SPRING 2016
TURNING THE TIDE Commemorating 25 Years of National Aquarium Animal Rescue Page 14
Celebrating 35 Years: A Glimpse at the Aquarium’s Past, Present and Future Page 19
The Real Problem with Plastics Page 22
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What if you COULD could IMPROVE THE WHAT IF WE TOLD YOUYOU PLANET BY improve SIGNING Athe PIECE OF PAPER? planet by
signing a piece of paper?
You can leave this world a better place than you found it. Help to inspire future generations of conservationists by including the National Aquarium in your will today. aqua.org/corporate
You can leave this world a better place than you found it. Help to inspire future generations of conservationists by including the National Aquarium in your will today.
To learn more, visit aqua.org/plannedgiving or call 410-576-8535.
Let’s Get Down to Business. Join our corporate membership program to support critical conservation efforts while giving your colleagues and clients access to exclusive benefits and unforgettable experiences.
aqua.org/corporate
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
TURNING THE TIDE For 25 years, National Aquarium Animal Rescue has responded to animals in distress.
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22 19 F EAT URE S
I N E V E RY ISS U E
19 FROM RIPPLES TO WAVES
2
FROM THE CEO
7 EDUCATION
The National Aquarium
Aquarium CEO John C. Racanelli
Local kids can earn Aquarium access
celebrates 35 years of impact.
on the organization’s past, present
by reading, and member kids are
and future.
getting their own Watermarks!
22 PIECING TOGETHER THE PLASTIC PROBLEM
3 ANIMAL UPDATE
8 BEHIND THE SCENES
It’s time to re-evaluate our
Animal additions, recent rescues
Discover what goes into an Animal
strategy for preventing
and a farewell to familiar faces.
Rescue Prep Kit.
marine debris.
4 AQUARIUM NEWS Supporters engaged in a variety of Aquarium programs.
returned to the ocean last summer,
The Classic Catering People president and partner, Harriet Dopkin, dishes on her history with the Aquarium.
O N T H E COV E R Grey seal pup Lily was successfully
10 IN FOCUS
6 CONSERVATION Learn about the sunscreen ingredient
marking National Aquarium
harming coral reefs and how we’re
Animal Rescue’s 150th release.
embracing solar energy.
12 SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Meet our new little loggerhead.
25 MEET OUR MEMBERS We asked members to share their best Aquarium memories.
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FROM THE CEO
2016 is a defining year for the National Aquarium. As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, as well as the 25th anniversary of our Animal Rescue program, we’re entering a new phase in our evolution. Change is coming, and it’s going to shape our future as a conservation organization and aquarium. When it opened in 1981, the National Aquarium set a new standard for aquariums. We’re doing that once again through BLUEprint, an ambitious and far-reaching vision for what it means to be a world-class aquarium in the 21st century. The execution of BLUEprint is now underway, with Urban Wetland, which we believe will serve as a model for urban waterfronts everywhere. By reimagining our waterfront campus, our Urban Wetland will showcase the Change is coming, Inner Harbor’s working ecosystems, fostering a and it’s going to personal connection between the Chesapeake shape our future role Bay watershed and those of us fortunate to live here or visit. Get a sneak peek on page 21. as a conservation Forging connections is at the core of everything we do, whether on our campus or reaching organization and into our communities. We’ve just launched Read aquarium. to Reef, a wonderful program that gives children with an Enoch Pratt Free Library card free access to the Aquarium in exchange for reading books about our blue planet. And, as you’ll discover on page 7, member kids will have another reason to cheer when summer break comes around. With a promising future ahead, we’ve also taken a moment to reflect and celebrate our past, starting with a look back at our history on page 19 and then commemorating 25 years of rescuing turtles, seals and other animals on page 14. In addition, you’ll find a behind-the-scenes snapshot of the tools required to rescue marine animals on page 8 and get an exclusive introduction to Sheldon, our new baby loggerhead, on page 12. We wouldn’t be celebrating this year’s milestones—or embarking on our plans for the future—without your support, so thank you for all you do, whether as a member, donor, volunteer or all three! As a nonprofit organization that receives little government support, we depend on your contributions to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, and we hope you’ll explore new ways to get involved. Enjoy the journey from our past to present, and stay tuned for details about our ambitious future. Sincerely,
