MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM • SPRING 2013
See Who’s Lurking in the Aquarium PAGE 16
Animal Rescue
PAGE 8
| Our Ocean Junkyards
PAGE 12
| Hawaiian Monk Seals
PAGE 18
F R E S H THOUGHTS: Sustainable Seafood Dining Series
JOIN US FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENING INCLUDING A WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION, A FOUR-COURSE MEAL PREPARED BY A LOCAL CHEF, COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS, AND AN EVENING STROLL THROUGH THE AQUARIUM. Baltimore: May 21 Washington, DC: June 19, September 25
AQUA.ORG/FRESHTHOUGHTS
Table of Contents
One Turtle’s Journey Follow sea turtle McFly as he makes his way back home.
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10 Behind the Scenes of National Aquarium Animal Rescue Interview with animal rescue expert Jennifer Dittmar.
16 An Up-Close Look at Lurking Take a look behind the glass of one of National Aquarium’s incredible exhibits.
22 Blacktip Reef Uncovered Get a glimpse of what is happening behind the scenes as National Aquarium creates Blacktip Reef. IN EV ERY IS S UE
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Animal Updates More on our little loggerhead!
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Aquarium Updates The latest news on shark finning in Maryland.
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Conservation Updates Four years, 81,268 grasses, and 5,902 trees—a look at the now complete Indian Head restoration.
Our Ocean Junk How plastic is affecting our waters. 6
Education Updates Bring your Aquarium experience home!
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Membership Updates Get insider parking tips now!
24 Photo Finish We’ve got our eyes on the Napoleon wrasse!
Do Hawaiian Monk Seals Have a Chance? The most endangered marine mammal in the U.S. needs help now.
ON T HE COVER
National Aquarium’s 50-pound black grouper is the largest fish in the Lurking exhibit, located in the Surviving Through Adaptation gallery.
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FROM THE CEO: A BLUE VIEW
MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
We can’t do it alone. And, as our recent Sea Turtle Trek shows, we don’t have to. National Aquarium Animal Rescue staff recently returned from a road trip with New England Aquarium to transport and release 52 endangered sea turtles off the Florida coast. The turtles that were transported for release were caught in a 2012 cold snap last fall that left a record-breaking 242 turtles stranded on Cape Cod’s northern shore, unable to continue their southward migration. These turtles were treated at many facilities along the East Coast, including National Aquarium, New England Aquarium, University of New England Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center, National Marine Life Center, Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, Virginia Aquarium, and South Carolina Aquarium. Every turtle saved is a victory that not only preserves the lives of these threatened species, but also helps to enhance our understanding of marine environments. Learn more about National Aquarium Animal Rescue in our feature, found on page 8.
A copy of the National Aquarium’s financial statement is available upon written request. Documents filed in accordance with the Maryland Charitable Organizations Solicitation Act may be obtained from the Maryland Secretary of State. © 2013 National Aquarium CFC # 11251 MCC # 4099 CCC # 4099 MANAGING EDITOR KATIE TURNER WATERMARKSEDITOR@AQUA.ORG EDITOR AMANDA FORR DESIGN MARYN JACOBS, NATALIE CASTALDO PHOTOGRAPHY GEORGE GRALL NATIONAL AQUARIUM INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS MR. ROBERT E. CARTER CHAIR MR. MARC BUNTING MS. JANE W.I. DROPPA MR. MICHAEL DUNMYER MR. ANDREW L. GOOD
Collaboration is key to the work we do at National Aquarium. We work with groups across the country on initiatives that are meaningful to our vision. While these organizations have diverse missions and methods, we all share one unifying theme—to protect and preserve our blue planet—and find meaningful ways to deliver on that promise.
MR. RANDALL M. GRIFFIN
At National Aquarium, we’re fortunate to serve as the National Wildlife Federation’s Maryland affiliate. As part of this partnership, we are a co-sponsor of the Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Resolution to assist in policy implementation and funding of programs to protect Hawaiian monk seals and their habitats (see page 18). We work with organizations in the Chesapeake Bay on wetlands restoration projects (find out how you can help on page 5). We successfully supported legislative efforts in Maryland to ban the possession and distribution of shark fins (get the latest on page 4).
MR. JOHN C. RACANELLI
Our important partner in this quest is you. Every day, through actions and financial support, our donors, members, and guests make the work of the National Aquarium possible. Thank you for helping us to live our mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures.
John C. Racanelli Chief Executive Officer
MR. FRANK A. GUNTHER MR. MOHANNAD F. JISHI MR. KYLE MUEHLHAUSER MR. DONALD PETTIT MR. J. SCOTT PLANK MS. DIANA RAMSAY MS. JENNIFER W. REYNOLDS MR. K. LEE RILEY, JR. MR. THOMAS ROBINSON MS. ANNA L. SMITH MS. TAMIKA LANGLEY TREMAGLIO MS. C. ELIZABETH WAGNER
National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. aqua.org BY PRINTING ON RECYCLED PAPER USING VEGETABLEBASED INKS AND WIND POWER, THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM SAVED THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES:
XXX XX XXXX XX,XXX XXXX
FULLY GROWN TREES ENERGY IN MILLIONS OF BTUS POUNDS OF SOLID WASTE GALLONS OF WATER POUNDS OF GREENHOUSE GASES
Impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Calculator. HEAR MORE FROM JOHN: AQUA.ORG/ABLUEVIEW
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100% RECYCLED FIBER
A N I M A L U P D AT E S
Little Loggerhead Each year, our Washington, DC, venue hosts and cares for a sea turtle hatchling as part of the Loggerhead Head Start Program. Our newest addition, Brownie, will be with us for 18 to 24 months, until the turtle is big enough to be satellite tagged and released into its new home, the Atlantic Ocean. Brownie may be little right now, but adult loggerheads average 250 pounds. As a part of our Amazing Experiences Sweepstakes, Darren B. from Williamsburg, Virginia, got to name the loggerhead!
Longsnout Seahorses Two of these small seahorses have been added to the National Marine Sanctuaries and National Parks gallery. They can grow to six inches long.
