Hebron Funds Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium's Marine Legacy Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Hebron Project's Senior Project Manager, Geoff Parker, announced today a gift of $10,000 to the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium to support the organization's marine education mission.
The Hebron contribution will be used to support operations of the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium, and will allow the aquarium to provide meaningful career experience for young minds in the field of marine science. As a Marine Legacy Partner, Hebron continues to be a leader in supporting marine education initiatives, conservation and career support for the next generation of young science professionals.
"As lead founding sponsor of the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium, the Hebron Project is thrilled to continue our support as a marine legacy partner," said Parker, Vice President of ExxonMobil Canada Properties. "Many people, of all ages, don't get the opportunity to interact with the amazing animals found in our oceans. The mini aquarium has opened the doors to our local waters. The experience is brought to life even more through the aquarium's dedicated educators, who, in sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge, serve as a catalyst for the next generation of marine professionals."
The Marine Legacy Partnership Program provides support for the Mini Aquarium science education team. Now in its fourth season of operation, the aquarium has engaged close to 70,000 people with hands-on marine programming. These learning opportunities are offered by the young marine science professionals who engage visitors with enthusiasm and passion, sharing their knowledge and love of the ocean with all ages. Science interpreters translate science, telling stories of animal life histories and lessons of conservation. Staff aquarists care for the animals and deliver educational programs to the public, youth and school groups. The Mini Aquarium has created employment opportunities for over 20 young scientists and educators over the past four years.
"Marine Legacy Partners enable the Mini Aquarium to provide career opportunities for post-secondary students in marine and education fields. These young scientists are the core of the Mini Aquarium experience, engaging and educating in a fun and accessible way," says Keith Moore, Executive Director of the Mini Aquarium. "We are very grateful to our Lead Founding Sponsor Hebron, which has invested its support in our organization since the beginning of our pilot project in 2013. Hebron's commitment and leadership continues to pave the way for the future of marine education in this province."
The Mini Aquarium is a unique non-profit organization which provides youth and the young at heart a hands-on experience with local marine inhabitants in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland Labrador, Canada. The Mini Aquarium is a hands-on, catch-and-release aquarium dedicated to fostering curiosity for our ocean environment with a sustainable approach. Featuring over 30 display habitats and interactive touch tanks, the Mini Aquarium delivers educational opportunities to visitors of all ages from surrounding communities, youth and school groups.
Every fall season the Mini Aquarium holds a public Animal Release Party to engage the local people in its conservation message and return the animals to their marine habitats. Join Mini Aquarium board, staff and volunteers at the St. Phillip's marina on October 8, 2:00pm to release the animals back to the ocean.
For more information about the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium, please click on www.miniaqua.org. This funding is being provided by the Hebron Project co-venturers which include ExxonMobil Canada Properties, Chevron Canada Limited, Suncor Energy Inc., Statoil Canada Ltd. and Nalcor Energy Oil and Gas Inc. For more information visit www.hebronproject.com
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Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium Contact:
Keith Moore, Executive Director
keith@miniaqua.org
709 730 3507
Hebron Contact:
Lynn Evans, Public & Government Affairs Advisor
Lynn.Evans@exxonmobil.com
709 778 7180