— John Racanelli Chief Executive Officer
2 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
NATIONAL AQUARIUM INC. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS Robert E. Carter,
Chair
Jennifer W. Reynolds,
Immediate Past Chair
Timothy J. Adams Casey N.R. Brent Marc Bunting Keith Campbell David Churchill Colleen Dilenschneider Jane W. I. Droppa,
Vice Chair
Nancy Grasmick Frank A. Gunther Jr.,
Life Director
Mohannad F. Jishi Charles Knudsen III Donna Morrison Mark Mullin Joseph Nigro Marianela Peralta Charles A. Phillips J. Scott Plank,
Vice Chair
John C. Racanelli Diana Ramsay The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Thomas E. Robinson Chuck Tildon III Tamika Langley Tremaglio,
Vice Chair
Jacqueline Ulman C. Elizabeth Wagner
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. © 2016 National Aquarium Inc. CFC #11251 MCC #4099 CCC #4099
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Amanda Forr EDITORS Melissa Marshall, Ashley Goetz CONTRIBUTOR Nabila Chami DESIGNERS Ashley Stearns, Aimee Swartz PHOTOGRAPHERS J. Bryan Barnes, Tracey Brown, Nick Caloyianis, David Coffey, George Grall, Chris Mattle, Heather Moran, Edwin Remsberg Photographs, John Seyjagat COPY EDITOR Chris M. Junior
ACCREDITED BY 100% RECYCLED FIBER
A N I M A L U P DAT E
A New Residence for our Rays Two of the early residents in Australia: Wild Extremes said their goodbyes after nearly a decade in the exhibit. Our freshwater whip rays were only 15.7 inches wide when they made their debut in 2006. Last year—at nearly 4 feet wide, 9.8 feet long and 136 pounds each—they had outgrown their home and were on the hunt for new real estate. Today, they’re enjoying their new home at America’s Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.
More Animal News Turtle Triumphs National Aquarium Animal Rescue successfully rehabilitated and released a Kemp’s ridley (nicknamed Ironhide) and two green sea turtles (Starscream and Mixmaster) on January 7. Did You Hear That? Next time you explore Australia: Wild Extremes, listen closely for the “chu-wee” or “chirrup” sound often made by our newly added bird species: Bourke’s parrots. Australian White-Spotted Jelly
Centralian Knob-Tailed Gecko
Phyllorhiza punctata
Nephrurus amyae
This stunning species of jelly—identifiable by its semi-transparent bell with white dots—is now back on exhibit in Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance. Though native to the West Pacific—hence its Aussie name—the Australian white-spotted jelly has earned a reputation as an invasive species in the Caribbean, where it competes against native species. It likely hitched a ride in a ship’s ballast tank, which inadvertently transported it to this habitat.
The auto insurance mascot might have given you the impression that all geckos are green, but these critters can be found in a variety of patterns and colors. Want proof ? Check out this adorable little knob-tailed gecko that hatched in Australia: Wild Extremes on October 16, 2015. This species can grow to around 5 inches in length and hunts insects, scorpions and spiders in its rocky habitat in arid north-central Australia.
New Kids on the Reef Blacktip Reef residents gained some oddly named fish friends: diagonal banded sweetlips and foxface rabbitfish, among others.
Visit aqua.org/blog to get up-to-date animal news, follow our animal rescue initiatives, go behind the scenes and more.
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AQUARIUM NEWS
In partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library and alongside Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the Aquarium announced its newest community program, Read to Reef.
