Friday, September 22, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) presented its annual 2000 Conservation Award to Aquarius and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's National Undersea Research Program (NURC) during the Society's annual "Dinner by the Sea" fund-raising event at the New York Aquarium Sept. 14. The WCS award recognizes the important role played by Aquarius and NURC in helping to unravel the mysteries of the ocean by placing scientists underwater to conduct their studies.

Accepting the award on behalf of the program was Dr. Steven Miller, center director for NURC, along with Scott Gudes, deputy under secretary for oceans and atmosphere at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Also attending the ceremonies from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington were Chancellor James R. Leutze, Dr. Dan Baden, director of the UNCW Center for Marine Science, and Dr. Alina Szmant, professor of biology.

"As the world's only undersea research laboratory, Aquarius provides marine scientists with opportunities available nowhere else and plays a critical role in the effort to improve the health of our oceans and reefs," said UNCW Chancellor Leutze. "UNC Wilmington's commitment to marine science is long-standing, not just to North Carolina but also beyond our borders. We are extremely proud of this recognition from the Wildlife Conservation Society. It is one more indication of how Aquarius and her aquanauts who live and work underwater are capturing Americaís imagination."

Headquartered at the Bronx Zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society works to save wildlife and wild lands throughout the world. Field projects are supported by WCS in 53 nations around the world that inspire care for nature, provide leadership in environmental education, and help sustain our planet's biological diversity. WCS is a leader in environmental education with programs that reach millions. Past recipients of the WCS award include Richard Ellis in 1998, whose books and paintings of marine life have raised awareness and enlightened many. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic won in 1999 for their work to preserve the Hudson River.

Funding for Aquarius and NURC is provided by NOAA. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Miller highlighted the role played by NURC staff in the success of the program, adding, "Our staff really deserve this award, and I know that they appreciate the recognition. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with NOAA, working at the forefront of ocean exploration and discovery."

"Aquarius is America's other space station," said Mr. Gudes in remarks at the banquet. "Marine research is conducted on corals, living marine resources, and other issues of importance to the Florida Keys marine sanctuary and the nation. We at NOAA are very, very honored to be part of this award from the Wildlife Conservation Society. Our nation is on the verge of a new age of ocean exploration. The president recently signaled his support in commissioning an Ocean Exploration panel of outside experts. I am confident that NOAA, Aquarius, and the National Undersea Research Program (NURP) will be a big part of whatever happens. Aquarius is about knowledge, education and outreach. It is about exploring the seas, and our imagination. UNCW, NURC, Barbara Moore (NURP Director in Washington), and the Aquarius team, are true leaders and I am pleased that they are receiving this recognition."

UNC Wilmington's undergraduate marine biology program is ranked fifth in the nation out of 150 such programs by the Gourman Report. For more information about Aquarius, visit the Web site: http://www.uncwil.edu/aquarius.



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Dr. Miller can be reached for comment at 305/451-0233 or by e-mail at millers@uncwil.edu.