Watermarks Fall 2014

MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM • FALL 2014

AT HOME WITH OUR GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS PAGE 8

THE WEIRD AND WILD WORLD OF SHARKS 14 / UNDERWATER NOISE POLLUTION 20

So Many Ways to Save Animals, Promote Conservation and Protect our Planet.

DONATE YOUR DOLLARS Your tax-deductible gift will help the National Aquarium, a nonprofit organization, inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures.

SHARE YOUR SHARES Invest in the National Aquarium by donating appreciated securities— and enjoy the tax benefits.

MEMBER

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP Your thoughtful act will enable friends or family to experience all that Aquarium membership has to offer.

GO CORPORATE Corporate memberships offer amazing benefits for your company, employees and clients.

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT WITH COMPANY MATCH Take advantage of your employer’s matching gift program to increase the size of your donation.

ADOPT AN ANIMAL Aquadopt an animal of your choice—dolphin, puffin, shark, frog or turtle—to help support its daily care.

PLAN FOR THE LONG TERM By including a bequest to the Aquarium in your estate plans, you are helping to provide for a healthy future.

TO LEARN MORE OR MAKE A DONATION, VISIT AQUA.ORG/SUPPORT OR CALL 410-659-4204.

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

14 BEHIND THE MYTH The truth about sharks.

22 20 F EAT URES

I N E V E RY ISS U E

20 THE ROAR BENEATH THE WAVES

2 FROM THE CEO Aquarium CEO John C. Racanelli on what it means to care.

Sounding off on noise pollution and its effects on ocean inhabitants.

3 ANIMAL UPDATES Meet the newest members of the Aquarium family.

22 THE ULTIMATE RELAY RACE For monarch butterflies, migration takes serious teamwork.

4 AQUARIUM NEWS Remembering Sue Hunter, and an update on BLUEprint.

10 EDUCATION Guests get up close and personal with exhibit animals.

11 CONSERVATION The Aquarium’s work continues on behalf of the Bay.

12 SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: DIAMONDBACK IN THE ROUGH A closer look at Maryland’s most celebrated turtle.

6 IN FOCUS

O N T H E COV E R A giant Pacific octopus has three hearts, nine brains, eight arms and one beak.

Meet Richard Schwartz: donor, 26-year volunteer and former employee and board member.

25 PHOTO FINISH Check out one of the most beautiful—and toxic—frogs in the animal kingdom.

8 B EHIND THE SCENES: KEEPING UP WITH CORDELIA Inside the world of the Aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus.

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FROM THE CEO

MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

The Aquarium community is made up of passionate staff, volunteers, members, donors and guests who not only believe in our mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, but also actually live it, day in and day out—people like Richard Schwartz (see profile on page 6), who has served in all of the above roles at one time or another, and Director of Animal Programs Sue Hunter, an employee and friend who was taken from this world far too soon (a tribute to Sue is on page 4).

It is through the generous commitment of time and talent by people like Richard and Sue that the Aquarium is able to make good on our promise to protect, preserve and restore the health and abundance of aquatic treasures worldwide, starting with our own national treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. But those with 25 or more years of remarkable service are not the only heroes in our National Aquarium community.

Thousands contribute energy to our conservation and education programs, and we are grateful beyond words. Our work to grow this important and engaged community is never done.

Take, for example, our recent World Oceans Day celebration. Aquarium guests and members helped to create a massive art sculpture of our beloved sea turtle, Calypso, made entirely of upcycled materials like plastic bags. Affectionately called “Fauxlypso,” this community art project taught people about the impact of marine debris on our waterways and wildlife (see a picture on page 5). Our hope is that through personal experiences like these, a lifetime of caring about the ocean and all of its inhabitants can take root.

As you page through this issue of Watermarks, you will learn about the facts and myths surrounding sharks (page 14), gain insight into the fascinating lives of octopuses (page 8) and marvel at the wonder of monarch butterfly migration (page 22). In all, we hope you’re inspired to take personal action on behalf of these treasures, whether through donating to your favorite conservation organization, participating in one of our shoreline cleanups or using reusable and recyclable goods whenever you can.

As Richard and Sue have so magnificently demonstrated, the actions of one person can be incredibly powerful. What will your contribution be?

Our work to grow this important and engaged community is never done.

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. © 2014 National Aquarium, Inc. CFC #11251 MCC #4099 CCC #4099 EXECUTIVE EDITOR AMANDA FORR EDITORS MELISSA VALLIANT, ASHLEY GOETZ CONTRIBUTOR NABILA CHAMI ART DIRECTOR NATALIE A. CASTALDO DESIGNERS ASHLEY STEARNS, AIMEE SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHERS J. BRYAN BARNES, TRACEY BROWN, GEORGE GRALL COPY EDITOR CHRIS M. JUNIOR NATIONAL AQUARIUM INC. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS ROBERT E. CARTER (CHAIR) JANE W. I. DROPPA (VICE CHAIR) JENNIFER W. REYNOLDS (IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR) TIMOTHY ADAMS MARC BUNTING KEITH CAMPBELL DAVID CHURCHILL COLLEEN DILENSCHNEIDER MICHAEL DUNMYER NANCY GRASMICK FRANK A. GUNTHER, JR. (LIFE DIRECTOR) CHARLES KNUDSEN, III DONNA MORRISON KYLE MUEHLHAUSER MARK MULLIN JOSEPH NIGRO KALIOPE PARTHEMOS MARIANELA PERALTA CHARLES A. PHILLIPS J. SCOTT PLANK JOHN C. RACANELLI DIANA RAMSAY THE HONORABLE STEPHANIE RAWLINGS-BLAKE THOMAS E. ROBINSON MS. TAMIKA LANGLEY TREMAGLIO JAKI ULMAN C. ELIZABETH WAGNER

National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures.

— John C. Racanelli Chief Executive Officer ACCREDITED BY

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100% RECYCLED FIBER

A N I M A L U P DAT E

HOSMER’S SKINK BABY

This little lizard, shown with its mother, is one of two babies born behind the scenes of Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes. While many lizard species lay eggs, Hosmer’s skinks are unique in that they have live births—usually one to four babies at a time. The young are currently being raised off exhibit until they are large enough to go on display.

RED-BELLIED PIRANHAS

Ten of these toothy fish were added to the Upland Tropical Rain Forest exhibit. Though they’ve developed a reputation as fearsome predators, red-bellied piranhas actually pose little risk to humans.

Insects, worms, crustaceans, other fish and even plants, on the other hand, are typical piranha prey.

WOLF EEL

One of the Pacific Northwest’s most territorial creatures has been added to our Kelp Forest exhibit. Called a wolf eel, these animals are actually part of the Anarhichadidae family of “wolf fishes” and live in rocky crevices of shallow to moderate depth. They’ve earned a bit of a bad reputation for the brazen way they guard their homes and have even been known to attack small sharks that attempt to enter their caves.