READ THE FULL STORY ON OUR BLOG: NATIONALAQUARIUM.WORDPRESS.COM
Lionfish Five lionfish have been added to the Hiding gallery in the Surviving Through Adaptation exhibit. In the wild, populations of this invasive species pose a serious threat to ecosystems in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
Sally Lightfoot Crabs Four sally lightfoot crabs have been added to the Surviving Through Adaptation exhibit. When grown, their shells will be 1.2 inches wide, allowing them to hide in crevices.
Yellow Sea Cucumbers The Pacific Coral Reef recently welcomed yellow sea cucumbers into the exhibit. These filter feeders can reproduce in two ways. They can release eggs and sperm into the water. Once the egg is fertilized and then hatches, the larva settles onto the sea floor and develops into an adult. They can also reproduce by splitting in half. During the waiting period to go on exhibit, they reproduced, increasing from 10 to 23 individuals!
Giant Pacific Octopus Flame Shrimp The flame shrimp is a bright and helpful addition to the Surviving Through Adaptation exhibit in Baltimore. Also called “cleaner shrimp,” flame shrimp feed on parasites that live on animals in the reef.
Bicolor Parrotfish The bicolor parrotfish that has just been added to our American Samoa exhibit can spin a cocoon around its body to hide its scent from predators.
No, the giant Pacific octopus that arrived at the Washington, DC, venue isn’t what you’d call giant...at least not yet. Guests can watch the octopus (just 1.5 pounds at arrival) grow up— and grow larger. In the wild, this species can grow to more than 500 pounds. WATERMARKS | SPRING 2013
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A Q U A R I U M U P D AT E S
Sea Turtle Experts Gather in Baltimore In February, National Aquarium co-hosted the 33rd Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. More than 1,000 scientists and conservationists from 75 countries attended the symposium presented by the International Sea Turtle Society. In addition to hosting a welcome social, National Aquarium CEO, John Racanelli, spoke at the event.
Shark Finning in Maryland Maryland has officially become the first East Coast state to ban the possession, sale, trade, and distribution of shark fins, providing critical protection to sharks and preserving the health of the world’s ocean ecosystems. National Aquarium CEO, John Racanelli, testified in Annapolis in support of the bill, which was approved by Maryland’s House of Delegates and Senate during the recent legislative session. Although “finning,” or the practice of slicing off the fin of a live shark and then discarding the animal at sea, is already banned in the United States, a thriving market for shark fin soup still exists globally and domestically that continues to fuel this inhumane and illegal practice. According to the Humane Society of the United States, current fishing methods, legal and otherwise, have led to declines of as much as 90 percent in some shark populations during recent decades. CONNECT WITH US: @NATLAQUARIUM #SHARKFINNING
119,648
In 2012, volunteers contributed 119,648 service hours to the National Aquarium, Baltimore— our highest number ever!
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Cuisine with a Cause The Oregon Grille Executive Chef, Matthew Siegmund, recently served up a delicious— and sustainable—dinner as part of the Aquarium’s Fresh Thoughts sustainable seafood dining series at National Aquarium, Baltimore. Guests dined on cornflake-crusted rainbow trout, baked choptank sweet oysters on the half shell, and cinnamon-butter poached rockfish with roasted acorn squash, and finished with
gianduja chocolate mousse. In addition to the excellent cuisine, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, a cooking demonstration by the chef, and a stroll through the Aquarium. Baltimore’s spring Fresh Thoughts dining series continues with Fleet Street Kitchen’s Chris Becker, slated for May 21. National Aquarium, Washington, DC, is also celebrating sustainable seafood with Chef Xavier Deshayes. He is creating innovative and environmentally conscious menus for the DC venue, featuring shrimp on June 19 and wild salmon on September 25. LEARN MORE: AQUA.ORG/FRESHTHOUGHTS
C O N S E R VA T I O N U P D A T E S
THOUGHTFUL CHOICES: S U S TA I N A B L E E N T E R TA I N I N G
As the weather starts to warm, many of us are beginning to think about spring parties and barbecues. The next time you invite people over, serve the memorable menu item your friends will talk about all year—delicious sustainable seafood.
Tilapia Tacos Chef Therese Harding, The Classic Catering People
Indian Head Restoration is Complete Four years, 81,268 grasses, 5,902 trees, 15 acres of shoreline, 662 volunteers, and we are finished! This project—to restore a riparian buffer (a bank of water that naturally filters out pollution and prevents erosion) along a section of the Potomac River—began when the Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head and Stump Neck Annex experienced severe erosion along their shoreline, weakening base infrastructure and threatening operations. The Aquarium was brought on to lead community-based, hands-on restoration events. Riparian buffers are environmentally critical to providing habitat for local wildlife and improving water quality. The buffer intercepts sediment and nutrients that can lead to what’s known as “dead zones.” The Aquarium has plans to return to NSF Indian Head and Stump Neck Annex to further monitor the success of the project. READ MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT ON OUR BLOG: NATIONALAQUARIUM.WORDPRESS.COM
Terrapins are in the Classroom This academic year, students from 32 schools welcomed baby turtles to their classrooms. In the Aquarium’s Terrapins in the Classroom program, hatchling diamondback terrapins, Maryland’s state reptile, are collected from Poplar Island and placed in schools. Students collect growth data on the terrapins, observe their behavior, and research their natural history. They learn
basic husbandry (animal care) skills and gain a unique connection to the Chesapeake Bay. At the end of the school year, students will release their terrapin back on Poplar Island. The good news is there are many ways that you, too, can protect diamondback terrapins. Help to ensure trash doesn’t end up in our waterways, practice terrapin-safe crabbing, and join the National Aquarium team at a conservation cleanup. LEARN MORE: AQUA.ORG/CARE
1 tablespoon ground chipotle seasoning 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon grated lime rind 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 6 six-ounce tilapia filets 1.
Combine the first six ingredients.
2.
Rub the mixture equally on both sides of filets. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.
3.
