Mystic -- As part of Mystic Aquarium's Conservation in Action speaker series, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D- Conn., will speak Tuesday night about the effort to designate the New England Coral Canyons and Seamounts area as the nation's first Marine National Monument in the Atlantic Ocean.

Also speaking will be the aquarium’s Senior Research Scientist Peter Auster, who is among those trying to convince President Obama to make the designation before leaving office. There will also be a question-and-answer session followed by a reception with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Located 150 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, the area hosts forests of ancient, fragile corals and a wide variety of marine life. 

The Conservation in Action speaker series features guest speakers who share their experiences with and contributions to conservation. 

Those wishing to attend the event should RSVP Dale Wolbrink at dwolbrink@mysticaquarium.org or (860) 694-9011.