$54,700 grant awarded to the PT Marine Science Center from the Dept. of Ecology on plastic pollution in the marine environment
For Immediate Release – February 14, 2008
Contact: Christina Pivarnik, Marketing
Port Townsend Marine Science Center
(360) 379-3378 or christina@pivarnik.com or info@ptmsc.org
Port Townsend, WA—The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTSMC) received a $54,700 grant from Washington State’s Department of Ecology (DOE) for an 18-month project on Plastic Pollution Awareness for Puget Sound Schools and Communities.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to receive this grant from the DOE to increase education about plastic pollution in the marine environment,” said Anne Murphy, executive director for the PTMSC. “Plastic in the ocean and Puget Sound is one of the world’s most alarming environmental issues. With this grant funding we’ll be able to help students and adults better understand how their actions can make a difference to improve our environment. The program will focus on cleanup and protection of the Sound, developing solutions that individuals can use in their everyday lives when they’re at home, school or work.”
The project has already begun with a new exhibit on Plastics in the Marine Environment in the PTMSC’s Natural History Exhibit at Fort Worden State Park. Over 900 students from schools around the Olympic Peninsula started attending classes on February 4, 2008. The exhibit is also open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and free to PTMSC members.
Plastics, like diamonds, are forever! Since plastics don’t biodegrade, there aren’t naturally occurring organisms that break down. Instead, plastic goes through a process called “photodegredation,” where sunlight breaks it down into smaller and smaller pieces until there’s only plastic dust. When plastic debris meets the sea, it can remain for centuries causing untold havoc to fish and marine wildlife.
The plastics project at the PTMSC is a vitally important tool to reach people with this message and to educate them in how to take an active part in protecting the health of Puget Sound. PTMSC will teach students and adult participants about recycling, reuse and no use during the process of examining beach plastics, through classroom teaching and through its interpretive exhibits.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is devoted to understanding, preserving and teaching about our marine and shoreline environment as guardians for a sustainable future. Located on the beach at Fort Worden State Park, the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit (ME) features large touch pools and aquaria, and the Natural History Exhibit (NHE) highlights the rich zone where land meets sea. The NHE is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and the ME is open by appointment only. Admission to the NHE is $3 for adults, $2 for youth and free to PTMSC members. The PTMSC also offers a wide variety of educational programs and special events. For more information, call 360.385.5582, e-mail info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.
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