News from Congressman
Bill Delahunt
New Marine Sanctuary
Visitors' Center to Open –
Ribbon-Cutting Features Gerry Studds For Whom Sanctuary is Named
July 19, 2001
Contact:
Steve Schwadron 202-225-3111 or Anne Smrcina 781-545-8026
Washington,
DC -- Gerry Studds will be the featured guest at ceremonies this weekend
in Provincetown to celebrate the opening of a new interactive exhibit
highlighting the national marine sanctuary on Stellwagen Bank that was
renamed to honor the former local Congressman.
The new
visitors center, located at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown,
highlights the history and resources of the Gerry E. Studds-Stellwagen
Bank National Marine Sanctuary. It is intended as a convenient, land-based
introduction for thousands of vistors to the remarkable marine preserve
that lies three miles offshore, many aboard world-class whalewatch vessels.
Serving
as master of ceremonies for the occasion will be Congressman Bill Delahunt,
who succeeded Mr. Studds as the region's representative in the US House
of Representatives. During his 25-year tenure, Rep. Studds was a national
champion for the marine environment, and was the driving congressional
force behind the creation of the sanctuary. Just before his final congressional
term ended, House and Senate colleagues recognized his legislative contributions
by legally ameding the name of the marine sanctuary in his honor.
This weekend's
ceremonies will begin at 11am on Saturday, July 21 at the new Center
for Coastal Studies headquarters, across from Provincetown Town Hall.
The Sanctuary
and Center for Coastal Studies have worked together for many months
to design the exhibit and its many hands-on educational features. By
"diving" into the ocean, visitors can experience the wonders
of the ocean without getting wet -- and enjoy aerial views of breaching
humpback whales, an underwater trip through a sponge forest and descend
into a school of swarming sand lance.
The new
exhibit will be open daily, from 11am to 7pm, through October 8. Admission
is free of charge. For further details, please call the Sanctuary headquarters
in Scituate at 781-545-8026 or Delahunt's office at 800-870-2626.