MARY RIVER TURTLE

The Mary River turtle’s name refers to its very small range—it’s found only in the Mary River of Queensland, Australia. The National Aquarium is one of the few places outside of Australia that has this species on display—a newly acquired pair recently joined a lone female in the Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit.

The Mary River turtle is threatened by habitat loss due to the construction of dams and predation of eggs by feral pigs.

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AQUARIUM NEWS

Remembering Sue Hunter Respected director of Animal Programs mourned by friends and colleagues.

For 28 years, Sue Hunter embodied the National Aquarium’s commitment to the best standards of animal care and well-being. Starting as a volunteer aquarist in 1986 and later hired as a mammology aide in 1988, Hunter served in a number of roles before becoming director of Animal Programs, the position she held until she passed away on September 1.

“Throughout her career, Sue was dedicated to the highest levels of animal care, service to others and building an outstanding team of professionals in the Marine Mammal and Animal Program departments,” says National Aquarium CEO John C. Racanelli. “She was a rare human being who understood non-humans in a way that few do.”

At the Aquarium, Hunter was responsible for the care and training of our colony of bottlenose dolphins and of the variety of land animals in our Animal Programs department, combining psychology, biology, positive reinforcement and animal care to create a healthy animal collection. She was also the chair of the Aquarium’s Animal Enrichment and Training Committee, which coordinates training and enrichment of other species, such as birds, primates, fish and reptiles. Over the

years, she published journal articles and presented papers on subjects ranging from animal behavior to dolphin cognition.

A lifelong animal advocate, Hunter dedicated her life to their welfare, both within and beyond the Aquarium’s walls. With husband Chuck Eicholz, she ran Misfits Animal Sanctuary for years, caring for stray and abandoned animals, from hamsters to horses, and finding them homes.

“Sue had such a calm, balanced and kind demeanor that charmed both animals and people,” says Liz Evans, manager of animal training.

“Her passing has left a huge hole in our hearts.”

Hunter was a Marylander, a graduate of Meade High School and an alumna of the University of Maryland with a degree in zoology.

She was a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a founding member of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance and supported many animal welfare and rescue organizations.

The Aquarium community will miss Hunter’s easy smile, quiet competence and remarkable talent. Her memory will inspire us to maintain, as our highest priority, the well-being of the animals in our care.

BLUEPRINT: AN UPDATE FOR OUR MEMBERS B Y J O H N C . R AC A N E L L I , C E O

Our members received communication earlier this year regarding our exciting and far-reaching strategic planning process called BLUEprint.

In the coming months, we will continue to work with our board and design partners on an action plan that incorporates the four pillars of BLUEprint: the future role of aquariums, planning for the next 30 years at our Baltimore campus, defining a new presence in Washington, D.C., and securing the future of our dolphin colony.

One aspect of this that has received much attention in the news and on social media is the question of whether we will be relocating our dolphins. At this time, we are still in the initial stages of inquiry. An important workshop held in May brought together a diverse group of experts and assessed an array of possible options for the future of our dolphins. We don’t have a decision yet, as we are still delving into some very complex, important questions around potential locations, waterquality needs and necessary preparations for transition and acclimation.

In addition to the formidable talent we have on staff, we are working with outside experts in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and behavior, ecology and even maritime engineering.

Since announcing BLUEprint in May, the response we’ve received has been incredibly strong and positive, including international inquiries 4

WATERMARKS | FALL 2014

from those interested in what we will do next.

This is a long-term visioning process that began with an exploration of the best ways to fulfill our mission, remain relevant to a changing audience and provide the best care for our animals. In the next phase, called Schematic Design, we will develop the concepts more fully, with careful inquiry into feasibility, constructability and funding potential. This will take approximately one year.

The National Aquarium depends upon support from a variety of sources, including members and donors, to maintain a world-class facility, make necessary capital improvements and further our role as a conservation organization dedicated to a healthier planet. Through BLUEprint, we are focused on ensuring the wisest investment of those resources that you, our dedicated supporters, provide us. Your support helps us every day in our mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, and we thank you for all that you do on our behalf.

AQUARIUM NEWS

SCULPTING SOCIAL CHANGE Calypso inspires community art project completed

by World Oceans Day festival-goers.

Art creates conversation—the kind that breaks cultural, social and educational barriers. It makes people re-evaluate their perspectives. And that’s exactly what the National Aquarium did on June 7 and 8, with the help of interdisciplinary artist Kasey Jones.

The graduate teaching assistant at the Maryland Institute College of Art led a community art project for our World Oceans Day celebration, a weekend-long outdoor festival dedicated to protecting our blue planet. Jones designed a largescale model of our own Calypso—the 500-pound green sea turtle living in our Blacktip Reef exhibit—and solicited the help of festival attendees, who filled the foundation with more than 4,000 recycled plastic bags.

Her aim: To create awareness around the harmful impact plastics have on sea turtles and other animals. Festival-goers who pitched in became part of a larger conversation about how sea turtles are mistaking plastic bags for jellyfish, one of

their major food sources.

Plastic debris is responsible for over 100 million marine animal deaths each year, and the problem appears to be getting worse—a study published in Conservation Biology last year indicated that sea turtles are swallowing plastic at twice the rate they did 25 years ago.

Oceanic leatherback and green sea turtles, like Calypso, are at the greatest risk of being killed or harmed from ingested marine debris, and these two species are already endangered.

The solution lies in the efforts of individuals—80 percent of plastic debris in our oceans originates on land. If we all reduce our use of plastics—and reuse and recycle the plastic we can’t avoid—we can prevent the pollution from harming our ocean’s amazing animals. Missed our World Oceans Day celebration? You can still catch a glimpse of “Fauxlypso,” as we like to call her, online.

Visit aqua.org/blog to watch a video of the art project in action.

2013 Annual Report Now Available Online A LOOK AT LAST YEAR’S SUCCESSES Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at the Aquarium? Our 2013 Annual Report reveals all the tiny details involved in our day-to-day operations—and you can view it online at aqua.org/annualreports.

Titled “The Power of One,” the report chronicles last year’s successes and littleknown facts surrounding our water-quality management, guest services, animal care, opening of Blacktip Reef, education programs, conservation initiatives and animal rescue efforts.

Find out what Calypso, our 500-pound green sea turtle, loves to eat—hint: it’s not just lettuce!—and learn how we annually produce 1.8 million gallons of homemade seawater for our various exhibits and backup areas. We share the story of one of our recent animal rescues and uncover how our team uses satellite tags to track these rehabilitated animals once they’re released back into the wild. Plus, you’ll learn how many animals were born in the Aquarium last year and how our conservation initiatives affected change throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The main theme of the 2013 report: Every detail and every individual matters. As a nonprofit organization, the National Aquarium carries out its mission only with the support of donors, members, staff and volunteers. All of our achievements last year, and every year, are made possible through the generosity and dedication of these individuals, corporations, foundations and partners.

Visit aqua.org/annualreports to learn more.