WINTER SNAPSHOT It was an action-packed winter at the National Aquarium. Here’s a look back at a few of our favorite moments. We welcomed over 19,000 guests during Dollar Days and Pay What You Want Day, made possible by T. Rowe Price.
At Dolphins After Dark, Patron and National Aquarium Society members joined Dr. Diana Reiss and Dr. Marcelo Magnasco for a presentation of their research on dolphin cognition. Guests also enjoyed a cocktail reception and exclusive dolphin enrichment session.
4 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
As part of its Seafood Smart program, the Aquarium hosted the firstever East Coast Seafood Forum in partnership with Samuels and Son Seafood and the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. Industry representatives, scientists, regulators and the conservation community gathered to re-envision the future of sustainable seafood through discussions around seafood traceability, economic sustainability and aquaculture. National Aquarium’s Seafood Smart program is made possible through the generosity of Ms. Dana DiCarlo and Mr. Scott Plank.
Science, conservation and ocean exploration leaders convened in Baltimore in November for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Ocean Exploration Forum 2015, generously sponsored by Schmidt Ocean Institute. During the two-day symposium, they discussed emerging technologies and identified key components of a national program of ocean exploration. Following the forum, the public was invited to an Ocean Exploration Day at the Aquarium to learn about recent deep-sea discoveries and see ocean exploration technology in action.
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C O N S E R VAT I O N
THE SECRET HARM IN SUNSCREEN Skin-protecting sunscreens are devastating coral reefs around the globe. Coral reefs cover less than 1 percent of the ocean floor but support an astonishing array of life—nearly 25 percent of all marine animals. A recent study published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology revealed that oxybenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreens, is harming these delicate ecosystems. The study was conducted in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii with some lab experiments held right here at the National Aquarium by former aquarist Kelli Cadenas. Scientists found that oxybenzone is highly toxic to corals, even in very small concentrations. Coral comprises thousands of tiny, soft-bodied animals called polyps. Stony coral polyps create hard skeletons using calcium carbonate, forming the familiar wavy, branched and other intricately shaped colonies. Symbiotic algae, called zooxanthellae, live within the polyps. They help give corals their vivid colors. Through photosynthesis, the algae also provide corals with food energy.
T H E C R U X O F T H E M AT T E R
Between 4,000 and 6,000 metric tons of sunscreen enter reef areas annually, subjecting corals to oxybenzone. Exposure to the UV-filtering chemical has three major effects: Bleaching Oxybenzone increases corals’ susceptibility to bleaching, in which they reject their life-sustaining symbiotic algae. When the algae disappear, the corals turn a ghostly white. Bleaching frequently leads to the death of the coral colony. In fact, it’s their No. 1 killer worldwide. Endocrine Disrupting Essentially, oxybenzone deforms coral in its larval stage. The chemical causes young corals to become trapped in their own skeletons, eventually resulting in death. DNA Altering Oxybenzone also damages the DNA of adult corals, impacting their ability to reproduce. In the case that they can still reproduce, the offspring is often unhealthy, resulting in deformities.
Seeking Out Solar Last year, the National Aquarium partnered with Constellation to increase its renewable energy resources, including the creation of a solar-power system in Cambridge, Maryland. “The opportunity to expand our partnership with Constellation by developing a solar farm was too good to pass up,” says National Aquarium EVP/Chief Operating Officer Dale Schmidt. “It allows us to benefit from green power and truly ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to living our mission.” The solar farm comprises 14,500 photovoltaic panels and is designed to meet 40 percent of the Aquarium’s annual electricity needs. Since its installation in 2015, it has already created 4.28 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity and prevented the creation of more than 6.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide. The savings have the equivalent impact of planting 75,641 trees or conserving more than 2.1 million gallons of water. For a soaring, bird’s-eye view of the Aquarium’s solar farm, visit aqua.org/solar.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? With the continued presence of oxybenzone in marine environments, damaged coral reefs have little chance of recovery. So, how can we mitigate the problem while keeping our own health in mind? KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR PRODUCTS Choose a sunscreen that doesn’t list oxybenzone as an ingredient. Products made from natural minerals, like zinc oxide, are a good place to start. COVER UP Taking advantage of swimwear and clothing that covers the body can also help protect coral reefs from harmful chemical exposure. STAY INFORMED There are other challenges facing coral reefs. To learn more and to find out what you can do to help, visit aqua.org/coralreefs.
