Leading Oregon thinkers and philanthropists will gather at the Portland-based NW Natural Headquarters on Tuesday, May 6, for the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s annual Ocean Steward Lunch.
The exclusive annual event connects the greater Portland community with the Aquarium to highlight its mission to inspire the public to better understand, cherish and conserve marine and coastal ecosystems.
The Lunch features a keynote address from Bruce Mate, Ph.D, Director and Endowed Chair of the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute, who is widely recognized as a leading global researcher on marine mammal migration patterns. Mate, who has studied the subject for nearly 50 years, will discuss how this information may benefit the recovery of 16 populations of endangered whales.
Despite whales’ charismatic presence in the public mind, scientists know little about seasonal aspects of many species. Learning where these animals will probably be at a given time of year allows humans to modify their activities, like shipping, fishing and oil and gas development, to reduce their impacts on whales. Mate will elaborate on these ideas and respond to questions at the May 6 Lunch.
Carrie Lewis, President/CEO for the Aquarium, will also address the group about the current state of affairs at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which is the largest aquarium in Oregon. Over the past year, the Aquarium’s exhibits and programs have been recognized by national publications including the Travel Channel, Huffington Post and Babble.
Others in attendance include some of the financial supporters that help make the Aquarium’s world-class marine science facility and education programs possible. All proceeds from the event benefit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its coastal and marine conservation and education programs.
Media interested in attending the event should contact Erin Paxton at media@aquarium.org or (541) 867-3474 x5224 by close of business on May 5.
The Ocean Steward Lunch is made possible thanks to support from presenting sponsor Oregon Coast Bank, host sponsor NW Natural, contributing sponsors Pacific Power and Vernier Software and Technology and sponsors Bob and Sharon Miller, Wildlife Trading Company of New Mexico, AAA Oregon/Washington, Marta & Ken Thrasher, Wilder Newport, Schlesinger Companies and SRG Partnership Inc.
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.
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