Cover the grill grate with aluminum foil and spray with a nonstick cooking spray, or use a fish basket for the grill.
4.
Over medium heat, the fish will cook quickly, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
5.
Serve with warm flour tortillas and your choice of toppings (try it with pickled red onion and jalapeños, tomatillo salsa verde, salsa roja, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded cabbage, or queso chihuahua). CHECK AQUA.ORG AND PINTEREST FOR MORE RECIPES AND SUSTAINABLE MENU IDEAS
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E D U C AT I O N U P D AT E S
Big Lessons for Little Learners
National Aquarium Participates in the Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association (MAMEA) Conference Marine educators from the Mid-Atlantic converged at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Laboratory in October for the 2012 MAMEA Conference, themed “Aquatic Conservation Science through Research and Education.” Participants heard from speakers such as Greg Kearns, who spoke about the osprey population of the Patuxent River, and Laura Baker, who spoke about restoration efforts at Poplar Island.
Our Aquarium on Wheels Students Attend Conservation Summit Aquarium on Wheels students and three staff members attended the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. Participants attended workshop sessions on fundraising, plastic pollution, public service announcements, conservation through art,
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branding, and marine debris prevention. The wide array of topics gave students a broad knowledge base to bring back to others in their program in order to create their own action plans. Aquarium on Wheels is an award-winning afterschool and summer program for Baltimore-area high school students. The program combines scientific research, conservation activities, job training, and the theater arts to promote environmental stewardship.
You’re never too young to learn about the wonders of our aquatic world! At 10:30 am on the first and third Friday of every month, National Aquarium, Washington, DC, offers Tots and Tales, a program specifically geared toward the small fry in your life. Included with admission, the programs are appropriate for children ages 2 to 5. Depending on the theme, the experience can include storytime, crafts, science projects, and a tour of the Aquarium. Upcoming Tots and Tales program themes include lobsters, alligators, sea anemones, and World Oceans Day.
EXTEND YOUR AQUARIUM E X P E R I E N C E AT H O M E 1. Get outside! Explore a local stream or waterway to look for reptiles, amphibians, and birds that make their homes near water, and see what fish you can spot swimming. 2. Check out books on marine life and the environment at your local library, and visit aqua.org/explore to learn about animals and fish that inhabit our local areas and beyond! 3. Attend an Aquarium program near you. We will visit libraries throughout the month of July. These are free, public events.
M E M B E R S H I P U P D AT E S
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Wishes for Our Fishes As a nonprofit organization, our needs are varied and always plentiful! By donating an item from our Wish List, you can provide needed supplies and materials that enrich the environment of our animals and help defray Aquarium costs. Contact Meghan Wall at 410-576-3839 or mwall@aqua.org to make a donation. CONSERVATION
The Perfect Gift for the Animal Lover in Your Life Show someone you care by acknowledging how much they care about animals! The season for graduations, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day is almost here, and adopting a National Aquarium animal is a way to celebrate your loved one’s love of the ocean. LEARN MORE: AQUA.ORG/AQUADOPT
Parking Tips Although the Aquarium does not operate its own parking facility, Lockwood Place Garage is our official parking partner.
Maximize Your Membership Excited to see our newest exhibit but not feeling so excited about the crowds? Memberonly evenings will be held in support of the opening of Blacktip Reef. Plus, be the first to know about upcoming events like curator talks, the Marjorie Lynn Banks Lecture Series, and member-only evenings! Send us your full name, member ID number, and email address to members@aqua.org.
To receive your Aquarium member parking discount: 1. Enter Lockwood Place Garage at 124 Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland (entrances on Lombard Street and Market Place), and take a ticket. 2. Bring your ticket with you and get it validated at the Aquarium member entrance. 3. Insert your validated ticket in the automated machines to receive your discount of 32–38%, rounded to the nearest whole dollar. Note: The discount varies according to duration of stay.
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Tarp for utility trailer Projector iPad
YOUTH PROGRAMS
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Garmin GPS units for Aquarium on Wheels and Henry Hall students Southwest Airline vouchers/airline tickets for Henry Hall program travel JoAnn Fabrics gift cards Fabric paints Camping gear including four-man tents, sleeping pads, camp stoves, and kitchen supplies
ANIMAL PROGRAMS
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Gift cards: Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, and Target 9 volt batteries Wooden toys specifically designed for birds Hand sanitizer—any brand with minimum 62% alcohol High quality digital camera
ANIMAL RESCUE
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All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) USB flash drives Fun holiday window decals or water animal decals for enrichment New or gently used kitchen knives
Oriental Sweetlips
Plectorhinchus vittatus
Ever have an amazing moment at the National Aquarium? A funny story? A wow-worthy moment? Share them with us! Your story may be featured in a future issue of Watermarks! Email members@aqua.org. WATERMARKS | SPRING 2013
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one turtle’s
journey
Last November, McFly, a loggerhead sea turtle, washed up on a Massachusetts shore. Flash forward just a couple months to January 14, and he was back at sea. Here’s McFly’s amazing story.
BY AMANDA FORR
Volunteers Alan McKenzie (left) and Chuck Erbe carry McFly back into the surf after his rehabilitation.
Rescue
A 51-pound loggerhead sea turtle washed up on a beach in Massachusetts, carried there by wind and water current. Suffering from injuries, lethargy, and mild cold-stun, he was unable to feed or swim. His luck turned around, however, when he was found and sent to the New England Aquarium rehabilitation facility. Later named McFly, after Marty McFly from Back to the Future, this loggerhead not only had a low body temperature of 60 degrees, but he had a right front flipper amputation likely due to a boat strike that occurred in the wild prior to his cold-stun. He also had carapace (or shell) lacerations, erosion in the keratin of his shell that went down to the bone, and a superficial wound on his head. That’s when it was decided that McFly would make his way to a temporary home-away-from-home: the National Aquarium Animal Care Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
Rehabilitation
The Aquarium’s Animal Rescue team transported him to our facility on November 19. Without intervention, this endangered loggerhead would have died. Instead, National Aquarium Animal Rescue staff put McFly on a get-healthy regimen that included treating his wounds, radiographs and blood analysis to make sure his bones were still OK on his amputated side, and evaluations to ensure his lungs were healthy after being cold-stunned (cold-stunned turtles often struggle with respiratory infections). He was also given regular ceftazidime injections, an antibiotic treatment for his open wounds.