6 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
Abinash Tiwari, senior business development manager for Constellation, speaks with Dale Schmidt during a recent visit to the solar farm.
E D U C AT I O N
FROM READ TO REEF Dive into a book to gain access to underwater worlds.
It’s common knowledge that books open doors, but we’re taking the expression to a whole new level. In February, the National Aquarium— in partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library—launched its latest community program: Read to Reef. By reading five aquatic-themed books, any child up to fifth grade with a Pratt Library card has the chance to earn four admission tickets to the National Aquarium. How It Works Any child up to fifth grade with a Pratt Library card can pick up a Read to Reef bookmark at any Pratt Library branch. Borrow, then read (or listen to someone read) and check off five or more books listed on the bookmark. Bring the bookmark to any Pratt Library branch by April 30 to receive a voucher for four complimentary tickets to the National Aquarium. Please note that vouchers are subject to availability as supplies last, and blackout dates apply. Bring the voucher to the Aquarium’s ticket center before June 19 to exchange it for four admission tickets.
COMING SOON: WATERMARKS FOR KIDS!
The Read to Reef Book Club offers four different bookmarks for four distinct age levels: under age 5, kindergarten to first grade, second to third grade and fourth to fifth grade. Each bookmark contains a checklist of 10 age-appropriate books themed around the aquatic world and conservation—but kids aren’t limited to just those! They can also choose their five books based on recommendations from the children’s librarian at any Pratt Library branch. This exciting new program is one of the ways we’re celebrating our local roots and giving back to the community that has given us so much. Plus, by connecting our city youth’s love of reading to the aquatic world, we hope to drive awareness of our blue planet and the critical responsibility each of us has to protect it. We have the opportunity to raise an environmentally conscious generation that will respect and preserve the ocean that gives us life. Knowledge is a critical tool in achieving that goal—and what better place to find it than in a book? To learn more about the Read to Reef Book Club and preview the book list, visit aqua.org/read.
Grown-ups shouldn’t get to have all the fun. That’s why we’re adding a new benefit to your membership this year for the youngsters in your life: the first-ever kids’ edition of Watermarks. Expected to hit mailboxes in early summer, this special issue will be packed with entertaining activities for kiddos to complete both within the Aquarium and in their own backyard and community—not to mention crazy-cool animal facts (obviously!) and inspirational actions they can take to protect our wild world. Don’t have a kid? We bet you know one! Donate your issue to a niece, nephew, cousin, neighbor, friend’s child, dentist office, library—you name it—so others can enjoy fun-filled ways to connect with nature.
Summer break just got better.
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BEHIND THE SCENES
READY FOR RESCUE The 15 unexpected essentials of an animal rescue preparedness kit. BY ASHLEY GOETZ
Caring for rescued seals, sea turtles and other marine life isn’t easy, but having the right tools can help. Here are a few of the essentials the National Aquarium Animal Rescue team always has on hand.
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15 13 1 . D U C T TA P E
Everyone knows duct tape is versatile. Animal Rescue staff use it to cover shell lesions, providing a helpful barrier against bacteria.
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2. MEDIHONEY
9. 12-INCH TWEEZERS
Some animals arrive with injuries. This natural, honey-based wound treatment promotes quick healing.
Turtles have strong beaks. Using tweezers at mealtime ensures no fingers are sacrificed for the cause.
3. STERILE LUBRICANT
1 0 . P E D I A LY T E
Sterile lubricant is rubbed on a turtle’s shell during transport to hold in moisture, helping maintain a proper body temperature.
This drink may be intended for kids, but chock-full of electrolytes, it’s also great for keeping rescued seals hydrated.
4. INFRARED T E M P E R AT U R E G U N
1 1 . W E L D I N G G LOV E S
These infrared guns give the team a quick temperature reading to ensure the environment is not too hot or cold.
A N D S A LT
This power tool is ideal for sanding down sharp turtle toenails or treating shell lesions.
A rescued seal lives in freshwater during its stay. Homemade salt capsules supplement its diet.
6. SCRUBS
1 3 . D O G T OY S
Like nurses at a human hospital, the Animal Rescue team also
Dog toys are sturdy enough for play, an important element of a seal’s rehabilitation.
quarantine protocols. 7. M A R K I N G S T I C K S
A number written in white on each turtle’s shell helps the team tell them apart. 8. ARTIFICIAL TEARS
A turtle’s eyes are designed for underwater use. These drops keep them hydrated during surgeries and transports.
1 2 . G E L AT I N C A P S U L E S
5 . D R E M E L M U LT I -T O O L
wears scrubs to ensure proper
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Seem out of place? These gloves are thick enough to allow staff to safely work with seals, which have sharp teeth.
1 4 . WA D E R S
Chances of staying dry are slim when working with marine animals, but waders help. 1 5 . 1 - G A L LO N B U C K E T S
Our buckets aren’t for storage. They mimic caves, making great foraging devices for sea turtles living in the large rehabilitation pool.
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IN FOCUS
10 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
Stepping Up to the Plate Harriet Dopkin and her family-owned catering company play a pivotal role in the National Aquarium’s success. BY MELISSA MARSHALL
W
hen asked about their favorite National Aquarium animal, most people mention the sharks, dolphins or Calypso. On Harriet Dopkin’s list: blue poison dart frogs. “There’s something about them,” she says. “I think it’s because they’re small and powerful. I think that’s cool.” While not typical, her response was more than appropriate. Dopkin herself is proof that power comes in many forms. She’s not only the proud partner and president of The Classic Catering People—a full-service catering company—but also an influential philanthropic leader in the Baltimore community and a longtime donor to the National Aquarium.
that stuck with Dopkin throughout culinary school and beyond. When she returned to her roots in 1991, Baltimore had undergone a transformation into a vibrant city, different from the one she remembered as a child. “Watching the recreation and the rebuilding of our waterfront area was stunning,” Dopkin says. “And knowing the vital role that the Aquarium played, it’s fantastic as a Baltimorean to have that be part of my history and the history of my city.” Today, The Classic Catering People is one of the National Aquarium’s exclusive catering companies, as well as a corporate member. It’s very much a locally owned family business, having been started by Dopkin’s mother and father before Harriet and her brother found their own niches within its operations. Dopkin’s cousin, Larry Frank, and nephew, David Dopkin, complete the family partnership. It’s also, Dopkin adds, “a woman-owned business, which I’m very proud of.” Classic’s partnership with the National Aquarium—which actually began before the Aquarium was even built—is a match made in heaven. “The core values of the Aquarium so mirror our company that there was a natural synergy from the beginning,” Dopkin says. She describes one of those values as omotenashi, the Japanese word meaning “to entertain guests wholeheartedly.” “Hospitality is an art in Japan,” Dopkin explains. “It’s really knowing, anticipating your guests’ needs before they might even know what those are.” That philosophy is practiced at Classic, and Dopkin feels it’s one of the reasons the Aquarium melds so well with her business.
“IN MANY WAYS, THE AQUARIUM FEELS LIKE AN EXTENSION OF WHO WE ARE.”
Photographed by Tracey Brown
— Harriet Dopkin A Baltimore native, Dopkin spent her childhood cooking up dishes in her parents’ home and family restaurant but left Charm City for college when she was 16. Upon graduating, she moved to various parts of the globe, from Italy to Japan, picking up new ways to add flavor and finesse to food. By the time she found her way to the West Coast, a culinary revolution was brewing. The California food scene had rebuilt its foundation with unprocessed, local and seasonal ingredients—a farm-to-table ideology
“I have seen this in practice at the Aquarium, where someone might have a look on their face and someone at the Aquarium knows it’s because they’re hungry, need restroom facilities or don’t know how to make the best use of their time,” she says. “They can read and know and be proactive and create the most perfect experience for the guest. … In many ways, the Aquarium feels like an extension of who we are.” Classic is also a devoted advocate of the community, dedicating much of its annual work to assisting nonprofit efforts. “We joked at Classic for a long time that we run our for-profit business to sustain our nonprofit hearts,” Dopkin says. The National Aquarium is one of many beneficiaries of that philanthropy. The Classic Catering People gifts the organization with a generous grant each year, allowing it to continue providing the excellent guest experience Dopkin admires. As a nonprofit, the Aquarium relies on this kind of support from organizations and individuals that want to further its mission—and it couldn’t be more grateful for philanthropic-minded leaders like Dopkin who prioritize others as much as their own company. With her passion for community, education and service, it’s no wonder Dopkin and Classic have formed such a bond with the National Aquarium. Like peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper or cheese and crackers, it couldn’t be a better pairing. To learn about the many ways you can support the National Aquarium’s mission, please call 410-576-8535 or visit aqua.org/support.
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SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
A LITTLE LOGGERHEAD One of the Aquarium’s newest additions came all the way from North Carolina, but it won’t be here for long. BY ASHLEY GOETZ
T
he little loggerhead sea turtle on exhibit in Maryland: Mountains to the Sea is only a few inches long. He arrived at the Aquarium in October weighing just 43 grams, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. By the time he heads back to the ocean, he will be closer to the size of a dinner plate. Through a public naming contest that took place in January, the tiny turtle was named Sheldon. Loggerheads are the most abundant sea turtle species in U.S. waters and can also be found in temperate and tropical waters around the world. They have a reddish-brown shell and are named for their large heads. Strong jaws enable them to feed on hard-shelled prey, such as whelks, conch, crabs, clams and mussels. Migratory by nature, loggerheads have been known to travel hundreds of miles in their lifetimes. They spend most of their early years floating in the open ocean, feeding on small animals that live in sargassum—that’s the name for the patches of brown seaweed found floating on the water’s surface. In addition to food, sargassum also provides young sea turtles with camouflage from potential predators. After a few years at sea, loggerheads travel closer to coastal waters where they continue to mature. Loggerhead turtles are long-lived creatures. In fact, scientists estimate that the average loggerhead’s lifespan is 50 years or more. The pint-sized turtle at the National Aquarium is part of the Loggerhead Head Start Program run by the North Carolina 12 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Through the program, loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings spend time in aquariums across the country where they can safely grow before being released back into their natural environment. Like other sea turtle species, loggerheads are threatened and have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1978. “The goal of the program is to give an endangered species a second chance at life,” says Beth Claus, senior aquarist at the National Aquarium. “By doing so, we can also communicate the story and struggle of juvenile sea turtles to our guests and hopefully inspire a few to take conservation-based action.” A sea turtle’s journey to the ocean is a treacherous one, the stretch of land between the nest and the surf a battlefield. From the moment it emerges from its shell, a sea turtle encounters an abundance of obstacles. For some, just making it out is a challenge. A single nest can house hundreds of eggs. When it’s time to emerge, the hatchling turtles work together to push excess sand and broken shells to the bottom of the chamber. In the frenzy, an unlucky few sometimes find themselves trapped at the base of the nest. The turtles emerge at night, ready to make the perilous journey to the water’s edge. Hatchling sea turtles are guided to the ocean by light, orienting themselves toward the brightest point in range—on a natural, undeveloped beach, that means the open horizon where the moon shines high above the sea. But on a beach where houses, hotels, shops and restaurants are situated along the
WHEN IT’S TIME TO EMERGE, THE HATCHLING TURTLES
GROWING, GROWING, GONE
WORK TOGETHER TO PUSH EXCESS SAND AND
Soon, the Aquarium’s loggerhead won’t be so small.
