[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 79 (Friday, June 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         HONORING THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. E. SCOTT RIGELL

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 3, 2011

  Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important 
milestone in the history of an organization that has been a leader in 
the national effort in marine science education, conservation, and 
research--the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
  Since 1986, the Aquarium has been educating our youth, saving the 
lives of marine mammals and sea turtles, and spurring economic growth 
in the region. During the past 25 years, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine 
Science Center has attracted 11 million guests, including one million 
students, making it the Commonwealth of Virginia's most popular non-
historical, nonprofit tourist attraction.
  The Aquarium has been instrumental in educating our future 
generations with its unique experiences involving live animal displays, 
interactive science exhibits, marine science programs, the country's 
only interactive Seal Splash activity, and boat trips.
  The Aquarium's Ocean in Motion vehicle has transported live marine 
animals to visit over 337,000 school students in 78 cities and counties 
in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to 
offer hands-on activities related to watersheds and key ocean literacy 
concepts. The vehicle has also traveled to the U.S. Capitol, U.S. 
Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Commerce to allow 
federal workers to learn hands-on.
  In addition to its education initiatives, the Aquarium leads the way 
in conservation efforts through its renowned Stranding Program by 
responding to marine animals along the East Coast and providing an 
impetus for numerous research projects on seals, dolphins, right whales 
and endangered sea turtles.
  The Virginia Aquarium has been influential in attracting economic 
development to the region with winter whale-watching trips which result 
in hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct spending to the regional 
economy. Out-of-town tourists who visit the Aquarium spend more money 
and stay longer in the area. The Aquarium is a key partner in the 
resort area's master plan for the retail, cultural, maritime, and 
natural environment, serving as an economic engine for the region and 
the state.
  Congratulations to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center on 
this 25 year anniversary and for the education, conservation, and 
economic contributions to the region. We all look forward to many more 
years of inspiring work.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with pride and admiration that I offer my thanks 
and recognition to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

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