Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 13, 1999

MARINE SANCTUARY BENEFIT
FEATURING ROBERT LYN NELSON

The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary are pleased to announce a benefit event to support marine sanctuary activities in education, research and resource protection. Robert Lyn Nelson Studios at 660 Cannery Row, Suite 105 in Monterey, will host the benefit event on Saturday, October 23rd from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The event will include a reception and Robert Lyn Nelson, the world-renowned artist, signing posters of his work. All proceeds from the event will go to the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation, a nonprofit organization that sponsors marine education and conservation initiatives. In addition to the poster signing, Sanctuary and Foundation staff members will be on hand to discuss marine sanctuary initiatives and new developments affecting the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

"The sea and its life is a source of endless inspiration, not just for artists like myself, but for everyone." Nelson said. "We must cherish the beauty of our coastlines and protect the oceans, which is why I?m happy to offer my time and work for the benefit of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary programs."

For further information contact:
Dennis Long
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation
djlong@pacbell.net
(831) 644-9600

Aaron King
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
aaron.king@noaa.gov
(831) 647-4257

Carl Brzovich
Robert Lyn Nelson Studios

The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3)corporation to further the awareness, understanding and protection of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Since it's inception the foundation has sponsored a variety of education and research projects, developed a series of products that educate the public about the marine sanctuary, and generated money to conduct additional outreach programs. More information may be found at: www.mbnmsf.org

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary was created in 1992 and is one of twelve Marine Sanctuaries nationwide, managed by the National Ocean Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOS/NOAA). The program mission is to manage marine areas of national significance to protect the ecological and cultural integrity for the benefit of current and future generations. More information may be found at: montereybay.nos.noaa.gov

Robert Lyn Nelson Studios is celebrating its fifth year in operation and the opening of a second showroom and new home for their corporate offices, based in Monterey. Throughout his career, Robert Lyn Nelson has shown a strong commitment to the National Marine Sanctuaries and is considered the originator of the modern marine art movement. For more information call 800-655-8530.

-- end --