Recovery
Once McFly started feeling better and regaining his strength, he proved to be a feisty addition to the Animal Care Center. His appetite quickly picked up, and he was eating about 1 pound of food per day, which meant lots of shrimp, squid, blue crab, and capelin.
With this diet, McFly gained a healthy 7 pounds. When animals are in rehab at the Animal Care Center, the length of their stay depends on a lot of factors including how quickly they heal and how bad their wounds and ailments are. McFly was deemed ready for release when his weight stabilized, his wounds had healed, and it was determined that he could retrieve food and dive, even with his amputation.
Release
Once our vets and staff cleared McFly medically, it was time to coordinate his release. His destination? Warm water. Planning the details of his return to the wild involved input from multiple stakeholders, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and many factors needed to be considered, including water temperature, staff resources, and other animals that were ready to be released. Ultimately, McFly was transported to Little Talbot Island north of Jacksonville, Florida, where the waters are warm and food is plentiful that time of year. On January 14, McFly and several other rescued turtles from the Virginia Aquarium and New England Aquarium were released back into the ocean.
Research
Even though McFly was rehabilitating at the National Aquarium for a short time, his influence continues. Because of the generosity of a donor, National Aquarium staff was able to purchase and attach a satellite tracking device to McFly. This small transmitter means we can track his location and speed to learn more about sea turtle migration and travel patterns. After release, McFly made a brief trip north to the Georgia coastline before circling back around and returning to the warm Florida waters. Where will he go next? Track McFly at aqua.org/McFly.
Keeping in Touch When the National Aquarium staff says goodbye to our rescue animals, we hope they’ll stay in touch. Not by visiting, of course, but through satellite transmitters that temporarily monitor reintroduced animals. Jennifer Dittmar of our National Aquarium Animal Rescue says, “The satellite tags are about $1,300 to $2,000 a piece. It’s like a cell phone—you pay for the transmitter, then you pay a monthly fee based on how much satellite time the tag uses, and they don’t have unlimited data plans.”
Despite the cost of the transmitters, the information gathered is extremely valuable. The devices allow Aquarium staff to monitor the data received and learn more about the animal, not only about its reintroduction to the wild but also about its travel patterns and behaviors. This information is studied at our facility and beyond, adding to the collective knowledge base about these marine animals. LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP: AQUA.ORG/ANIMALRESCUE
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Behind the Scenes of National Aquarium Animal Rescue Animal Rescue Stranding Coordinator Jennifer Dittmar on beaches, hatchlings, and saving endangered species.
Sea Turtle Trek! The National Aquarium Animal Rescue team was part of a caravan that took
52 turtles on a road trip down the East Coast to Florida for release. Made up of rehabilitated sea turtles from Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, South Carolina, New York, and three from National Aquarium, four Suburbans were loaded with
As a 5-year-old, Jennifer Dittmar got her first look at a beach—and her life was forever changed. Her family had saved for a Florida vacation, and the day before the big Disney visit, they hit the sandy shores. “[My parents] made the mistake of taking me to the beach first. I hated going to Disney. The morning we went to breakfast [at Disney World], I kept saying, ‘I want to go to the beach.’ I was just bawling.” Now, as Stranding Coordinator for National Aquarium Animal Rescue, Jenn gets to work at many beaches with the animals she loves. We sat down with Jenn to talk about animal rescue at National Aquarium.
authorizing facilities to do just that, and the National Aquarium was able to join the network of stranding partners. In the beginning, marine mammal trainers ran the program on their days off or after work with a team of volunteers. It has obviously grown since then. Right now, we have a team of about 80 volunteers and two fulltime staff members.
Tell me about the origins of animal rescue here at the Aquarium. The program was established in response to a mass death of bottlenose dolphins from 1988 to 1989. The government realized it didn’t have a good handle on marine mammal populations to really know if that die-off was a significant number of the population. They also realized there was a need for response and recovery organizations to facilitate the process of helping these animals. So NOAA started
How do you transport the animals? We transport them dry in lined crates with foam in the bottom and dry towels. We can transport them in a temperature-controlled vehicle, or we do have some private pilots who volunteer to fly to go pick up turtles and bring them to us.
That’s a lot of volunteers. What do they do? Volunteers are trained in animal care husbandry in Baltimore and as first responders in Ocean City. Most of our strandings occur on the Atlantic Coast.
What is your busiest season? Winter is normally what we would consider our busiest season because of seals. Not necessarily because there are a lot of seals
turtles and staff to make the journey. FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ON OUR BLOG: NATIONALAQUARIUM.WORDPRESS.COM
Guinness was rescued in March 2011 off the coast of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. He was rehabilitated after suffering from starvation and dehydration as a result of a broken jaw. He was released June 24, 2011.
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“All species of sea turtle are threatened or endangered. Every individual that we can get back out there is helping.”
requiring rehab, but because we do a lot of outreach to folks in our area who aren’t used to seeing seals on the beach. People call and tell me, “I’ve lived here for 30-some years, and I’ve never seen a seal on the beach. You have to come get this animal.” But it’s fine, it’s healthy, it’s resting. You don’t want to disturb an animal that’s in good body condition and appears to just be a healthy, resting animal. This year, you had a lot of turtles come in—16, with most from the New England Aquarium. The Northeast had one of the worst cold-stun seasons ever. Basically, a cold-stunned turtle is one who becomes hypothermic. They stop eating and they stop being able to actually swim, so pretty much they are just floating. When they come in, they’re really emaciated and dehydrated. Cold-stunning crashes their immune system, so they have a lot of pneumonias, blood infections, those sorts of issues. The thing about turtles is that they can withstand a lot, but they take a long time to heal. In addition to response and rehabilitation, what else is involved in the program? It’s not just bringing in animals and rehabbing them, it’s being on call every day to answer questions from the public, and we do a lot with the Department of Natural Resources to study health trends in the area.
