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.
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