Join Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant in celebrating World Oceans Day at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on June 8.
As part of the celebration, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant will offer family-friendly activities, including behind-the-scenes aquarium tours and reptile talks, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors will discover the amazing marine animals living in coastal Georgia, interact with horseshoe crabs, whelks and hermit crabs, and create ocean-themed arts and crafts.
This year, participants are invited to take the better-bag-challenge, which involves making a pledge to help the ocean by avoiding disposable plastic bags for at least one year. The first 30 participants will receive their own reusable bag, so make sure to arrive early.
At 1 p.m. there will be an educational talk about Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary in front of the newly-renovated display tank in the aquarium that’s now equipped with colorful sponges, soft corals and live species that are found at the sanctuary.
All activities are included with general admission to the aquarium. The aquarium closes at 4 p.m.
The World Oceans Day event kicks off the summer season at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. In June and July, visitors can sign up for family field trips to explore different coastal habitats or enjoy behind-the-scenes aquarium tours.
June 8 is designated by the United Nations as World Oceans Day to celebrate conservation of this important resource around the world.
Additional details about the event can be found here https://gacoast.uga.edu/event/world-oceans-day-celebration/.
Learn more about the UGA Aquarium at https://gacoast.uga.edu/.