Mystic Aquarium Sea Research Sponsorship

DO OCEANS OF GOOD a campaign to help protect our oceans

Most people know Sea Research Foundation from the work we do at Mystic Aquarium.

Yet, like the deep ocean – 75% of which remains unexplored – the depth of what Sea Research does isn’t readily visible.

Sea Research Foundation conducts pioneering research that has expanded the knowledge base of aquarists and marine biologists internationally. It advances the important geological and archaeological work of Dr. Robert Ballard – the deep-sea archaeologist famous for his discovery of the Titanic – and his Institute for Exploration. Through our Immersion Learning division, we expose thousands of at-risk youngsters to science, technology, engineering and math in a way that truly excites their interest.

But most of all, Sea Research Foundation inspires people to care.

Through our animals, programs, and conservation efforts, Sea Research exposes over a million people a year to the importance of protecting our oceans.

Today, we invite you to join us in supporting our efforts to educate students, train specialists, study wildlife, rescue stranded seals, and explore the world’s oceans in a way that no one else is doing– helping us to understand the deep connection between our oceans and ourselves.

Without our many friends – from individuals to businesses to charitable foundations – we simply could not fulfill our mission.

We hope that you will partner with us.

Sincerely,

Stephen M. Coan, Ph.D. President & CEO

Open UP new depths of learning Support the work of Dr. Robert Ballard Today, thanks to NASA missions to map the red planet, we know more about the surface of Mars than we do about our own Earth.

for Exploration will be able to interact directly with Sea Research personnel on board, giving them rare insight into the exploration process.

Dr. Robert Ballard and the Institute for Exploration are changing that.

Over the years, Dr. Ballard has made a number of important discoveries, including ecosystems supported by geothermal — rather than solar — energy, which could prove useful in the ongoing search for life elsewhere in the solar system.

Using remotely operated vehicles deployed from ships in places like the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Dr. Ballard, President of the Institute for Exploration and a National Geographic explorer-in-residence, is delving into the deep oceans, discovering ancient shipwrecks, little-known geological phenomena, and the roots of human civilization.

In 2009, Dr. Ballard launched the E/V Nautilus – a brand new ship of exploration that will allow at-home explorers to witness its every move on the Internet through a continuous satellite link, starting in 2010. Even better, visitors to Challenge of the Deep at Mystic Aquarium & Institute

What will be next? Your support of Sea Research Foundation will help to answer that question.

Increase our environmental understanding Promote aquatic animal health and conservation

As a leader in the aquarium research community, Sea Research Foundation conducts pioneering research that has important connections to human health and the marine environment, including emerging infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, toxicology, and immunology. Our research programs enable us to study animals in controlled environments and in the wild, helping us to learn more about each species.

With Mystic Aquarium’s unique aquatic animal collection and rescued animals that assist us in carrying out controlled research studies, plus a staff with a long-standing history of conducting high-quality research, we are uniquely positioned for excellence in our field.

One of our early, groundbreaking research projects was the development of artificial seawater that is used by public aquariums, home hobbyists and marine facilities worldwide. Today, our research includes: • Investigating the decline of populations of threatened species, such as the 42% decrease in the number of African penguins • Health and risk assessment of bottlenose dolphin populations, a major collaborative effort involving a number of individuals and institutions • Determining the seasonal reproductive pattern of male beluga whales • Investigating the immune system of bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales and the impact of stress on their health

The Harp Seal’s Tale Radiology tests revealed that the seal was suffering from advanced pneumonia and had swallowed a large number of rocks — perhaps mistaking them for ice — that could have torn the inside of his stomach.

We called in an emergency team of gastroenterologists from the Westerly Hospital.

The specialists performed two endoscopic procedures that removed about a third of the stones. Antibiotics, a careful diet and round-the-clock medical care healed the seal’s pneumonia. Once he was stronger, Sea Research Foundation’s own veterinarians successfully performed surgery to remove the remaining rocks. After several months of weight gain and rehabilitation, his care team transported him to a Rhode Island beach, said their goodbyes and released him. Amid cheers from the crowd that had gathered, he made his way across the sand and splashed into the waves.

“Releases are very special,” says Janelle Schuh, Sea Research Foundation Stranding Coordinator. “It’s really cool to see the animal finally get back to the ocean. It closes the circle. For me, it’s a unique experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

Make a difference, one creature at a time Help us rescue stranded animals Another young harp seal was severely ill when spotted at a beach in Niantic, Connecticut. Raspy, congested and lethargic, the male pup was struggling and in danger of dying on the sand.