What do you think makes the program so special? It’s really action-based conservation, especially in the arena of turtle rehab. All species of sea turtle are threatened or endangered. Every individual that we can get back out there is helping to add to the genetics of those populations, and then there’s also the research potential. We’re in a unique area in the Mid-Atlantic because we see these winter species come down from the north, like seals and porpoises, and in the summer we have warm water animals coming up, such as Florida manatees, which we see on a regular basis. How do you decide when and where to release the animals? We work in conjunction with our veterinary staff to medically clear an animal for release. And then we work with NOAA and our partners to find an appropriate time and place to release the animal. [In the winter], you obviously don’t want to release an animal off the coast of Maryland where they are at risk for becoming cold-stunned again, so we often travel to South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Do you ever get attached to an animal that’s in for rehabilitation? Not very often. They’re wild animals, and we have to treat them like wild animals. It’s hard for some volunteers at first not to treat them like pets. We make sure they maintain their wild instincts, but there is
that one animal every once in a while that you don’t want to give back. I’ll admit it. So do you give the animals names? The overall trend of naming animals has really changed within our industry because there has been a realization that the public is much more interested and involved if the animals have names. The current trend is to choose a theme and pick names based on that. Our theme is characters from ’80s movies. However, in the rehab area, they are still going to be known by their numbers. It makes it easier on the volunteers and staff. Tell me about the teeny tiny turtle we recently had in the Animal Care Center. This past year, Maryland had a loggerhead nest on Assateague. We’ve had several nests here and there in the last 20 years, but we’ve never known of a viable nest. They’ve all been either victims of predation, or they’ve been inundated by water, or the nests have been destroyed by storms. There were two live hatchlings, but the rest of the nest hadn’t actually hatched yet, so we brought the whole nest back here to incubate. In total, we had three live hatchings, but unfortunately two died. We had one who made it through, and after a month we transferred him to North Carolina to allow us the space to rehabilitate as many turtles from New England as we could. He was one that I didn’t want to see go, our first hatchling. But that’s what he’s supposed to do; he’s supposed to be released.
All About Animal Rescue Established in 1991, National Aquarium Animal Rescue is a part of the Northeast Regional Stranding Network. As a part of this network, National Aquarium is federally permitted by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to respond to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings. Our team of first responders is specially trained to evaluate an animal’s health and behaviors, looking for any signs of injury such as entanglement, sores or abrasions, open wounds, bleeding, cataracts, dehydration, or emaciation. The team will determine the appropriate intervention for the animal. Depending on its
condition, the animal may come back to our Animal Care Center for rehabilitation. If you see an animal that may be in need of medical attention, contact Maryland’s Natural Resources Police at 1-800-628-9944. If you do not have this number handy, call the local police or beach patrol and they will contact the proper authorities.
FOLLOW JENN ON UPCOMING RELEASES @JENNDITTMAR
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In 1900, plastic debris did not exist in the ocean. Today, hundreds of millions of metric tons affect our seas. The oceans need our help now. Imagine a stroll along the beach. You might picture a beautiful, uncluttered expanse of blue. The reality is that the ocean is a complex system filled with plants, animals, minerals, elements, and, yes, trash.
Within these enormous ocean junkyards, you aren’t likely to see giant pieces of plastic and other
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Plastics in our oceans are detrimental to animal populations. Some of these plastics are consumed by birds and animals and their young. A BBC news article states that Midway Atoll receives substantial amounts of marine debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a large gyre in the Central North Pacific Ocean. One-and-a-half million Laysan albatrosses inhabit the Midway Atoll, and researchers have concluded that every albatross has plastic in their digestive system. Approximately one-third of the chicks die on Midway, and the primary cause? Being fed plastic by their parents.
trash floating on the surface. Yes, ingestion and entanglement in larger types of marine debris is a major issue. But primarily, these garbage patches are made up of plastic that has broken down over time into smaller, sometimes microscopic, pieces. This plastic is suspended in a layer of the water column that reaches below the surface. Because most of the debris isn’t readily visible on the surface, the size of the garbage patch cannot be seen or tracked by satellite or aircraft. These plastic particles that circulate through oceans act as sponges for contaminants that have washed through our watersheds. These persistent organic pollutants adsorb into plastic in high concentrations. Once in the oceans, fish and other marine animals cannot avoid eating
TITLE GRAPHICS COURTESY OF JOSHUA SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
This trash often ends up in a gyre. Gyres are large areas of calm water that are encircled by ocean currents formed by the earth’s wind patterns and rotation of the planet. Debris that drifts into these gyres stays there for years—pushed gently in a slow spiral toward the center. Every ocean in the world has a gyre, with additional gyres near Antarctica and Alaska.
Very Real Cost
these minute particles, so plastic enters the ocean food chain at its most basic level. These fish are then eaten by other fish and organisms, delivering this pollution to our dinner plate. So who is responsible for cleaning up these oceanic garbage dumps? Because these gyres are so far from any country’s coastline, no nation has been willing to take responsibility. It’s up to concerned citizens to make this issue a priority. One group that has stepped up to inform and inspire the public about this issue is 5 Gyres (5gyres.org). Through events and other outreach
opportunities around the country, including at both National Aquarium venues in late 2012, the group aims to conduct research and employ strategies to eliminate the accumulation of plastic pollution. Since plastics are not going away, we as a culture need to figure out how to balance our use of these items with awareness and concern for their impact on the environment. This issue may seem insurmountable, but even one person cutting back on their plastic consumption can make a difference starting today.
29 billion
bottles are purchased every year in the United States.
WATERMARKS | SPRING 2013 13
Plastic pellets, called “nurdles,” are the most common bits of pollution in the oceans. These small, pea-size pieces are manufactured by the billions and used as raw material to make plastic goods.
9 Ways to Reduce You don’t have to just say no to all plastic…but you can say “not as much.”
❶ Use reusable bags, but not just for groceries. Take them everywhere.