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IFNR O FM O CTUHSE C E O

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GIVING IT HIS ALL

When it comes to the Aquarium, you name it, Richard Schwartz has done it: board member, donor, employee and volunteer.

B Y M E L I S S A VA L L I A N T

Photographed by Tracey Brown

I

f you’ve ever visited the National Aquarium on a weekend, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered Richard Schwartz. He’s often roaming the walkways of Shark Alley on Saturdays, carrying something resembling an archaic weapon and presenting it to inquisitive guests. Don’t worry—he’s a volunteer. And the “weapon” is actually the rostrum, or nose extension, of a sawfish, a type of ray that’s frequently mistaken for a shark and is recognizable by the saw-like appendage protruding from its body.

Schwartz has been a volunteer exhibit guide at the Aquarium since 1988 and loves using props to engage guests. That said, sometimes the exhibits do the work for him. Take the tarantula in Upland Tropical Rain Forest, for instance. Partially hidden within a log, the large arachnid often goes unnoticed. Schwartz loves exposing its hiding place to surprised guests and observing the variety of reactions. “Some people get scared,” he says. “Some run past me.

Others are like, ‘Where? Where is it?’”

As a 26-year volunteer, Schwartz knows all the ins and outs of the Aquarium. But his role in the organization’s history extends far beyond that of other veterans—because he’s played all the roles: volunteer, paid employee, board member and donor.

Back in 1990, just as personal computers were entering offices worldwide, the Aquarium hired Schwartz as a paid employee. He was tasked with purchasing the organization’s first PCs and setting them up for staff. You might say he was our first IT specialist.

A decade later, he found himself on the board of directors, where he remained a member for AS A 26-YEAR VOLUNTEER, nine years. But his involvement with the Aquarium didn’t stop SCHWARTZ KNOWS ALL THE INS there. In addition to offering his time, effort and guidance, AND OUTS OF THE AQUARIUM. Schwartz has helped fund several of our exhibits. His first donation dates back to the early 1990s, when he presented the Aquarium with a generous monetary gift to support the development of our dolphin exhibit. It was dedicated to his parents, Joseph and Corinne Schwartz, who were also devoted philanthropists and had instilled in Richard the importance of giving.

In fact, the Schwartz family’s gifts to the National Aquarium predate the building’s opening in 1981. Joseph was searching for a way to give back to the city of Baltimore around the time of the Aquarium’s construction and made a donation to help fund one of the first exhibits. He and his family were given the full tour before opening day, igniting that first spark in Richard that led to his longtime relationship with the organization.

In addition to what’s now called Dolphin Discovery, Richard’s donations over the years have helped fund the opening of a North American tide pools exhibit called Children’s Cove and the award-winning Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes.

Next on his radar: Living Seashore, the exciting new exhibit slated for spring 2015. This highly anticipated addition to the Aquarium is being built with the help of Schwartz’s philanthropy. “I think it’s going to be a killer exhibit,” Schwartz says. “I can’t wait to see it.” In fact, he’ll probably be working it, so stop by and say hello! You’ll certainly learn something.

New Interactive Exhibit Slated for Next Year The National Aquarium’s newest addition, opening in spring 2015, will give guests the opportunity to really get their hands wet. Called Living Seashore, the interactive exhibit will feature two touchpools and a variety of hands-on experiences, leading guests on a journey beyond the boardwalk to the crashing waves, sandy beaches and shifting dunes of the ever-changing Mid-Atlantic seashore.

With the guidance of Aquarium interpreters, guests will be able to get a feel (literally) for typical shoreline inhabitants. They’ll touch the hard shell of a horseshoe crab, the pointed spines of a sea urchin, the bell of a moon jelly, the smooth wing of an Atlantic stingray and more.

“When you touch an animal or see it, it’s a different experience,” says longtime Aquarium donor and 26-year volunteer Richard Schwartz, whose generous philanthropy is helping support Living Seashore’s creation. “That’s why I think people always want a book. You know you can read a book on an iPhone or an iPad, but it’s not the same thing—at least to me—as turning those pages.”

The 2,700-square-foot exhibit will introduce guests to approximately 150 animals and include a digital interactive in addition to animal touch encounters. To learn more, visit aqua.org/livingseashore.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

KEEPING UP WITH CORDELIA With eight arms and an impressive IQ, our giant Pacific octopus keeps guests—and aquarists—on their toes.

B Y A M A N DA F O R R

T

lines going through her. Her skin can change he space is cavernous and dark, form, too, and kind of match the rock.” with rock formations creating And even though octopuses are nocnooks and crannies. The water turnal, you’re just as likely to find Cordelia hovers at about 50 degrees, and in her eight-armed glory spread out in pebbles cover the seafloor. In other words, the exhibit during your visit. “She is very ideal for a giant Pacific octopus. “They personable and curious,” Webster says. “She tend to stick close to a den,” explains Katie Webster, aquarist at the National Aquarium. is usually up and about wandering almost all day long—that’s Cordelia for you. She’s She’s been caring for the giant Pacific a hoot. She’ll spread out across the front octopus exhibit for almost two years and window and people can see her suction cups named her charge “Cordelia,” which means independently moving.” “daughter of the sea.” “They find a home What you won’t find, though, is another that’s big enough for them and stick very octopus in there. “You don’t want any other close to that area. That’s why the system octopus, fish, anything else in the system itself is actually perfect for her. She can still with her because she will eat them,” Webster travel just by going around, but ultimately she has a home.”

Visitors to the National Aquarium "SHE’S A HOOT. SHE’LL SPREAD OUT who see Cordelia nestled in the upper ACROSS THE FRONT WINDOW AND right corner of her exhibit are actually PEOPLE CAN SEE HER SUCTION CUPS seeing her in her den, a space that is INDEPENDENTLY MOVING.” clearly her domain as evidenced by her — KATIE WEBSTER, AQUARIST protective behavior and camouflaging efforts. “When I am says. Her only roommates? Sea stars and cleaning the gravel in her system, she will plumose anemones. spread herself out so that she is covering up Instead, Cordelia dines on a diverse diet that whole area, and she starts getting that of fish, shrimp, clams, crabs and squid six rockwork look to her,” Webster says. “She days per week. “We keep it mixed up,” Webchanges color so you can kind of see white 8

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BEHIND THE SCENES

THE OUTSTANDING GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS These sea creatures start the size of a grain of rice and grow to be quite remarkable, from head to sucker.

HEART Octopuses have three hearts: one for circulating blood throughout the body and two to the gills.

BEAK

BRAIN The nervous system includes a central

Octopuses use their

brain and a large

hard beaks to break

ganglion at the base

up prey. With no

of each arm that

bones, an octopus

controls movement.

can fit through any space large enough

ster explains. “If we have it the same every single day, it gets old, and you can actually tell when she’s like, ‘Oh, I had this yesterday.’

And nutrition-wise, you want to give her a wide variety of food.”

Cordelia also plays with an array of different toys each day. Webster says, “We change them up, but she has some favorites.