He needed immediate medical care in order to survive.

Sea Research Foundation’s Seal Rescue Team responded quickly, bringing him back for evaluation at Mystic Aquarium. After two operations, antibiotics, 24-hour medical care, and several months of rehabilitation, he was released back into the wild. A satellite tracking device fitted on the seal’s back showed that he was heading north and out to sea.

Since 1976, Sea Research Foundation has been rescuing stranded marine mammals, from the smallest seals to mighty whales. In all, Sea Research Foundation has responded to more than 875

calls for help from the public, treating more than 375 marine mammals and releasing more than 175 back into the wild – animals that would have died had they been left on the shore.

Our rescue efforts and volunteer “first responder” network cover the coasts of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Fishers Island, New York. Further, we have assisted institutions from Maine to New Jersey and even Texas when they have needed support for their rescued animals.

An Alaskan Exchange Program For the native Inupiat students from the remote Alaskan village of Point Lay, their visit to Mystic to study beluga whales and other marine animals was much more than an educational experience. The program is also designed as a cultural exchange, matching Inupiat students with their counterparts from the nearby Mashantucket Pequot tribe. The cultural and educational experience will continue when Mashantucket students travel to Alaska to work with researchers and the Inupiats in studying the wild belugas.

Go to the ends of the Earth Touching lives in remote Alaskan villages and Connecticut classrooms The native Inupiats of Point Lay, Alaska, depend upon beluga whales as a key source of food throughout the year. Tracy Romano, Senior Vice President of Research and Zoological Operations at Sea Research Foundation, travels annually to the remote village to research belugas in the wild, where locals help her take blood samples and install tracking devices.

New England. Each year, our education programs reach 600,000 children locally and nationally. Our acclaimed Traveling Teacher program engages students in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York in their own classrooms, teaching them about their local marine environment through hands-on experiences with sea creatures. And our nationwide Immersion programs touch the lives of more than half a million young people annually.

Recently, she invited a number of students from the village to join her at Mystic Aquarium. Before meeting Romano, Leslie, an Inupiat student, had never dreamed he could travel so far from his village.

“I took part in this program because I wanted to help my people back home,” says the youngster. Commenting on the kids’ exciting visit, Romano says, “Our hope is that students return home with new knowledge to help them preserve their local whale population from environmental and man-made dangers.”

While Romano hopes the trip inspires a love of science and learning in all of the students and encourages them to pursue scientific careers back home, her program is just the tip of the educational iceberg. From its Mystic Aquarium base, Sea Research Foundation offers one of the largest, informal education experiences in

Tracy Romano, Senior Vice President of Research and Zoological Operations at Sea Research Foundation

Immerse a new generation

How Immersion is making a difference for at-risk youth

Hundreds of miles from the nearest oceanfront, students excitedly explore the wonders of intertidal zones and the mysterious realm of deep-sea creatures.

In school districts where many students live in poverty, struggle to read, and often drop out by grade 9, the classrooms are buzzing with activity. Kids build their own ocean exploration tools, experience the life of a dolphin, and discover the wonders of ancient Greece. How has enthusiasm reached such heights in schools and after-school clubs where the graduation rates are so low? Immersion Learning.

Immersion uses Telepresence to bring marine science to classrooms and informal learning centers across the country, creating a “you are there” experience for educators and students. As one student commented about the hands-on activities and live webcasts, “[Immersion] is better than our other science classes where we

get packs of information, because we do experiments and even get to think of questions and then have scientists on an expedition team answer them.” He says he visits the Immersion website on his own to learn as much as possible, so he can one day become a marine scientist.

The brainchild of deep-sea archaeologist Dr. Robert Ballard and Dr. Stephen Coan, president and CEO of Sea Research Foundation, Immersion makes a real difference for participating kids. “Immersion made me more interested in learning about science,” 12-year-old Jacelyn says. “I’ve been paying more attention in class and my grade in science went from a C to a B!”

A GIANT NEED A single beluga whale eats 70 pounds of fish a day. And while not all our animals are such hearty eaters, Mystic Aquarium features 70 exhibits with over 12,000 fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals, representing 425 species from around the world.

Needless to say, our grocery bills really add up!

Further a Connecticut institution Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is one of America’s leaders Open year-round, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration showcases the living collections, science and conservation work of Sea Research Foundation through exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs. It is among the top five aquariums in the United States and one of the few housing beluga whales and other rare and remarkable sea creatures. Even more important is our role in producing new generations of veterinary leaders – most aquatic veterinarians in the U.S. have trained at Mystic Aquarium.