❷ Only buying one eggplant? Skip the produce bag.
❸ Opt for reusable containers and
fabric wraps for your lunch instead of plastic bags and throwaways.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean is estimated to be twice the size of Texas.
❹ Skip the straw in your beverage (and the lid, too, if you can).
❺ If you’re dining on the go or
having lunch at work, keep a set of nondisposable plates and silverware for your meal.
❻ Get a reusable water bottle. ❼ Pick up plastic. Trash on the side of the road may end up in waterways.
❽ Contact your government
representatives to let them know how concerned you are about the health of our oceans.
➒ Create decorations with disposable products instead of tossing them. Check out great eco-friendly DIY projects on our Pinterest boards.
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Follow @natlaquarium on Pinterest and view our [inspire] reduce & reuse board for more ideas!
Americans purchase more than 29 billion bottles of water. Of that, only 13 percent are recycled.*
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization that inspires conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. *NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
EXHIBIT BREAKDOWN
Behind the Glass: An Up-Close Look at Lurking You’ll never look at Lurking the same way again.
E X H I B I T S TAT S BUILT:
2001
GALLERY:
Surviving Through
Adaptation GALLONS: FISH:
7,700 of salt water
30 total; 15 species
TEMPERATURE:
78 degrees
WINDOW ACRYLIC:
3 inches thick
Lurking is constructed out of a variety of fiberglass-reinforced plastics. The visible portions are made of flexible and rigid urethanes, and most of these are fiberglass-reinforced as well. Most visible portions are painted with epoxy paint. HABITAT:
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❷
❹
❶
❼ ❺
❸
❻
❽
Lurking is designed to show how animals utilize their surroundings and how predator and prey can live in harmony around sunken ships. Aquarist Allan Kottyan (pictured on the left) has been caring for animals at National Aquarium, Baltimore, for more than four years. The certified diver cleans the exhibit by hand approximately once per month using a brush to go over all the surfaces in the exhibit. The shipwreck’s ladder isn’t just for show—it’s how the aquarist gets in the water to do his dive!
❶ Black Grouper
Our grouper is about 20 years old and weighs 50 pounds. Says Allan, “He comes to the surface when feeding, and if I don’t feed him quickly enough, he will splash me with water. He also follows me when I clean the window in the morning.” aqua.org/black-grouper
❷ Fairy Basslet
These fish often hide in the shadows under rocks and are the smallest fish in the exhibit. aqua.org/fairy-basslet
❸ Creolefish
The vibrant creolefish actually looks gray at depths of more than 10 feet. aqua.org/creolefish
❺ Honeycomb Cowfish
Despite an extremely small mouth and an awkward body shape, Allan says this fish gets around the exhibit pretty well. aqua.org/honeycomb-cowfish
❻ Spotfin Butterflyfish
The spot on its back is meant to look like an eye to confuse predators as to which end is the front and which is the back.
Colors!
They may look vibrant to us, but redcolored fish are actually the first to lose their visibility in deeper, shadowy waters. This happens because water absorbs warm colors like reds and oranges and scatters the cooler colors. 0 FT —
50FT —
aqua.org/spotfin-butterflyfish
❼ Graysby
Eager to feed, the graysby goes to the same exact spot as soon as the aquarist appears to wait for food. aqua.org/graysby
❽ Striped Burrfish
100FT — 130FT
150FT —
Maximum depth for recreational diving.
200FT —
❹ Green Moray Eel
Named Willie, this eel likes to hang out in and under the pipes.
Called Aaron Burrfish, this fish moved to Lurking after getting picked on in another exhibit.
250FT —
aqua.org/green-moray-eel
aqua.org/striped-burrfish
300FT —
I A L WAY S WA N T E D T O K N O W
Why don’t they eat each other? It’s simple: We feed these guys well! And, since a newly introduced animal is more at risk of being eaten because of its stress level, we often put them in holders within the exhibit for a day before letting them swim free so the fish can settle in its new environment.
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Do Hawaiian Monk Seals Have a Chance? Fewer than 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals remain, making it the most endangered marine mammal in U.S. waters.
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Text excerpted from the December/January 2013 issue of National Wildlife. Š National Wildlife Federation 2013. Reprinted by permission.
‘
For generations, Hawaiians have called the monk seal ‘īlioholoikauaua, or “dog running in the rough sea,” a name this critically endangered marine mammal has certainly earned. Scientists and volunteers who now keep vigil
over the seals are trying to outmaneuver the species’ extinction in a rapidly changing and sometimes hostile environment by using a range of tactics—including relocating some seals to what they predict will be safer shores. On the rocky shoals and beaches of Hawai’i’s Northwestern Islands, where most of the state’s 1,100 remaining monk seals but few humans live, this pinniped’s population has decreased 4 percent a year during the past decade and an estimated 60 percent from the 1950s. Although these animals can live up to 30 years, here not more than one in five makes it past the age of 5 and into adulthood. The primary cause in the islands’ French Frigate Shoals, where at least a quarter of the seals live, has been that “pups and juveniles are just not getting the food they need,” says Charles Littnan, lead scientist for the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The researchers suspect that in addition to some marine species being overfished, during the past three decades rising ocean temperatures and the resulting changing ocean currents have not brought the influx of algae and plankton needed to support the fish, octopus, crustaceans, and other animals the seals eat. To make matters worse, a few rogue Galápagos sharks on two of the shoals’ islets have developed a startling hunting tactic of lunging into shallow water and onto beaches to snatch resting pups. As monk seals don’t walk on their flippers but rather galumph along in an inchworm-like crawl on land, they can’t easily escape. Galápagos sharks have injured or killed more than 200 of the estimated 800 pups born on the shoals during the past decade.
{4%
is the decline per year of the Hawaiian monk seal population in the last decade.