Every giant Pacific octopus we’ve had loves this big green ball. It has holes in it, so it can sink, and then she has a little tugboat that she likes to hold on to.”

In addition to toys, Webster will put together puzzles for Cordelia’s enrichment, like a peanut butter jar with holes in it, complete with a treat. “She has to figure out how to get in and get the treat that’s inside,” Webster says. “Once she gets that down, then you make it harder. ” It’s clear that giant Pacific octopuses are smart—smart enough even to outsmart their aquarists now and again. “I was giving a behind-the-scenes tour, and I was feeding her and just talking to everybody,” Webster remembers. “I went down to grab another piece, and there was no more food in there.

She had it in her arms. She had figured out where I kept her bin, and she had reached in, grabbed it and pulled it back out. They’re very smart, very intelligent creatures, so I had to learn to move the bin around.

“They are truly amazing animals,” Webster continues. “For an animal to be able to do all of those things, it is incredible.”

to fit its beak.

SUCKERS Adults have more than

ARMS

2,000 suckers, which

The eight arms

can both feel and taste.

(and they are arms,

On males, the third

not tentacles)

arm clockwise from

can operate both

between the eyes has

independently

no suckers on the end.

and together to accomplish tasks.

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E D U C AT I O N

BREAKING BARRIERS Animal Encounters deliver up-close-and-personal interactions.

B Y M E L I S S A VA L L I A N T

the opportunity to see them up close but also to ask questions about Margaret the hyacinth macaw takes her role of greeter very serithe various species and their habitats. ously. A social bird by nature, she’s comfortable with guests and “Some of my favorite reactions are when I ask a group of young enjoys greeting them at opening time every morning. She’s one children to try to smell like a snake,” says Visitor Programs Manager of the many animals involved in the National Aquarium’s Animal Megan Anderson. “I ask them to stick out their tongues and then ask Encounter program, which takes place on the building’s Level 1 them if they smell anything. Many of them are so young and eager to Harbor Overlook. be like snakes that they enthusiastically “In the wild, macaws are very social nod ‘yes,’ that they can smell with their and live in large flocks,” says Liz Evans, tongues. I find it very inspiring to see so manager of animal training. “Since Mar“SINCE MARGARET LIVES many young children being so enamored garet lives at the Aquarium, people are her ‘flock,’ and she gets excited about going out AT THE AQUARIUM, PEOPLE with snakes that they want to be able to smell like them.” on the floor and meeting new people.”

Visitor Programs Specialist Colline Every day, adults and kids gather in the ARE HER ‘FLOCK.’” Emmanuelle recalls a particularly fond Overlook to get up close and personal with — LIZ EVANS, MANAGER OF ANIMAL TRAINING memory of one of her bearded dragon everything from pythons and skinks to encounters. After explaining to the crowd hyacinth macaws and jellies. These Animal that these reptiles reside in Australia, a Encounters give guests a more intimate little boy approached her to inform her interaction with Aquarium inhabitants, allowing them to really see the texture of scales and feathers, look into of her mistake. They live in castles, he said, not Australia.

“We also get a lot of guests asking if the animals are real,” Evans animals’ eyes and learn their individual names from the presenters. says. “They can’t believe that something so amazing would actually be Australian lizards, snakes, desert geckos, turtles, tortoises, terrapins alive and right in front of them.” and frogs are just some of the creatures that participate in these preMany of the Aquarium’s Animal Encounter stars are rescues sentations. By breaking down the exhibit barriers, guests not only get or former pets, so they’re already accustomed to being handled.

Animal Programs staff always ensure they’re comfortable “onstage” and don’t exhibit signs of stress when presented. Those that aren’t familiar with being in the limelight go through a process called desensitization in which they’re gradually introduced to different scenarios, such as being touched, picked up, carried in their transport containers or exposed to the sights, sounds and smells of groups of people.

The Aquarium’s animal care staff occasionally teach the animals different behaviors to engage guests in the presentations. Joey the turtle is currently learning how to make an entrance by walking through a small door in the presentation area. Through target training, staff use food rewards to coach him into touching a red target pole with his nose. Each success is rewarded with a turtle treat. The target is then moved, and he follows it for the promise of another snack.

Eventually, he’s guided to a certain location or in a certain direction.

“Each encounter is carefully crafted in order to provide an intellectual and emotionally engaging experience,” Anderson says. “On a basic level, we hope guests learn more about the fascinating creature in front of them. Our main goal is to have the guests feel more connected to the animal on a personal level and ultimately be more inspired to care for the animal and its ecosystem.”

C O N S E R VAT I O N

Stepping Up for Sustainable Seafood Generous donation funds the startup of the sustainable seafood program.

A SEA TURTLE’S COMPLEX CASE Last December, a cold-stunned sea turtle came to National Aquarium Animal Rescue suffering from hypothermia and a fractured shell. Blade, as the team named him, began to heal, but in mid-February, staff noticed that his health had started to decline.

After running diagnostics, they discovered that Blade had a bacterial infection in his blood—a resistant strain of Enterococcus bacteria. The digit joints on his front flippers began to swell, and he stopped using his front limbs—a rarity in sea turtles.

Digit infections don’t usually impact their ability to swim.

A CT scan and radiograph showed that the same bacteria in Blade’s blood was causing the digit infections, which had spread to his shoulder joints. Through aggressive antibiotic therapy, our veterinarians were able to heal the infections, but Blade still refused to use his front flippers. Thus, the team initiated physical therapy.

Following an MRI to make sure there were no organ or brain abscesses, he was given the all-clear, but his shoulder joints appeared abnormal. The team continues to work with Blade in the hope he’ll one day be ready for release.

Follow his full story at aqua.org/blog.

Bringing Back Bay Habitats This past June, in partnership with

“Biohuts provide a solution to bring

ECOCEAN and Biohabitats Inc., eight

back lost aquatic habitat to the urban

Biohuts were installed in the water

waters of the Inner Harbor,” explains

along the National Aquarium’s Pier 3.

National Aquarium General Curator

A Biohut is a cage filled with oyster

Jack Cover. They provide a base for

shells that acts as a substitute for lost

filter feeders—such as oysters, mussels

oyster reef habitats.

and barnacles—to attach and grow.

Before this section of the Patapsco

These species act as water filters,

river basin was developed, it consisted

removing algae from the Bay and

of shallow tidal mud flats with slop­

creating a healthier harbor.

ing shorelines and abundant marsh

The Biohuts also provide food and

grasses. Healthy waters sustained an

refuge for neighboring species, includ-

array of life.

ing larger predatory fish like American

To support the development of

eels, white perch and striped bass.

a growing city and robust shipping

Our team is monitoring the Biohuts,

industry, the harbor bottom was

and they’ve already seen positive

dredged to allow ships greater access

results. During a recent check, they

to the shoreline. The once gradual

found white-fingered mud crabs, grass

sloping shores were replaced by steep

shrimp, white perch, banded killifish, an

vertical walls.