For our over 750,000 annual visitors, Mystic Aquarium features hands-on, interactive contact with extraordinary marine animals through:

• The Ray Touch Pool, giving guests an opportunity to touch these

• The Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Exhibit, home to 29 African penguins

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• The Arctic Coast exhibit, featuring the only beluga whales in New England

• The Marine Theater, offering daily shows with California sea lions

graceful sea creatures

Challenge of the Deep, displaying the historical discoveries of Dr. Robert Ballard. The exhibit features the technology used by deep-ocean explorers to find ancient shipwrecks and includes photos, video and artifacts from several of Dr. Ballard’s expeditions. The exhibit also features Deep Sea 3D, a thrilling XD theater ride.

Create an economic impact Sea Research Foundation is a major economic engine

Sea Research Foundation benefits not only ocean science education and research, but it serves as a major economic engine for Connecticut and New England. We actively give back to the community with a direct financial impact of $72.2 million annually. This includes a payroll of $8.4 million for 325 employees who, in turn, pay local real estate, state and federal taxes, and who spend locally and serve as good neighbors.

In addition, we buy $5 million in services and supplies from Connecticut businesses annually. Our conservation efforts

protect the vitality of Long Island Sound, which is an important revenue-generating, natural resource for Connecticut.

As the largest area non-casino tourism attraction, we work collaboratively with other local organizations to drive tourist dollars into our region and state. Aquarium visitors support regional job stability and growth by spending an estimated $3 million a year at area restaurants and businesses, and generate another $2.5 million in hotel and motel taxes.

DOZENS OF WAYS TO GIVE Sea Research Foundation invites you to take action by sharing in our mission. One of the most significant ways for doing so is by making a charitable gift. Whether you are able to make an outright contribution or a planned gift, the team at Sea Research Foundation’s Development Office can help you identify the ways in which philanthropic support can be offered and determine which make sense for you.

Outright Gifts

Most donors who support Sea Research Foundation make their gifts using cash, a credit card or marketable securities. For gifts of cash or stock, donors are entitled to a charitable income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the contribution paid within the tax year, provided they itemize deductions on their tax returns.

Cash

Cash is the most common and the easiest way to give. Personal checks made out to Sea Research Foundation are always accepted, and taxpayers who itemize deductions are able to secure a charitable tax deduction. Please contact us if you are interested in making monthly or quarterly contributions.

Credit Card

You may use your credit card to make a gift by telephone or by visiting our secure website at searesearch.org. We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Securities

Gifts of appreciated securities such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds provide distinct tax advantages. The donor incurs no capital gains tax on appreciated securities given for charitable purposes.

A gift of securities is easy to make, and donors receive credit based on the fair market value of the securities donated.

Closely Held Stock

Closely held stock (S Corp. and C Corp.) can be contributed for charitable purposes. The donor receives a charitable deduction

based on the appraised value of the stock and incurs no capital gains tax liability on the share’s appreciation.

Goods and Property

Gifts of tangible goods and property, including real estate, may be accepted depending on the nature and utility of the items. Donors must provide the fair market value based on IRS valuation rules and procedures.

Life Insurance

Donors may make Sea Research Foundation the owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies. An existing policy yields a current charitable income tax deduction approximately equal to the cash surrender value. A paid-up policy yields a charitable tax deduction approximately equal to the policy’s replacement value (the exact figure is available from the issuing company). Whether it’s a new policy or an existing contract, donors continue to pay the premiums and take a charitable deduction for each additional premium payment.

Matching Gifts

Many companies match employees’ charitable contributions through a formalized matching gifts program. Prospective donors are encouraged to contact their employers directly to see if they can make their gifts to Sea Research Foundation go even further through a corporate matching gift.

Planned Gifts

Planned and deferred gifts (including bequests, charitable trusts, and others) enable many donors to offer support while taking advantage of federal and state tax levels that may allow for reduction of income taxes, lower gift and estate taxes, and/or provide lifetime income. Donors are strongly encouraged to speak with their personal financial advisor when considering a planned gift. The most common types of planned gifts include:

Charitable Bequests

A gift by will to Sea Research Foundation offers estate tax savings and creates a living legacy to ensure a stable future for the Aquarium. Elder donors may make a gift of specific assets, a portion of their estate or of their residual estate after payment of other bequests. Bequests are entirely free from federal estate tax and therefore offer substantial estate savings. Recommended bequest language for leaving a gift to Sea Research Foundation is available to donors considering such a gift.

