Famed foodist Alton Brown will spend a little time drifting among the colorful reef fish inside the Tennessee Aquarium’sSecret Reef exhibit on Monday, August 20th to emphasize what’s at stake if people don’t make wise seafood choices. The SCUBA diving chef will discuss the new aspects of the Aquarium’s Serve & Protect sustainable seafood program and answer questions from the media during a 30-minute dive. Dr. Anna George, director of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, will host the discussion and highlight the progress that’s been made in the Chattanooga area during the program’s inaugural year.

This long-term program is designed to engage inland residents with information about marine ecosystems and savory seafood choices that can improve personal health while protecting wildlife downstream.

Alton Brown is a James Beard and Peabody award-winning writer and television personality who actively supports sustainable cuisine. He is the resident food historian, scientist and commentator on the Food Network series Iron Chef America and is the host/judge on The Next Iron Chef. He created and stars in the Peabody award-winning Good Eats, a smart and entertaining show that blends wit with wisdom, history with pop culture and science with common sense. As a SCUBA diver, Brown understands seafood issues and uses his celebrity to educate the public about ocean conservation. As a chef, he develops sustainable seafood recipes to spotlight tasty options.

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The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder, appreciation and protection of water and all life that it sustains. Admission is $24.95 per adult and $14.95 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX® 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are $8.50 per adult and $7.00 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $30.95 for adults and $20.95 for children. Excursions aboard the new River Gorge Explorer depart daily into “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.” Cruise tickets are $29.00 per adult and $21.50 per child (3-12). Advance tickets may be purchased online atwww.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities.