jim Burke said, “These additions may provide new opportunities for animal acquisition and breeding in the future.”

Deliverables from the Pinniped Exhibit’s remodel include:

• Increase above water viewing area from 23 to 49 linear viewing feet.

• The number of individuals able to view marine mammal training sessions will increase from approximately 32 to 135.

• The viewing area will increase from 96 square feet to 404 square feet.

• Feeding and training sessions viewable to the public will increase from two to three times a day.

• Feeding presentations will increase from 10 minutes to 15 minutes.

• There will now be 25 additional minutes of interactive training sessions available to 341 additional people each day.

• Repair of approximately 420 square feet of rockwork within the exhibit.

• Improved haul-out area ergonomics for the animals.

The Pinniped Exhibit upgrades are part of a continued effort to enhance visitor experiences and provide the best possible habitat for the Aquarium’s animals. The Exhibit is dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Steven Brown, who was the Aquarium’s veterinarian 20 years and an active board member.

The $500,000 project was funded, in part by a $250,000 Tourism Facilities matching grant from the City of Newport. In response to the challenge, Aquarium donors and members contributed the additional funds.

# # #

Oregon Coast Aquarium Thanks Volunteers

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:31:46 -0700

Newport, Oregon— The Oregon Coast Aquarium will honor its dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Week from April 21 – 27.

“The Aquarium is able to offer its world-class marine education experience because of our volunteers. We are thrilled to take this opportunity to thank them for their time and effort.” said Carrie Lewis, President/CEO for the Aquarium.

The Aquarium depends on over 400 volunteers to keep its doors open. Volunteers work in every department, from providing guests with supplementary education to preparing food for the Aquarium’s marine mammals or scuba diving in exhibits to clean them. Carmen Morgan, Volunteer Services Manager, explained that anybody can volunteer when she said, “Our volunteers come from very diverse backgrounds. We have people who are marine biologists as well as people who need to learn the most basic ocean science terms when they join our team.”

As a thank you for their contribution, the Oregon Coast Aquarium partnered with 27 other Northwest visitor destinations to offer reciprocal free admission for all active volunteers for designated days in April or May. Volunteers that wish to use this benefit must present current volunteer identification to receive free admission.

More information about the Aquarium’s volunteer program can be found at http://aquarium.org/support/volunteer. The Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Road. For prices and other information, call 541-867-3474 or visit aquarium.org.

# # #

Oregon Coast Aquarium Held Diving Demo Tour and Rally, Received Award

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:28:08 -0700

Newport, Oregon— Hundreds of novice to expert scuba divers took a plunge into the best shore dive on the Oregon coast April 12-14 at the Diving Unlimited International DOG Rally & Demo Tour. The event, hosted by the Oregon Coast Aquarium in its Passages of the Deep exhibits, received an award in appreciation of the 10 years the Aquarium has hosted the event.

Dick Long, the founder and owner of Diving Unlimited International, awarded the Aquarium the honor during the Saturday night reception. Vallorie Hodges, Dive Safety Officer for the Aquarium, said, “He is one of the iconic figures in the diving industry, his presence really reinforced the value of what we are doing with the dive program here.”

Hodges also added, “We wouldn’t be able to do events like this without our incredible volunteers. This award is all about the volunteers and their dedication and passion for what they are doing.”

The DUI Dog Rally and Demo Tour is an opportunity for participants to try the latest dry suit technology in the Aquarium’s Passages of the Deep exhibits. Mark Wilson, an instructor at Eugene Skin Divers Supply, who dove the Aquarium for the first time on Friday of the event said, “It’s great just to know we are in the Aquarium and then to have so many sharks in a concentrated area and clear water to see them easily. The animals are impressive – they are just magnificent.”

The weekend also featured an underwater photography class and presentation taught by Amos Nachoum, an award-winning big animal photographer. Nachoum told attendants that aspiring wildlife photographers need, “Passion, patience, persistence,” to capture the images they seek. He provided his own experience when he recently photographed the hunting behavior of sea eagles; three weeks of careful effort in the field produced two stunning images. The challenges and photos Nachoum shared of his journey to both poles and around the globe inspired the divers in attendance.

“He reminded us all why we jump off a perfectly good boat into frigid water. Through these programs and photographs we can share the underwater world and its message with the people who can’t make these excursions.” said Hodges. To see Nachoum’s portfolio or to learn more about the expeditions he offers visit http://biganimals.com/.

Those that missed the Demo Tour can still immerse themselves in this world-class marine education attraction with the Aquarium’s diving experiences available to guests throughout the year. The unforgettable underwater adventure includes professional dive guides to ensure the best possible experience in the Aquarium’s Passages of the Deep exhibits. The package also includes a fish identification training session, a Behind the Scenes tour, Aquarium admission entry pass and a photograph to commemorate the experience. More information about the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s guest diving programs is available at www.divetheaquarium.org.

