What:               Discovery Day at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
                       Featuring FREE CHILDREN’S ADMISSION TO ESTUARIUM

When:              Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 10:00am to 2:00pm

Where:             The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, North Campus
101 Bienville, Boulevard, Dauphin Island

Activities:

• Free Children’s Admission to the Estuarium and 15% Discount in Gift Shop
• Open House and Exhibits at the Research Laboratories
• Free Kids’ Activities, Ocean Games and Fun Crafts
• US Coast Guard Aviation Training Unit Water Rescue Demonstration
• Boating Safety and Hurricane Preparedness Information
• City of Mobile Police Department Children’s Fingerprinting Safety Kits
• Much, much more!

Cost:  FREE, except for reduced adult admission to Estuarium

For more info:  Call 251/861-2141 or visit www.disl.org

This fun-filled family event includes a variety of environmentally-themed children’s activities; an Open House at the Research Facilities of the DISL where the public can interact with scientists and graduate students to explore their ongoing research projects; and free children’s admission to the Estuarium, the aquarium at the Sea Lab.

The USCG Aviation Training Rescue will demonstrate a thrilling helicopter rescue just off our shoreline; Azalea Trail Maids will be on hand to greet visitors. Local agencies will host fun environmentally themed kids’ activities and games. 

Local and State dignitaries, along with representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), will be on hand to dedicate the Richard C. Shelby Center for Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management.  This 15,000-square foot facility is LEED-designated and is the largest solar-generated structure in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes a 175-person capacity auditorium with distance learning capabilities and multiple research laboratories. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab will also christen the newest vessel in its fleet - the R/V Alabama Discovery.  This specially-built 65-foot state vessel will be used for research and education.

The Alabama Coastal Foundation will receive the 2010 Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Seventh Generation Award for its contribution to the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship.