Washington, DC – Although not your typical march on Washington, a live penguin and an otter will lead off a presentation highlighting opportunities for the public to become engaged and learn more about the world’s oceans as part of World Oceans Day, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.

Featuring Julie Scardina, Animal Ambassador for SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove, and Dr. Jackie Ogden from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the discussion will demonstrate how informal education and activities at venues such as aquariums, museums, and science centers can help foster ocean literacy.

Vastly unexplored, oceans can help to teach math and science in engaging ways, inspiring our students to pursue careers in oceanography, biotechnology, and engineering, better preparing our nation to compete in the global economy. The conference also will serve as a catalyst for showcasing the oceans as a tool for discovery and exploration in formal and informal education.

Parts of the conference are being carried live at regional sites, which are supplementing the agenda with additional content. Regional locations include: the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD; Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA; John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL; J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium in Biloxi, MS, and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, IA. Additionally, the conference is being web cast and can be viewed by going to www.nmsfocean.org/chow2006/cool.html

The conference is coordinated by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, in conjunction with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Sponsors include the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Navy.