Riverhead - Atlantis Marine World welcomes Philippe Cousteau, grandson of the legendary Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, at our Shark Week Live! Kick-Off Celebration on Saturday, July 31.

In honor of Discovery Channel's 23rd Annual Shark Week (kicking off Sunday, August 1), come see the Chief Ocean Correspondent for Planet Green dive with sharks, host a meet and greet, and premiere the first episode of this year's Shark Week programming, exclusively for Aquarium guests.

Shark Week has become an annual rite of summer, and what better way to celebrate than a fun-filled day at Atlantis Marine World.

From 12 noon to 2 p.m., Meet and Greet with Philippe Cousteau in the Main Aquarium At 2 p.m. don't miss a very special screening of the premiere episode of Shark Week Programming in our Riverfront Room. At 3 p.m. Shark Dive! commences. Watch Philippe Cousteau experience our one-of-a-kind Shark Dive program with one very special winner. Fans of the Aquarium's Facebook page can find more details online and enter through Thursday, July 29.

Throughout Shark Week (August 1 through August 7), guests are invited to have fun with the whole family while learning about these amazing animals. Listen to divers talk while surrounded by sharks in our shark exhibit, dive inside the very same exhibit with our Shark Dive experience, swim along with sharks in our Pirate Snorkel Adventure, or touch them at our Ray Bay interactive tanks.

About Atlantis Marine World Aquarium
Atlantis Marine World (AMW), now celebrating its tenth birthday, opened in Riverhead, New York on June 15, 2000, as the first large-scale Aquarium to open in New York State in more than 35 years. Situated on 3.2 acres along the Peconic River, AMW is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed December 25). General Admission Rates are $18.50 (plus tax) for Children three through 17 and Seniors 62+; $21.50 (plus tax) for Adults 18 – 61; Children two and under are always free at AMW. AMW is also the home of The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, New York's only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center. Atlantis Marine World was recently ranked by Parents Magazine as one of the "Top Aquariums for Kids." Additional information can be found at www.atlantismarineworld.com.

About Philippe Cousteau
Philippe Cousteau is the son of Jan and Philippe Cousteau Sr., and the grandson of Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau. As a member of the legendary family, Philippe is continuing the work of his father and grandfather by educating the public about environmental and conservation issues, and inspiring individuals to become better stewards of our water planet. Philippe is the Chief Ocean Correspondent for Planet Green, where he is creating a series of ocean documentary programs. He is also president of EarthEcho International, a non-profit environmental education and conservation organization founded by Philippe and his sister Alexandra in memory of their father.

About Discovery Channel's Shark Week
Discovery Channel's Twnety Third Annual Shark Week, cable's longest-running event, will feature six premieres this year, plus some fan favorites. Kicking off the week on Sunday, August 1, at 9 p.m. is Ultimate Air Jaws where shark expert Chris Fallows and filmmaker Jeff Kurr (Air Jaws, Air Jaws 2) investigate aerial attacks with an array of new HD cameras. Also, this year find out what really happened in 2008 when sharks mistook four people for prey off the Pacific coast in Shark Bite Beach. The week also includes some of the most popular and memorable programs from past years.