For more information on the DUI Demo Tour and dry suit technology visit http://www.dui-online.com.

# # #

Oregon Coast Aquarium to Host Earth Day Celebration

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:55:43 -0700

Newport, Oregon— The Oregon Coast Aquarium will celebrate Earth Day with activities for visitors of all ages on Saturday, April 20.

The event offers information on sustainable living and a diverse array of activities, ensuring that something will appeal to everyone. A special dive presentation in Passages of the Deep will teach viewers about marine debris and shark conservation. Kids and adults seeking hands on experiences may participate in outdoor-related crafts like making flower seed mud balls.

Geocaching.com, the official global GPS cache hunt site, will host a geocaching search in the Aquarium’s Gardens. The garden, naturescaped with native trees, flowers, and grasses, was certified as Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

Guests that wish to learn about plant and animal life may join a tour of the Aquarium grounds guided by qualified members of the OSU Extension Master Composter & Master Gardener Program.

Those who love to shop will enjoy browsing the market of locally made foods and goods that will be at the entrance of the Passages of the Deep exhibits. Pre-registration is not required and all activities are included with the cost of admission. The Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Road. For prices and other information, call 541-867-3474 or visit aquarium.org.

# # #

Oregon Coast Aquarium to Host Celebration of Pinniped Exhibit Reopening

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:30:01 -0700

Newport, Oregon— The Oregon Coast Aquarium will host a weekend packed with flippers, fur, and fun on April 27 – 28 to celebrate the opening of the newly remodeled Pinniped Exhibit.

The exhibit, home to the Aquarium’s harbor seals and California sea lions, has many new features that will benefit animals and guests alike. To celebrate the reopening, the Aquarium will be bubbling with pinniped-related surprises for visitors including free raffles and face painting.

The Aquarium’s President/CEO Carrie Lewis, said, “We hope the changes to the exhibit will cultivate a connection between each guest and the Aquarium’s incredible animals and the marine environment they depend on.”

Repeat visitors will immediately notice the viewing windows that were doubled in length to enable approximately 100 additional people to see each feeding session. The remodel also created larger, flat platforms for the Aquarium’s mammalogists and animals to showcase training sessions. These expanded unobstructed viewpoints, coupled with an improved speaker system, will provide guests more opportunities to interact with the Aquarium’s pinnipeds and staff.

Ken Lytwyn, Curator of Marine Mammals for the Aquarium, explained, “It’s great to know visitors will be able to focus on the animals, rather than jostling to get a glimpse through one of the small windows we had before.”

The stars of the exhibit, the pinnipeds, are already making use of the more ergonomic haul-out areas and other new features. Max, the Aquarium’s male California sea lion, staked out the lowered presentation platform as his new favorite napping spot.

The new behind-the-scenes facilities provide more flexibility for animal care. “This project provided us with off-exhibit long term holding areas that will allow us more opportunity for animal acquisition in the future.” explained Jim Burke, the Aquarium’s Director of Animal Husbandry.

The Pinniped Exhibit upgrades are part of a continued effort to enhance visitor experiences and provide the best possible habitats for the Aquarium’s animals.

# # #

Oregon Coast Aquarium Hosts Remotely Operated Vehicle Contest

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:35:32 -0700

Oregon Coast Aquarium Hosts Remotely Operated Vehicle Contest

Newport, Oregon— The Oregon Coast Aquarium hosted a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) competition on Thursday and Friday for Lincoln County middle and high school students as part of the Oregon Regional Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) ROV program.

The program is intended to, “Engage students in hands-on engineering activities that link to real world problems and current research,” said Tracy Crews, Marine Education Manager with Oregon Sea Grant and the Oregon Regional MATE ROV Coordinator.

Approximately 24 teams from Lincoln County vied for the opportunity to advance to the statewide regional competition on May 4 in Lincoln City. Taft High School 7th grade student Aaron Chadwell explained why he participated when he said, “We all thought it was pretty fun because we got to build something. It was cool to learn the wiring and we got to do everything ourselves.”

The contest parameters require students to build ROVs that are capable of tasks related to an underwater workplace related theme. This year’s contest focuses on “Ocean Observing Systems,” so students must design ROVs that can grab and move objects and uncouple scientific equipment. Entries are also judged on the students’ ability to work together and on a poster and presentation that explains each group’s robot.

Robert Rowell, a parent in attendance whose daughter also volunteers at the Aquarium said, “Every time we turn around our kids find something to get involved in. I think things like this make them enjoy school more.”

MATE hopes the ROV competition will expose students to science and technology careers by challenging them to develop their own solutions to common tasks in the underwater workplace. The event in Lincoln County was organized by Oregon Sea Grant and the Lincoln County School District and hosted by the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The purchase of materials and equipment was made possible through a grant from the Siletz Charitable Contribution Fund. Interested educators should contact Tracy Crews at Hatfield Marine Science Center for more information.

# # #