Atlantic silverside and American eels.

Thanks to a gift from the Dana DiCarlo and Scott Plank Family Foundation and their urban development company, War Horse, the National Aquarium is launching a sustainable seafood program this year.

As part of this program, the Aquarium will develop enhanced education programs to help people better understand their seafood options.

It will also work to expand those choices through partnerships that link local fishermen to local markets, improve opportunities for restaurants to serve local seafood and explore enhancement opportunities associated with sustainable local aquaculture.

“We are excited to be undertaking this important program and appreciative of this generous investment,” says Eric Schwaab, senior vice president and chief conservation officer for the National Aquarium. “Connecting people to local, sustainable seafood is good for our community, good for our oceans and a great way to get people to think about our role in addressing ocean challenges and opportunities.

This program will complement renewed national attention to sustainable seafood and improved traceability.”

Through a focused effort to build an integrated, local sustainable seafood program, those in the Chesapeake Bay community will be at the forefront of a national movement to protect the quality of local waters, support sustainable seafood production, reduce dependence on imported seafood and enjoy increased health benefits. The National Aquarium aspires to be a leader in combating mislabeling, seafood fraud and the entry of black market, non-sustainable fish into our restaurants and markets.

Says Aquarium board member Scott Plank, “The National Aquarium’s location on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is daily motivation to act locally within our own Chesapeake Bay watershed and to think nationally and globally, driving our mission.”

Updates on the sustainable seafood program will be posted at aqua.org/blog.

AQUA.ORG

11

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

DIAMONDBACK IN THE ROUGH TERRAPIN POPULATIONS ARE ON FIRMER GROUND, BUT THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE.

BY ASHLEY GOETZ

I

Senate President Mike Miller, Maryland Sen. Roy Dyson, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, National Aquarium General Curator Jack Cover and Gov. Martin O’Malley at the 2007 bill signing for the ban of the commercial harvest of terrapins.

n a muddy coastal marsh off the Atlantic, shoreline grasses wave gently in the warm summer breeze. A small turtle pops its head above the water for a gulp of air before diving swiftly back beneath the surface. Deriving its name from the distinct diamond pattern of its shell, the diamondback terrapin is the only North American turtle known to spend its entire life in this brackish, or slightly salty, water.

Terrapins live along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Corpus Christi, Texas. With seven recognized subspecies, they are distinguished not only by their shells but also by the characteristic dark markings on their white or gray skin.

Each varying in color and pattern, no two terrapins look exactly alike. Large, webbed feet make these reptiles adept swimmers, a necessary skill for enduring the strong currents and tidal flows of their habitat.

In colder parts of their range, diamondback terrapins burrow in the bottom mud to hibernate throughout the frigid winter. By dramatically slowing their metabolism and absorbing dissolved oxygen from the water through their mouth lining and tail openings, they can survive completely submerged for months. The terrapins emerge from hibernation in the early spring just in time to mate.

COMMERCIAL COMMODITY

At the National Aquarium, you’ll find a terrapin roaming the Tidal Marsh exhibit, regularly feeding on a hardy diet of shrimp and smelt, sometimes paired with mackerel, herring or capelin. But at one point in time, terrapins were the featured first course.

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WATERMARKS | FALL 2014

Their highly developed leg muscles were prized for soup stock, and the demand for terrapin stew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries resulted in dramatic population declines. A major commercial fishery developed to satisfy the growing market, making terrapins one of the most economically valuable reptile species in the world.

Adult terrapins were being removed from the wild faster than they could reproduce, reducing the populations to dangerously low levels. This unsustainable practice made terrapins increasingly rare. Prices skyrocketed to the point that their harvest was no longer profitable. Some speculate that the removal of sherry, a key ingredient in terrapin stew, from the market during Prohibition also played a part in the popular stew falling out of favor.

The decline in demand provided a much needed respite for wild terrapin populations to begin to recover. However, in recent years, Asian buyers connected with U.S. seafood suppliers have fueled another unsustainable terrapin commercial fishery overseas.

In response, the National Aquarium and others successfully lobbied for the complete closure of Maryland’s terrapin trade. On April 24, 2007, Gov. Martin O’Malley signed a bill into law ending Maryland’s commercial harvest of terrapins.

Today, you’re much more likely to find a diamondback terrapin in the wild than on your dinner plate.

THOUGHTFUL FISHING

But terrapins still face challenges. A crab pot rests at the bottom of the Aquarium’s Tidal Marsh exhibit, illustrating an important

TERRAPINS

the variety of life these natural places support.

Tidal marshes are teeming with life, home not only to diamondback terrapins, but to countless other species as well, including blue crabs, muskrats, otters, ducks and a variety of fish. They serve as a buffer between Bay waters and land, dissipating wave energy, slowing tidal waters and preventing shoreline erosion during high tides and storms.

Known colloquially as nature’s nurseries, estuaries provide safe shelter for many animal moms to raise their young. Eggs tucked in tall grasses or nestled in the mud beneath the murky water are less susceptible to predators.

Abundant plant life provides a bounty of food and shelter, making tidal marshes ideal stopovers for migrating birds as they travel the Atlantic flyway.

message about Maryland’s crab fisheries.

These traps are a common sight in Maryland waters. But they spell trouble for diamondback terrapins, who can easily become trapped and drown if unable to swim to the surface for air.

Primarily used by commercial crabbers, crab pots are efficient for catching blue crabs.

Soon after the rise of the commercial crab trap, the state passed a law prohibiting their use in the Bay’s tributaries, but an exception was later given to waterfront property owners.

These recreational crabbers are allowed to cast two crab pots from their private piers— the very creeks and tidal marshes terrapins inhabit. To prevent the unnecessary drowning of terrapins and other turtles unintentionally caught in the traps, Maryland now requires these crab pot entrances to be equipped with a bycatch reduction ring, or turtle excluder device (TED). This simple device allows crabs to enter the trap while keeping air-breathing terrapins out. Unfortunately, surveys show that this law has a low compliance rate.

Reinforcing turtle-safe crabbing practices is just one step toward protecting terrapins.

Preserving estuaries and beaches where these turtles live and nest is also critical, because of

D OW N T H E L I N E

The Tidal Marsh exhibit is part of a larger gallery: Maryland: Mountains to the Sea, which depicts habitats from around the state, traveling down the mountains of western Maryland, through the Chesapeake Bay watershed and into the Atlantic Ocean shelf.

The gallery’s natural progression shows how each waterway connects, ultimately leading to the ocean. No matter where we live, our actions impact our waters. By making mindful choices, we help preserve these natural places and the amazing array of life they sustain—like that of our cherished diamondback terrapin.

This is a turtle excluder device, or TED, which can be attached to the opening of a crab pot.

Also called a bycatch reduction device, or BRD, it decreases the size of the trap’s opening, allowing crabs through while keeping terrapins out.

