Washington, D.C. (February 25, 2009)- The National Aquarium in Washington is celebrating the success of the International Year of the Reef campaign by hosting a special reception with partners including the Coral Reef Alliance, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, Project Aware, Shark Trust Wines and the World Wildlife Fund.

As part of this celebration, marine life artist Wyland will unveil a spectacular oceanic mural.  Hailed a “Marine Michaelangelo” by USA Today, Wyland’s work is sought by millions of collectors and his galleries throughout the United States are considered a must-see on the itineraries of travelers everywhere. His equally successful Wyland Foundation, in partnership with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, teaches millions of students about our oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands.

Reef conservation remains a global environmental imperative. The Year of the Reef campaign was initiated to motivate people to take action to protect fragile coral reefs around the world. By teaching their importance and the threats to their sustainability, people make changes that positively impact the health of these fragile and beautiful ecosystems.

Honored guests include Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, CNMI, Wyland, Marine Life Artist and Roger McManus, Conservation International.

Discover America’s Aquatic TreasuresTM at the National Aquarium in Washington, DC located in the Commerce Building on 14th Street between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues in NW Washington, DC, 20230.  General Admission $7; seniors and military, $6; ages 2-10, $3; younger than 2, free.  Visit nationalaquarium.org or call 202-482-2825. The National Aquarium in Washington, DC is a private, non-profit organization that relies on private and public support and admission revenue to operate.

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