Coastal America - Coastal Zone 2011 Conference

About the Coastal America Live Webcast

The JASON Live Coastal America webcast was part of a special Family Day and Evening Reception at the Shedd Aquarium held in conjunction with Coastal Zone 2011 conference activities on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. The purpose of the day was to highlight the many activities of the Coastal America Learning Center Network and to engage the public in a dialogue on restoring and protecting our Ocean, Coasts and Great Lakes. The event was organized by the Coastal America Partnership and sponsored by the Shedd Aquarium, the Sea Research Foundation, the Coastal America Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership and the Coastal Zone 2011 Conference. The Coastal Zone 2011 Executive Committee and the Coastal America Learning Center Network Executive Committee are to be commended for establishing a significant outreach component to this unique conference. Special thanks to Ralph Cantral, CZ11 Conference Chair and Carli Bertrand, Coastal America CZ11 Liaison for facilitating the effort.

During the webcast, we talked to renowned scientists and expert planners to learn more about some of the challenges facing our oceans and coasts; and how anyone can get involved in helping to protect these places we love. In watching the event replay you’ll learn about the United States’ first ever National Ocean Policy, and hear from high school students who are already making a difference in safeguarding our planet. You'll also hear from experts about the hottest ocean topics, including the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill, pollution, the health of our fisheries and the latest in how our climate is changing.

During the live event, viewers had an opportunity to submit live questions to experts in climate change, pollution, the Gulf oil spill, and our oceans' living resources.

Members of the Executive Committees:

Learning Center Network Executive Committee: Ted Beattie, Shedd Aquarium; Steve Coan, Mystic Aquarium; Jerry Schubel, Aquarium of the Pacific; Jerry Enzler, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium; Tom Schmid, Texas State Aquarium.

Coastal Zone 2011 Executive Committee: Holly Bamford, NOAA; Terry Holman, Interior; Paul Cough, EPA; Lynn Martin, Army Corps of Engineers; Kameran Onley, The Nature Conservancy; and Todd Main, State of Illinois.