AQUA.ORG

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BEHIND THE MYTH

Sensationalized stories have left us with an exaggerated fear of sharks, but these remarkable animals warrant a closer look. Sharks are curious creatures—and with more than 400 species to discover, you’ll find that they don’t fit their frightening reputation after all.

BY ASHLEY GOETZ

PICTURE THIS: A sea of swimmers runs terrified from the water as a deep red hue muddies the breaking waves, presumably from the most recent, young victim of a shark attack.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

T

hat grizzly scene is straight from the movie “Jaws.” And even if you’ve never seen it, you probably know the startling image of a great white—the shark made famous by this film—plunging from the water, mouth agape and lined with razor-sharp teeth.

When Peter Benchley wrote “Jaws” —a novel that famed director Steven Spielberg would later turn into the ’70s Hollywood blockbuster—it’s doubtful he grasped the impact it would have on generations of beachgoers to follow.

Sharks have always been a great mystery of the deep and, until that time, had remained largely out of the public eye. Suddenly, they were immortalized as the ocean’s greatest danger, mindless and ferocious killers wreaking havoc on innocent swimmers.

This perception of sharks as voracious predators is one that perforated the media and has stuck with the public ever since. In most cases, sharks are offered up as fearsome creatures of the sea—a gross misrepresentation that has caused a lot of trouble for these animals.

Let’s face it: Sharks are battling a bad rap, and it largely boils down to a lack of information. There’s a plethora of rumors about these majestic animals—one of the most common being that they are

16 16 WATERMARKS WATERMARKS || FALL FALL 2014 2014

killers with an insatiable hunger for humans.

But in fact, the likelihood of being killed by a shark is one in 3.7 million. That staggering number could explain why we rarely see sharks in the news except when the report of an attack surfaces. Perhaps shark attacks are newsworthy by virtue of how infrequently they actually occur.

Sharks are thoughtful and engaged hunters, and some of them can be very picky eaters. “Some sharks are generalists, while others are more selective,” says Holly Bourbon, the National Aquarium’s curator of large-fish exhibits and dive operations. “Great whites in South Africa, for example, may prefer Cape fur seals during the winter months but change their diets to include fish, rays and other sharks in the summer months.”

A quick look at a shark’s teeth can hint at what they’re most likely to eat. Some sharks have long, pointed teeth perfect for catching a slippery fish. Others have serrated teeth intended for tearing through tougher prey. Sharks that are known to feed on crustaceans and other small, shelled animals have flatter teeth designed for crushing.

Many sharks will also go after old, injured or unhealthy animals

A N I M A L U P DAT E

THE LIKELIHOOD OF BEING KILLED

BY A SHARK IS ONE IN 3.7 MILLION. AT R I S K Humans actually pose a much greater threat to sharks than sharks do to humans.

In the United States, there is only about one shark-related fatality every two years.

Last year, according to the International Shark Attack File, there were just 10 sharkrelated fatalities worldwide. Compare that to the estimated more than 100 million sharks killed annually, many the product of shark culling, shark finning and unintentional bycatch.

Culling in countries like Australia arose in response to a culture of fear as a way to manage the potential threat that sharks pose to humans. The government-enforced policy uses baited, floating drum lines to capture and kill sharks deemed too large or dangerous. Many conservationists criticize the controversial practice of shark culling as misguided and a danger to shark populations.

Shark finning, the act of slicing the fin off a shark, has long been practiced around the world. Shark fin soup is considered a delicacy and symbol of wealth in China. When a shark is finned, it’s usually thrown into the ocean, but even then, it’s unlikely to survive. With its

that make for easier targets. In the process, they’re helping to regulate the ecosystem— eliminating competition, eradicating disease and maintaining balance in the food chain.

The bottom line is that most sharks maintain a pretty strict diet, and humans aren’t on the menu. Sharks want the most bang for their buck, so they’re not going to expel energy on a meal that won’t sustain them for a number of days. Fish, seals and other marine mammals make good candidates.

In the instance that a shark does accidentally bite a human, curiosity is usually to blame. As humans, we explore our environment with our hands. Sharks are inquisitive animals, too, but they use their mouths and teeth to decipher their surroundings.

“What most people don’t realize is that when a great white bites something unfamiliar—be it a person or a crab pot—they’re looking for tactile evidence of what that thing is,” Bourbon explains.

She describes the manner in which a great white might bite a human as a “leisurely and non-dramatic behavior” compared to the pulverizing force that same shark would use when pursuing prey.

fin removed, a shark struggles to swim. Often, it sinks to the bottom of the ocean where it dies from suffocation or blood loss.

Though some states, including Maryland, have passed laws banning shark finning, to date there is still no federal legislation in the U.S. to protect sharks from this cruel practice.

Because of their slow reproductive rates, sharks are extremely vulnerable to overfishing. They are slow to mature, and with fishing practices like these left unfettered, they face increasing population pressures.

Between 1986 and 2000, scientists noted that the population of great white sharks alone in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean had declined by more than 75 percent. A report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature released in 2009 indicated that nearly one-third of sharks are threatened with extinction.

A CLOSER LOOK Misinformation abounds when it comes to sharks, and it goes far beyond their dietary preferences. The quintessential image of a shark—large with smooth gray skin, powerful movements, strong jaws and a mouth overflowing with teeth—is a description that applies to only a few species.

There are more than 400 species of sharks, and they don’t all resemble a great white.

Sharks range in size and shape, color, temperament, range and diet, among other attributes..

In the National Aquarium’s Blacktip Reef

Y O U A R E M O R E L I K E LY T O . . .

BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

BE KILLED BY A CHAMPAGNE CORK

CONTRACT WEST NILE VIRUS

GIVE BIRTH TO QUADRUPLETS

GET HIT BY AN ASTEROID

DIE FROM A FALLING COCONUT

T H A N T O D I E F R O M A S H A R K AT TA C K .

AQUA.ORG

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exhibit alone, there are four different species of sharks, each very different from the next.

The blacktip reef sharks are small and sleek.

Unlike many solitary species, these schooling sharks can often be seen hunting in groups.

The exhibit is also home to two zebra sharks, so named for the stripes they are born with that gradually turn to spots as they age. The other two species, a tasseled and an ornate wobbegong, may be the exhibit’s most unusual. With fringe-like extensions resembling coral along their snouts, these sharks are well-camouflaged in a reef.

Shark diversity in the wild is astounding.

Did you know there is a species of dogfish shark found in the Caribbean Sea that reaches only about 8 inches when fully grown? This dwarf lanternshark is the smallest known species of shark, but it’s not alone. In fact, more than 50 percent of sharks are less than 3 feet long.

There are a few behemoths out in the ocean, too, but size doesn’t always indicate aggression. The whale shark is believed to be the largest, reaching lengths of more than 60 feet (that’s bigger than a school bus!). But what’s most surprising about this shark is what and how it eats—its small teeth playing virtually no role in the process.

