Noahs' Ark Project out of Panacea put up a fight in a national competition for several hundred thousand dollars, but when the dust settled this afternoon, they unfortunately didn't come out on top.

Those at the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab were up for a $250,000 grant from Pepsi's Refresh the Gulf Campaign, but after several weeks competing, the project didn't make to the top two spots.

As the contest closed, the project ranked 14th out of over a thousand entries.

Another fundraiser is being held to help the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab fund it's project. See the press release below for details.

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Press Release:

WHO: BALI HI Trading Company, The Other Side Vintage, Shops & Studios at Railroad Square Art Park

WHAT: Party In The Park For Noah’s Ark Festival in the Railroad Square Art Park

WHEN: Sunday, September 12th from noon 5p.m.

WHERE: Railroad Square Art Park, 565 Industrial Dr, Tallahassee FL 32310

I would like to inform you of the Party In The Park For Noah’s Ark. I know that it is a bit of a mouthful but it is a wonderful and worthy event. This festival will be held on Sunday, September 12th from Noon – 5pm. There will be music throughout the park, many food vendors, pets and fun things for children of all ages.

This event is a benefit to help Anne & Jack Rudloe and the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories. They call it Operation Noah’s Ark. They are attempting a multi-pronged approach to combat the effect of the oil spill. First they will collect aquatic species before oil saturates the coast and research aquaculture of species in order to reintroduce species into the Gulf after the spill is contained.

Second, they will reinvigorate the local fisheries and jobs by reintroducing larval shrimp and other sea life to repopulate aquatic life for the ecosystem and the fishing industry.