Matson Pledges $100,000 to Support Alaska Environmental Education

 Matson has pledged $100,000 to the Alaska SeaLife Center to construct a new, interactive discovery pools exhibit called the Rocky Coast Touch Pool.

A second in-kind commitment of $12,000 will be used to transport the acrylic tanks from California to Seward.

Alaska SeaLife Center President and CEO Tara Riemer describes the discovery pools as the place “where visitors create a connection to the marine environment, which helps create a sense of empathy for animals and their habitat.”

The new discovery pool exhibit, funded in part by Matson, will feature five areas for visitors to interact with marine wildlife that call Alaska home. In addition to a holding area for animals not on exhibit, the exhibit will feature four areas where the public can explore and interact with the animals, and a fifth will teach curious guests tide pool etiquette and skills they can use while exploring coastal areas on their own.

The exhibit will also include a science exploration station, which consists of three small modular tanks to promote up-close and hands-on-learning experiences.

“As a leading carrier of goods to Alaska, Matson feels a sense of obligation to help make Alaska a better place to live. Supporting the construction of a new, interactive learning experience at the Alaska SeaLife Center is one way we can help increase Alaskans’ access to education while supporting the health of Alaska’s marine environment,” says Matson Senior Vice President, Alaska, Bal Dreyfus.