World Ocean Day Beach Sweep

Explore Marine Mammals During World Ocean Day Celebration
Museum’s Week of Activities Ends with World Turtle Day

The Museum of Coastal Carolina will celebrate marine mammals and their preservation during a week-long celebration of World Ocean Day on June 8, leading to World Sea Turtle Day on June 16. Guests of the Museum can experience a number of special programs and activities throughout those days and can even make a difference themselves by participating in a World Ocean Day Beach Sweep.

Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface so the world celebrates them annually to connect the global ocean community, inspire curiosity about oceans, and educate the public about the importance of protecting oceans and its inhabitants.

Ocean-focused activities will be available all day in each of the Museum’s six galleries, which represent a different zone in the ocean. Guests can make a scuba mask, build a food chain, explore the importance of oysters and sea stars, learn how to help save the ocean at home and much more.

Anyone can sign up in advance to participate in the Beach Sweep on June 8 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. by logging on to the Museum’s website at www.museumplanetarium.org/event/world-ocean-day-beach-sweep/. Each group will be assigned a beach access along Ocean Isle Beach to collect trash, and the museum will report its results to the Ocean Conservancy’s citizen science project to study the impact of such efforts.

On June 9 at 5:30 p.m. join Mike Tift, Director of the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program, a collaborative team of scientists and students that responds to sick, injured, and deceased whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine mammals along the North Carolina coast. The program combines hands-on conservation work with internationally recognized research focused on marine mammal health, biology, and environmental change.

Tift will discuss several exciting areas of marine mammal research and conservation being conducted at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Topics will include how whales, dolphins, and seals are able to hold their breath for long periods and dive to incredible depths, how studying marine mammals can help advance human and veterinary medicine, and how marine mammals living in Antarctica are responding to the rapid loss of sea ice caused by climate change. The presentation will also highlight ongoing conservation and research efforts by the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program, aimed at better understanding and protecting these remarkable animals.

On June 11 at 1 p.m., join Spencer Wall, Education Specialist for Ocean Connections, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world’s ocean through education. He will lead guests on an unforgettable 45-minute journey into the fascinating world of marine mammals. Discover the amazing lives of seals and sea lions, gain insight into animal welfare, and explore how we care for these incredible creatures every day.

Wall is a passionate conservation educator that works to fulfill our mission through interactive programs, outreach events, and providing exceptional welfare to the animal ambassadors that call the coast home. Whether leading beach cleanups, giving talks, or caring for rescued animals, Spencer is dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.

During the summer, the Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children 3 to 12.

The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, and its mission is to inspire curiosity about our unique coastal environment, history and broader natural universe through interactive, fun, and science-based experiences.

The Museum of Coastal Carolina, located at 21 East Second Street in Ocean Isle Beach, features a live touch tank, saltwater aquariums, interactive exhibits, lectures and family programs.

The Ingram Planetarium, located at 7625 High Market Street in Sunset Beach, includes an 84-seat theater with a 40-foot domed screen where guests enjoy educational films on a variety of topics, traditional star shows, and entertaining music laser shows.

For more information, call 910-579-1016 or visit www.museumplanetarium.org.