}
BACK FROM THE BRINK
THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM STEPS IN TO HELP THIS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SEAL. The decline of Hawaiian monk seal populations isn’t just a Hawai‘i issue—it’s a global issue. “The critical status of the Hawaiian monk seal warrants our immediate and prolonged attention,” says Laura Bankey, Director of Conservation at the National Aquarium, who goes on to explain that the fate of this species is intricately related to ocean health issues and to the pressures humans are placing on this animal. That’s why the National Aquarium is joining forces with organizations across the country to protect the monk seal. The National Aquarium is the Maryland state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), and, in this role, helps set NWF’s conservation policy priorities through an annual resolution process. At NWF’s annual meeting in 2012, the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, NWF’s Hawai‘i affiliate, approached the National Aquarium to be a co-sponsor of the Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation and Recovery Resolution. The National Aquarium readily signed on, and the resolution was unanimously adopted by the entire affiliate body. Through the Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation and Recovery Resolution, National Aquarium is calling for federal agencies to implement policies and funding mechanisms that will serve to protect Hawaiian monk seal habitat and promote the recovery and re-establishment of the species. According to National Aquarium’s Brent Whitaker, Senior Director of Biological Programs, it takes a multifaceted approach to aiding animals in need, such as supporting and advocating for the preservation of wild populations and the conservation of habitats and environments. “We promote animal care and animal welfare, not only for those animals in our collections but also those in wild populations for which we have great expertise. The seals we typically see in our region are very similar to the monk seal,” says Whitaker. “Our efforts are focused on connecting people and communities to the restoration and preservation of these habitats and the animals that live within them.” Even though you don’t live in Hawai’i, you can do your part. Dispose of your trash properly so it doesn’t end up in our oceans. When dining, opt for sustainable seafood to help support the healthy biodiversity of our waters. And above all, be informed. Educate yourself about these endangered animals and the reasons they are struggling, then share that knowledge.
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SEAL SIGHTING DOS AND DON’TS Harp, gray, hooded, and harbor seals can be spotted on MidAtlantic beaches from late winter through the spring. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, here’s what do to. DO stay at least 150 feet away from the seal. Seals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and it is illegal to disturb them. DO NOT make any loud or sudden noises. DO NOT approach a seal that looks to be in distress. The animal may flee, even if injured, decreasing the chances that a rescue team will be able to help. DO stay downwind from the seal if possible. DO keep pets on leashes. DO walk on the land side to avoid blocking its path to the water. DO NOT offer food to a seal—it’s not only bad for the seal, but it is illegal and could result in a large fine. DO examine the posture of the seal from a distance. When the seal is lying in a banana-shaped position with its head and body curved and facing upright, the animal is simply resting and will more than likely return to the water when ready. If a seal is lying in a “bear rug” position, however, with its stomach and head on the ground, contact Maryland’s Natural Resources Police at 1-800-628-9944. If you do not have this number handy, call the local police or beach patrol and they will contact the proper authorities.
To give the seals a fighting chance, NMFS researchers have camped on the Northwestern Islands each summer for more than 30 years, conducting not only population assessments but also rescue missions. They collect the seals’ feces and vomit to record what they have been eating, treat the sick or injured, deworm pups, and reunite pups and mothers. They also relocate some weaned pups from islands where survival is low to other northwest islets where the chance of survival is greater. On rare occasions, the scientists move overly aggressive males away from vulnerable pups. By tracking three generations of seals, says Littnan, “We now know that 18 percent of the seals are alive today because of our interventions.” But as the 2012 field season was cut to less than two months due to a lack of funding and bad weather, the scientists found only 105 pups alive, compared to more than 200 in previous years, and were able to relocate only two. Had they begun earlier, says Littnan, “We could have saved more seals.” In Search of Safer Shores During the past two decades, the number of monk seals has increased in the main Hawaiian Islands, where food is more plentiful. There, Littnan says, four out of five seals survive to adulthood and the population of about 200 is slowly growing. However, as monk seals have increased, so have their conflicts with people. Lloyd and Mary Miyashiro are among the 100 or so Marine Mammal Response Team volunteers who monitor the health and behavior of seals on the main islands for NMFS and the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. The couple has been watching over Kaua‘i’s monk seals for more than four years. When the seals come up on the beach each day to sleep, nurse pups, or molt, the volunteers search them with binoculars for scars, new wounds and shark bites, and entangled fishing gear or hooks embedded in their skin. They also collect feces and vomit from the seals and put up signs and ropes around sleeping animals to keep onlookers a safe distance away. They will often stay with their wards for hours to record the seals’ behavior and ensure their safety as they slumber.
{18%
of monk seals are alive because of intervention from scientists and conservationists.
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}
Be a social
butterflyfish.
NOW PLAYING! Join this wild 4-D adventure as the Pacific salmon endures its annual struggle to journey upstream on the west coast of North America. The Great Salmon Run is one of nature’s most amazing events as hundreds of millions of Pacific salmon return to the mountain streams in which they were born. Their passage is fraught with danger—from raging rapids and waterfalls to hungry grizzly bears. Other predators join the feast, including orcas, Steller sea lions, salmon sharks and the bald eagle.
The Great Salmon Run Photography: © Eric Baccega
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BEHIND THE SCENES
BY AMANDA FORR
Blacktip Reef Uncovered Aquarium guests don’t often see what goes on behind the scenes of a new exhibit…until now.
When Blacktip Reef opens, guests will have the opportunity to get up close with Baltimore’s own Indo-Pacific reef. Sleek blacktip reef sharks, graceful whiptail rays, darting tangs, and all of the other species make this colorful and diverse exhibit a must-see. Though the public will experience this vibrant exhibit for the first time starting this July, Blacktip Reef has been years in the making. From reimagining what has been the centerpiece of the Aquarium, Wings in the Water, to selecting and then caring for the animals that will eventually call the new exhibit home, there’s much more than meets the eye to Blacktip Reef. “Our goal was to create something new for our guests, featuring sharks in an ocean habitat, as well as an experience that would advance our mission and conservation message,” says Scott Perich, Senior Director of Exhibits and Design at the National Aquarium. The result is a multi-sensory experience that reveals the amazing beauty and diversity of a healthy, protected reef. From the Ground Up Once the decision was made to replace
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Wings in the Water with an Indo-Pacific reef exhibit, it was time to put what had previously been just plans and concepts into action. “Though the basic architecture remains, the experience is completely different,” says Perich. “We want to convey a sense of place through rich, realistic habitat and a compelling collection of animals.”
life-support systems were decaying, so the defunct components were removed and the old exhibit acrylic recycled.