Whale sharks are filter feeders whose diet consists mostly of microscopic plankton and phytoplankton, as well as the occasional crustacean or small fish. When feeding, these sharks open their mouths and suck in water like a vacuum. The excess water is expelled

through the gills, leaving just the food behind.

Another unique species, the goblin shark, is rarely seen due to its deep-water habitats but has a lineage dating back about 125 million years. With pink-tinted skin, a long, protruding snout and a wide caudal (or tail) fin, the goblin shark is arguably one of the most bizarre-looking sharks in the sea.

That barely scratches the surface of the incredible diversity of sharks roaming the ocean. The angel shark’s flattened, wing-like body resembles that of a skate or ray (both close relatives of sharks). The cookiecutter shark is small and bioluminescent, with photo-

became interest, because I wanted to understand them. The animals I gravitate toward now are the misunderstood ones.”

T H E G R E AT U N K N O W N It’s these misunderstood animals that need our attention the most. Sharks have been around for a long time—so long, in fact, that they predate the dinosaurs by 200 million years. But there’s still a lot we don’t know.

“We have a national park system on land that’s existed for a long time,” Bourbon explains. “The general public has been able to get there, to visit. Access to the ocean is much more difficult.”

While there is still a lot we have yet to learn, scientists are making enormous strides in the study of sharks. In just one example, they are working to replicate the dermal denticles (the millions of scales that cover a shark’s skin) to craft swimsuits with less drag that increase a swimmer’s speed in the water.

The more we know about sharks and understand their critical role in the ecosystem, the greater drive there will be to protect them. “It’s all about education,” Bourbon says. “Sharks perpetuate a more diverse environment because they keep a sort of check and balance. Much like any system, you take one predator out, and you have a whole ecosystem unbalanced,” she explains.

When we turn away from fear and embrace curiosity, we become advocates for sharks and other species that make our ocean a lively place worthy of exploration.

MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF SHARKS ARE LESS THAN 3 FEET LONG.

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WATERMARKS | FALL 2014

phores—or luminous spots—on its underside that glow green.

Frilled sharks have a body reminiscent of an eel, with a set of ruffled gills and needlelike teeth. The thresher shark’s tail comes to a sharp point and can equal the length of its entire body. And who isn’t familiar with the hammerhead, so aptly named for its distinctive head shape?

Sharks exist in a number of variations, but the media’s linear coverage of sharks overshadows some of the amazing truths we know about these animals—and just how much we still have left to learn.

“I used to be afraid of sharks because of ‘Jaws,’” Bourbon says. “But then that fear

Make your next event a destination.

Call 410-576-3869 or visit aqua.org/catering.

SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A DOCTOR FOR A DAY—AN ANIMAL DOCTOR, THAT IS!

Visit aqua.org/immersiontours or call 410-576-3833 to book your tour today.

The

beneath the waves The sound level below sea level isn’t what you might expect.

B Y M E L I S S A VA L L I A N T

20 WATERMARKS WATERMARKS || FALL FALL 2014 2014 20

A N I M A L U P DAT E

On the surface, the vast

with each other. Research indicates the

expanse of ocean may

“acoustic bubble” of right whales in this

seem calm and tran-

area—meaning the distance over which

of dollars researching the effects of sonar

quil—an oasis from

whale calls can travel and be heard—has

on marine mammals, it’s unlikely it will stop

the perpetual buzz

shrunk by 80 percent. To compensate, these

using this tactic anytime soon. The issue

of human activity

endangered mammals have begun “shout-

was actually taken to the Supreme Court in

on land. But below

ing” over the din, significantly increasing the

2008, and the majority agreed that the con-

the façade of gentle

volume and frequency of their calls.

cern of military preparedness outweighed

In other places of the world, seismic

waves and rippling

desperate attempt to escape the noise.

Although the Navy has spent millions

the potential environmental repercussions.

tides lies a cacophony of

survey operations are adding their own dis-

However, environmentalists have had

sound, an unrelenting whir-

turbances to the mix. Oil companies search

some success in mitigating the problem.

the seafloor for oil and natural gas using

“The Navy has now agreed to conduct envi-

barrage of shrill whistles. Anthropogenic, or

airgun arrays, which fire ear-splitting sound

ronmental impact statements for all sonar

man-made, noise has infiltrated this under-

pulses through the ocean’s depths. Blasted

exercises on its U.S. coastal ranges, which is

water world, leaving its inhabitants with the

every 10 to 60 seconds for days or months

much more than they did in the 1990s,” says

clamorous consequences of commercial

at a time, it’s enough to send whales fleeing

“War of the Whales” author Joshua Horwitz.

shipping, oil and gas exploration, construc-

their feeding grounds.

ring occasionally perforated by a

tion and military sonar.

The International Fund for Animal

But perhaps the most powerful and con-

Welfare also states in a 2013 report that

troversial form of noise pollution resonates

“the Navy is studying frequency response

to survive the ocean’s dark depths through

from the governmental body protecting

issues in whales, particularly beaked whales,

an acute sensitivity to sound. Their ability to

another species of mammal: us. The U.S.

presumably with an eye toward finding a

hunt, navigate and communicate depends

Navy has come under fire in the past two

less dangerous frequency to transmit at.”

on their capacity to hear. An inability to

decades for its use of sonar, which it has

do so can prompt them to vacate their

employed since the Cold War to detect

habitats, possibly abandoning a rich food

enemy submarines over great dis-

source in the process; worse, it could lead

tances. In the same way bats

to accidental collisions with ships due to

use echolocation, these

a failure to distinguish mechanical sounds

sonar systems transmit

from natural ones.

sound waves hundreds

Aquatic animals have evolved over time

Sixty years ago, this wasn’t an issue. The

of miles through the

loudest noises entering their environment

water to reveal any

originated from waves, wind, precipitation,

potential threats to

ice movement and fish. But the world has

national security.

In the process, they

become a noisier place since then. In fact, anthropogenic noise has doubled every

also deliver an auditory

decade for the past 50 years.

assault on aquatic animals

Industrial shipping undoubtedly played

Unfortunately, none of the sources of noise pollution are going to simply cease.

As long as there’s a demand for oil, companies will conduct seismic surveys. And until

Human-caused noise has doubled every decade for the past 50 years.

in their path. Decades of

we develop one of those teleportation devices promised in futuristic films, commercial shipping will continue.

To realistically protect aquatic animals in the world we’ve created, conservationists are pushing for the establishment of more

national marine sanctuaries. These

a role in this surge of sound. Between 1980

research—much of it by the U.S.

and 2009, the global merchant fleet nearly

Navy itself—has confirmed a link between

sites provide a safe haven for critical ocean

doubled in size, steadily amplifying the

naval sonar and mass strandings of whales.

habitats, such as whale feeding and breed-

commotion caused by the engines, propel-

Examinations of these animals have revealed

ing grounds. Research also offers hope,

lers, generators and bearings driving these

brain and inner-ear hemorrhaging, symp-

laying the groundwork for new technologies

cargo ships. This ship noise unfortunately

toms found in severe cases of decompression

that could reduce the problem in the future.

occupies the same frequencies many whale

sickness. Also known as “the bends,” this

Until then, it’s up to individuals to pro-

species use to communicate.

condition can be deadly to scuba divers

mote awareness of this oceanic issue and

The effect of this overlap is being

who rise to the water’s surface too quickly.

encourage policy-makers to keep the noise

seen in Cape Cod Bay, where it’s directly

Scientists theorize the blasts cause whales

level to a minimum so the world can find

impacting the way right whales interact

to dive too deeply or surface too rapidly in a

ways to better share our seas.

