Instant Ocean, an aquarium salt brand owned by United Pet Group, reported today that it has teamed up with the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans and the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta to support the two nonprofits’ efforts to rescue and rehabilitate Gulf marine life impacted by the BP oil spill.
Specifically, Instant Ocean will work to raise awareness about the two aquariums and provide the facilities with salt donations.
 
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, which is operated by the Audubon Nature Institute, coordinates the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program. The program provides rescue and rehabilitation services for stranded and injured marine wildlife, specifically sea turtles.
 
“Almost 200 endangered sea turtles affected by the spill were rehabilitated with round-the-clock care by Audubon experts,” said Ron Forman, CEO of the Audubon Nature Institute. “But the job is not over. Those turtles need daily attention and monitoring as scientists debate their future.”

The Georgia Aquarium is working to understand the new migration habits of their flagship species, the whale sharks, in light of the oil spill. The research team is also studying the biology of the species through genetic research.

“Our conservation and research efforts are made possible through the generosity of our 4R supporters and partners like Instant Ocean who allow us to remain at the helm of aquatic veterinary science,” said Alistair Dove, the aquarium’s senior scientist.

Attendees of the Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA) 2010, which is scheduled for Sept. 3 to 5 in Orlando, will have a chance to learn more about the Audubon and Georgia aquariums. Instant Ocean plans to highlight the facilities’ work during the Sept. 4 banquet, of which the brand is the sponsor.

“We are very pleased to support both Georgia Aquarium and Audubon Nature Institute,” said John Fox, vice president of marketing for United Pet Group’s North America aquatic division. “Marine life in the Gulf will feel the repercussions of this oil spill for many years to come. Therefore, it is important that we support the work of these not-for-profit organizations with salt donations and raising awareness with our customers through venues such as MACNA.” <HOME>