Retirement or Pension Plans

Another opportunity for elder donors, these plans are treated as income to the beneficiaries when received and can result in a significant tax deduction. No estate tax or income tax is owed on these plans by naming Sea Research Foundation as the beneficiary of a retirement or pension plan.

Charitable Gift Annuities

A Charitable Gift Annuity is a contract between Sea Research Foundation and the donors. The donor transfers cash or negotiable securities in exchange for the promise of Sea Research

Foundation to pay an annuity to the beneficiary for life or lives.

The charitable gift annuity is treated as a general obligation of Sea Research Foundation, backed by all of its assets. Charitable gift annuities pay a generous rate compared to today’s interest rate environment.

Deferred Charitable Gift Annuities

A donor can also create a deferred charitable gift annuity to begin payments at least one year and a day after creating the annuity. The annuity rate is greater the longer the donor defers the initiation of payments. This annuity can help with retirement planning.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Charitable remainder trusts pay either a fixed percentage of the value of the trust (unitrust) or a fixed payment (annuity trust) annually for a life or a term of years. Cash, appreciated securities, real estate and other assets can be contributed to these trusts.

Charitable Lead Trusts

A charitable lead trust pays a current stream of income to Sea Research Foundation for a lifetime or a set number of years then reverts to the grantor of the trust or the grantor’s heirs. This payment can be set up as a percentage of the value of the trust or a fixed payment annually for life or a term of years. This trust can help reduce gift and estate taxes.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND STAFF Dr. George M. Milne, Jr. Chairman, Board of Trustees

Sea Research Foundation Board of Trustees

Sea Research Foundation STAFF

Robert D. Ballard, Ph.D. (Ex officio) President Institute for Exploration

Mr. Thomas Leiden Chief Executive Officer & President The Leiden Cabinet Company

Gerard N. Burrow, MD

Mr. Jerrold T. Lundquist Director McKinsey & Company

Mr. Rodney Butler Chairman Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Mr. James Calhoun Head Coach UConn Men’s Basketball Stephen M. Coan, Ph.D. President & Chief Executive Officer Sea Research Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Guy E.C. “Clay” Maitland International Registries, Inc. Dr. George M. Milne, Jr. (Chairman) Mr. Thomas Mosey President & Chief Executive Officer Mini Melts, Inc.

Mr. Peter G. Drakos Partner Blank Rome, LLP

Mr. Steven Perrelli General Manager Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Southeastern New England

Mr. Terry D. Garcia Executive Vice President, Mission Programs National Geographic Society

Mr. Stephan Salem Executive Director Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation

Mr. Charles D. Gill Senior Vice President & General Counsel United Technologies Corporation

Mr. Howard F. Stim (Emeritus) Chairman Emeritus Sea Research Foundation, Inc.

RADM David M. Goebel, USN (Retired)

Ms. Susette Tibus Simply Majestic

Mr. John Holstein Principal & Chief Executive Officer H & M Corporation

Mr. Daniel C. Verdier (Vice Chair) President & Owner Cirrus Construction Company, Inc.

Mr. William Kelley (Emeritus)

Mr. Gurdon B. Wattles

Ms. Carolyn Kelly (Emeritus) Attorney Suismann, Shapiro, Wool, Brennan, Gray & Greenburg, PC

Stephen M. Coan, Ph.D. President & Chief Executive Officer Robert D. Ballard, Ph.D. President, Institute for Exploration Tracy Romano, Ph.D. Senior Vice President, Research & Zoological Operations Denise Armstrong Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Peter Glankoff Senior Vice President, Marketing & Public Affairs Laurie Bradt Vice President, Institute for Exploration Katie Cubina Vice President & Executive Producer, Immersion Learning Kelly Matis Vice President, Education & Public Conservation Programs Will Parks Vice President, Food & Beverage Megan Brown Director of Development

Sea Research is making a real contribution Please help by making yours Oceans are big. Making an impact requires no small effort.

As our ocean environment – indeed, much of planet Earth – grows more threatened, each day brings a greater sense of urgency. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that all of us grasp the significance of the inseparable relationship between land and sea – and take action.

Please use the card at the right to contact us today, or find out more about all the things we do at searesearch.org.

SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INc • MYSTIC AQUARIUM • INSTITUTE FOR EXPLORATION • IMMERSION PRESENTS