BROKEN SHELLS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CHAMBER. shore, artificial light outshines the horizon, beckoning turtles away from the water. Headed in the wrong direction, hatchling sea turtles are susceptible to dehydration and exhaustion. Along the way, predators await their next meal. “The program allows a struggling hatchling sea turtle, who otherwise had a very decreased chance of survival, the ability to grow and learn to hunt without the risk of predators,” Claus says. “When they are released, they are significantly larger and able to swim, dive and hunt efficiently.” Volunteers in North Carolina monitor sea turtle nests each season, helping to guide the hatchlings in the right direction. They walk the beaches daily and nightly in search of turtles that may have been led astray or that didn’t emerge from their nest.
Rescued turtles are admitted to the aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. The National Aquarium and others from across the country travel to North Carolina to pick up the newly hatched turtles, which are then taken home to spend a year safely growing. Sheldon will be ready for release this fall. In the meantime, his growth is regularly measured while he learns to hunt and forage for food. Sheldon also receives comprehensive exams at certain milestones, like six months and one year. Those exams include X-rays and bloodwork, as well as monitoring calcium levels to ensure healthy shell growth. Later this year, Sheldon will travel with National Aquarium staff back home to North Carolina where he will be tagged and released into the big blue.
LOGGERHEAD
WEIGHT OF
ARRIVAL 1/10 pound
DEPARTURE 8 pounds
FULLY GROWN 300 pounds
AQUA.ORG 13
SINCE 1991, NATIONAL AQUARIUM ANIMAL RESCUE HAS RESPONDED TO MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE STRANDINGS ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST. BY ASHLEY GOETZ
14 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
At the end of an inconspicuous corridor in the Aquarium’s Pier 4, a large window overlooks Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Situated to its left is a concrete stairwell that descends to a red door. And behind that? National Aquarium Animal Rescue. Stepping inside, you’ll find a crowded space: cabinets of medical supplies, waders suspended upside down to dry, small rehab pools, buckets and scattered bags of salt. But despite the clutter, the atmosphere is calm. The room is a warm 76 degrees (after all, most of its residents are cold-blooded), and the humming of water pumps and heaters drowns out most other noise. To the left is a small kitchen for meal prep. A modest desk is tucked in the far corner, and behind it a load of laundry spins in the washing machine. But in the middle of the room, occupying most of its square footage, is the pièce de résistance—a 98,000-gallon hospital
Heeding the Call
National Aquarium Animal Rescue oversees a portion of the Atlantic shoreline, primarily responding to incidents along the more than 4,000 miles of Maryland coast. It’s a 24/7 job, which includes monitoring a 24-hour hotline for the public to report stranded or injured marine animals. And that can yield some pretty interesting results. For starters, there are the sporadic manatee sightings. Though manatees do occasionally visit the Chesapeake Bay in the summer, the seemingly out-of-place animals still surprise people. “It’s interesting to hear people try to describe them: It’s ‘a big, barrel-shaped animal with a pizza-pan tail,’” says Jenn Dittmar, manager of animal rescue. “That’s actually pretty consistent with what a manatee looks like.” Then, there are the callers recounting tales of valiant rescue: “Hi. I’ve just ‘saved’ a lobster from a supermarket and don’t know what to do next. Please advise.” Often, these calls come in the middle of the night, sometimes from halfway across the country. Needless to say, those cases are out of our jurisdiction. But winter is by far Animal Rescue’s busiest season, with frequent calls of stranded turtles and seals. In most cases, the seals are just
pool. At first glance, it appears empty; but nearing the edge of and peering over the railing, the view drastically changes. There, about 15 feet down, a small collection of sea turtles wades through the shallow water. One patient is struggling to dive; its back end bobs as it attempts the descent. Every few minutes a turtle’s beak breaks the surface of the water, its jaws expanding for a quick gasp of air. It is an unassuming room but for the past 25 years has been a temporary home to hundreds of rescues. In fact, it did not go a single day without a patient last year. Sea turtles are the most frequent visitors, but animals ranging from harp seals and manatees to harbor porpoises and a pygmy sperm whale have all shared this space. Since its inception in 1991, the Animal Rescue team has used this room to rehabilitate and release more than 150 animals. An additional, newly renovated facility at the Animal Care Center now plays host to rescued seals.