First, the animals of Wings in the Water had to be moved. Georgia Aquarium and Ripley’s Aquarium welcomed rays from our exhibit. Bonnethead sharks now reside in Atlantic Coral Reef, and some rays were relocated to Shark Alley, while 490-pound green sea turtle Calypso and zebra sharks Zeke and Zoe were temporarily moved behind the scenes until Blacktip Reef is finished.
A New Look The goal, when planning the experience, was to provide guests with rare, close-up views of animals and habitat. The result is three impressive views, each one providing a different perspective. The underwater viewing area, which includes a new 28foot acrylic bubble window, takes guests beneath the surface and into the reef for spectacular views of reef animals. But just getting that window into the Aquarium was no easy feat. The side of the building was opened, and the large window lifted up using a system of pulleys and a crane.
Once the animals were safely removed from Wings in the Water, it was time for demolition. The more-than-30-year-old concrete and
As the exhibit took shape, the intricate reef was being constructed by fabricators in California, as well as our own fabrication
DID YOU
know?
Keeping National Aquarium favorites Calypso, Zoey, and Zeke as a part of the new
“We want to convey a sense of place through rich, realistic habitat and a compelling collection of animals.”
exhibit was a priority when planning Blacktip Reef. Calypso got a special surprise
shop in Baltimore. A team of designers and fabricators is creating coral for Blacktip Reef, constructing and painting realistic— and safe—habitats for our animals. That includes natural places where the animals can feel at home.
where our medical team does a visual assessment, takes measurements, and draws blood. This quarantine process varies in length of time depending on the animal, but all species must go through it before they can be on exhibit.
in her pool—she was intro-
Creating a Happy Habitat A new exhibit with a living aquatic collection involves more than just construction. Developing and maintaining a healthy and diverse Indo-Pacific habitat where the animals can thrive is a complex and wellorganized process.
Once the animal is given a clean bill of health and is settled into its temporary home in the Animal Care Center, target training begins. The animals learn to respond to cues to ensure each animal gets the proper food and medication, as needed. For the blacktip reef sharks, that means responding to a white buoy; for the fantail ray, a round, green target signals that it is time to eat.
Every item, down to the tini-
Aquarium curators chose 20 blacktip reef sharks as the centerpiece for the exhibit. These sharks grow to between 5 and 6 feet and form small, active packs that energize the exhibit. These sharks are found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, hanging around reefs to feed. Young blacktip reef sharks arrived at the National Aquarium from Australia with a stopover in Los Angeles for a water change before taking up residence at our Animal Care Center. The blacktip reef sharks aren’t alone there. They share a pool with a large fantail ray. Other animals destined for Blacktip Reef have been housed in the facility since as early as December 2011. When new animals first arrive, every effort is made to match the new pool water to the water they arrived in to allow for easier acclimation to their new environment. Every animal has a wellness exam
The animals also have to get used to divers in their environment. Some animals, like the fantail ray, are not as comfortable with divers, while Calypso and the Napoleon wrasse are very curious. Aquarium divers routinely get into the pool so animals can adjust to what will be a common experience in Blacktip Reef. Putting Everything Into Place Once the exhibit is completed, habitat installed, and water added, the animals move in. The entire process is carefully orchestrated over a couple months, starting with the smallest animals. They go first to find safe havens in the exhibit; then, slowly, the more predatory animals are added. The animals are carefully monitored, not only when they are first introduced to their new home but long after the grand opening— the daily work necessary to maintain a thriving reef is just beginning.
duced to pieces of the habitat to make sure she wouldn’t try to eat or destroy it.
est piece of fabricated coral, that goes into the exhibit undergoes an extensive testing process to ensure a safe and healthy habitat for the animals. Making sure that 20 blacktip reef sharks are properly fed and healthy isn’t easy. To help aquarists care for the sharks, an intern sat and studied the blacktip reef sharks for hours, diagramming their subtle differences, like the patterns on their dorsal fins, to help staff identify each individual. Watch videos on the making of Blacktip Reef and meet the animals that will call this Indo-Pacific reef home.
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PHOTO FINISH
Napoleon Wrasse Also known as the humphead wrasse, this reef inhabitant is at home in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. The endangered species can live for more than 30 years and grow to more than 6 feet and 400 pounds. This large fish will be living alongside blacktip reef sharks and all the other species, large and small, in our newest exhibit, Blacktip Reef.
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Always an affair to remember.
Amazing things happen.™ Plan your next event at America’s aquarium. Call 410-576-3869. PARTNERING WITH:
aqua.org/catering
501 East Pratt Street
| Baltimore Maryland 21202
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The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures.
EXPAND YOUR EXPERIENCE! DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER The Dolphin Encounter brings guests side by side with trainers in a hands-on training and play session.
DOLPHIN MORNINGS Start your day with our dolphins! Enjoy an interactive program with trainers.
DOLPHIN SLEEPOVER Get the inside scoop on our dolphin family, enjoy reserved seating in the dolphin amphitheater, and fall asleep next to these beautiful marine mammals!
SHARKS! BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR
Immersion Tours take you behind the scenes.
SLEEPOVER WITH THE SHARKS Take a nocturnal prowl through behind-thescenes areas with an expert guide, and slumber as sharks swim close by.
GALLERY TOUR The Gallery Tour gets you in before the doors open to the public. Enjoy a guided tour and see our most popular exhibits before other guests arrive.
GUEST DIVER PROGRAM Experience the best diving in Maryland in one of the Aquarium’s most popular exhibits—the Atlantic Coral Reef.
Get uncomfortably close to our shark collection with an expert guide, and dare to walk the catwalk as sharks swim silently below! Visit aqua.org/immersiontours for a complete list of programs, dates and prices. Call 410-576-3833 for reservations.