Museum of Coastal Carolina to celebrate World Ocean Day with week of marine mammal programming
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Museum of Coastal Carolina will celebrate marine mammals and ocean conservation with a week-long series of events beginning June 8 in honor of World Ocean Day, with programming continuing through World Sea Turtle Day on June 16.
The celebration will highlight the importance of ocean preservation and marine life education, with oceans covering 71% of the Earth’s surface and serving as a central focus for global conservation awareness. Visitors throughout the week will be able to take part in hands-on activities across the museum’s six galleries, each representing a different ocean zone. Programs include building a scuba mask, constructing food chains, learning about oysters and sea stars, and exploring ways individuals can help protect ocean ecosystems at home.
As part of the event, the museum will host a World Ocean Day Beach Sweep on June 8. Participants can register in advance through the museum’s website and will be assigned to designated Ocean Isle Beach access points to collect litter.
Educational programming will continue on June 9 with a presentation by Mike Tift, director of the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program, a team that responds to sick, injured, and deceased marine mammals along the North Carolina coast. The program also conducts research on marine mammal health, biology, and environmental change in collaboration with scientists and students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
On June 11, Spencer Wall, education specialist with Ocean Connections, will lead an interactive 45-minute program focused on seals and sea lions, offering insight into marine mammal behavior, animal welfare, and conservation work. Wall is a conservation educator who leads outreach programs and public engagement efforts designed to inspire stronger connections between people and marine life through education and hands-on learning experiences.
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