AQUA.ORG

21

Ultimate Relay Race

THE

utterflies are known for one

KEEPING PACE

Sierra Madre Mountains of central Mexico.

biological marvel in particular:

The eggs laid by the first generation

These frequent flyers sometimes rack up

their ability to metamorphose

hatch into baby caterpillars after about four

about 80 miles a day, spreading out their

from caterpillars into beautiful, brightly

days, typically entering the world in the

journey across two months.

colored, winged creatures. But monarch

warm months of May and June. The next

Despite the overwhelming number of

butterflies, scientifically known as Danaus

two weeks are spent eating and growing

monarchs traveling to Mexico, there are only

plexippus, possess another mind-boggling

until they’re ready to attach themselves

about a dozen overwintering sites for them,

skill that receives less acclaim: Without any

to stems or leaves and transform into a

and not all of these are protected from

guidance, these insects inherently know

chrysalis. Ten days later, stunning butterflies

logging. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere

how, when and where to migrate across

emerge and fly away, carrying on the course

Reserve, a national protected area and

continents—and it takes four generations to

and stopping for snacks on the “milkweed

nature preserve in central

make the yearlong trek.

highway.” This generation lays eggs for

Mexico, hosts the majority

the next, which is born in July and August.

of wintering monarchs

THE STARTING LINE

Like the first, both the second and third

from the eastern United

The arrival of spring marks the kickoff of the

generations have only two to six weeks to

States and Canada.

monarch butterfly’s migration, with the first

complete their leg of the trip.

generation making its debut into the world.

In late October, the tops of the reserve’s trees

Born in March and April, these tiny insects

THE ANCHOR LEG

are enveloped in a blanket of

pick up where their predecessors left off,

It’s the fourth generation, born in

orange and black. The monarchs

traveling farther north on a generational

September and October, that leads the

huddle together to fight the cool night

journey that totals 1,200 to 2,500 miles.

longest and most exciting life. Unlike

air and use the surrounding trees to shield

That’s quite the feat for creatures with wing

their parents, grandparents and great-

themselves from the wind, snow, rain and

spans of only 3.5 to 4 inches!

grandparents, these butterflies don’t die

hail. The hibernating butterfly clusters

after two to six weeks—there’s too much to

can become so dense that tree branches

eastern, western and midwestern United

do before they pass the torch. Instead, they

occasionally bend and snap beneath their

States—some travel as far as central and

live upward of eight months, spending their

weight. It’s truly a sight to see—and it

eastern Canada—but those that don’t will

extra time traveling the continent to ensure

drives a good deal of tourism, with 80,000

lay eggs along the way. Their contribu-

their species’ survival.

sightseers visiting Mexico every year just to

Not all will reach their destination in the

tion to the migratory marathon is much

With cold weather just around the

catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.

shorter—though no less significant—than

corner, these butterflies instinctually know

that of their parents. This first generation

it’s time to head south. Monarchs that

treetops for the next five months, until the

usually doesn’t live longer than two months,

spend their summer vacation in western

cycle begins all over again in February and

spending a large part of their lives eating,

North America fly to the southern coast of

March, when they desert their southern

metamorphosing and laying eggs for the

California. About 60 million to 1 billion more

homes for the promise of milkweed thou-

next phase of the race.

migrate from eastern North America to the

sands of miles north.

22 WATERMARKS | FALL 2014

The monarch butterflies remain in the

A MONARCH BUTTERFLY TRAVELS THOUSANDS OF MILES IN A MIGRATORY MARATHON— UNTIL IT’S TIME TO PASS THE BATON TO ANOTHER GENERATION.

By Melissa Valliant

THE FALL OF THE MONARCHS

THESE MIGRATORY MASTERS ARE FACING DANGEROUS POPULATION DECLINES.

Monarch butterflies have been beautifying

suppressed—it can’t tolerate the glyphosate

backyards across North America for centuries,

herbicides being sprayed on the genetically

their brilliant orange and black wings swoop-

modified glyphosate-tolerant crops.

ing in for snacks and delighting all who catch

As the milkweed disappears, monarchs

a glimpse. In the past 20 years, however,

are forced to travel farther and expend more

these seasonal visitors have become much

energy to find places to lay their eggs. They

more difficult to spot. The species is facing a

don’t have enough body fat to lay the num-

90 percent population decline, prompting at

ber of eggs previous generations could, and

least three major conservation groups to call

some die before they can reproduce.

for its designation as threatened.

Individuals can help by promoting protec-

Part of the problem lies in the lack of

tive legislation through online petitions, such

milkweed. A perennial flowering plant, milk-

as the one at biologicaldiversity.org. Equally

weed is critical to the butterflies’ survival. It

easy: Plant milkweed and other nectar plants

provides nectar along the migration route

to create a “monarch way station” around

and is the only plant on which these insects

your own home—or recommend the planting

can lay their eggs. However, it’s quickly

of these monarch food sources in other areas

disappearing from the Midwest as farmers

of the community. Your contribution can help

cultivate more land for agricultural use.

ensure the preservation of the species and

The milkweed that once took root between

the continuation of the incredible insect’s

rows of corn and soybeans is now being

migration throughout North America.

IN THE LAST 20 YEARS, THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY POPULATION HAS DROPPED BY IN HUMAN-POPULATION TERMS, that’s the equivalent of losing every living person in the U.S. except for those in Florida and Ohio.*

THERE’S A SIMPLE WAY FOR YOU TO HELP! Create your own “monarch way station” by planting milkweed and other native nectar plants around your home and other places in your community.

Visit aqua.org/certify to learn more about gardening for wildlife.

24 WATERMARKS | FALL 2014

*Center For Biological Diversity

PHOTO FINISH

Strawberry poison dart frog Oophaga pumilio These unique amphibians are known for their brilliant colors, which vary widely based on geographic location. They’re typically found in the rain forests of Central America, where they live off a hearty diet of invertebrates, such as mites, ants and flies. Their bright coloration serves as a warning to predators of their dangerous skin toxins: As their name implies, strawberry poison dart frogs are toxic when ingested, potentially resulting in convulsions, paralysis and even death in unsuspecting predators. These little guys are also skilled wrestlers. When a male infringes on the territory of another, the two can duke it out for up to 20 minutes. The duel ends after one frog is pinned down, released and allowed to leave the territory.

AQUA.ORG

25

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