In recognition of World Ocean Day and National Marine Sanctuaries, Sanctuary Sam, the sea lion mascot of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and his friends will help light the top of the world’s most famous building, the Empire State Building, on June 8, 2009.

The Empire State Building is known for its ceremonial lighting which bathes the top of the building in a variety of colorful lights in recognition of various special events and holidays. The building and its lights can be seen for miles around. This is the very first time it will be lit in all blue to recognize our planet’s ocean.

The ceremony will take place at 11:00 am near the top of the Empire State Building in New York City and various media will be on hand to cover the event.

The ocean makes up 73% of our planet. The air we breathe the water we drink, the food we eat and the medicines that heal us, all come from the sea. Overfishing, pollution, marine trash, and climate change are having a devastating effect on the world ocean. It will take all of us to make a difference to save the ocean.

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