There, about 15 feet down, a small collection of sea turtles wades through the shallow water. One patient is currently struggling to dive; its back end bobs as it attempts the descent. resting on shore, but a trained first responder still heads out to assess the animal’s condition. Not all calls warrant a rescue, but some do. A juvenile seal named Lily, for example, was found suffering from a broken jaw. She was brought to the National Aquarium where the team treated her wounds and helped her eat. After a few months in rehab, her jaw healed, and she was released back into the ocean.
Setting the Course The Aquarium has a long history of dedicated volunteers who collectively contribute thousands of hours each year, and Animal Rescue is no exception. In fact, it was founded by a group of volunteers. “When the program started
evolving and the call went out for volunteers, my goodness gracious. We made it happen,” says Safety/Risk Manager and Chief Security Officer Gene Taylor, who has been with the Aquarium since 1986 and was one of the earliest volunteers. In fact, he assisted with the very first animal release: a harbor seal.
FEEDING FRENZY
Last year, the 39 rescued and released animals ate 785.8 pounds of food while in our care! 362.6 LBS OF HERRING
222 LBS OF CAPELIN
98.5 LBS OF SQUID
94 LBS OF SHRIMP
8.7 LBS OF BLUE CRAB
AQUA.ORG 15
BUSY, NEVER BORED Seal enrichment activities target the senses and encourage natural behaviors.
FORAGING Meals hidden in PVC pipe feeders are a game of hide-and-seek, while live food offers hunting opportunities.
PLAY Boomer balls and other dog toys are durable enough for play, while hula hoops and Frisbees have a variety of uses to discover.
SENSORY EXPLORATION Heavy car wash strips mimic kelp, and heavy-duty sleds create hiding spaces for ice and small toys, encouraging the seals to explore their environment.
INVESTIGATION Fishcicles (fish frozen into blocks of ice) are intriguing treats that require clever manipulation.
He recalls one of the earliest and most memorable Animal Rescue patients, a pygmy sperm whale named Inky. Inky arrived emaciated. There was an obstruction in her stomach preventing her from eating. It took multiple procedures, but the team finally discovered and removed the blockage. Plastic was the culprit—a Mylar balloon, plastic bag and cigarette wrapper, among other garbage. “I think Inky really hit me in the head,” Taylor says, remembering the anger and sadness he felt upon discovering the man-made cause of Inky’s ailment. “You know, it’s their world, too, that we share, and that’s why I was a big believer in getting involved: to give some of these animals a second chance.” The team had to get creative from time to time, like when working with seals with very strong teeth. “They can open up a clam, so just think what they could do to your digits,” Taylor says. To protect themselves, the team would wrap their hands in cloth tape and then fit small pieces of PVC pipe over each finger before sliding on a pair of sturdy gloves. It was weird, but it worked. Like any new initiative, the early days of Animal Rescue involved a lot of trial and error. “It was something new, but it was something we did, I believe, very well with
National Aquarium Animal Rescue
Claim to Fame:
16 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
Pygmy Sperm Whale | 332 lbs
Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 118 lbs
Inky was rescued on Thanksgiving Day in 1993. She was the first pygmy sperm whale to ever be rehabbed and released!
Ed’s flipper was amputated in rehab. He was the first turtle with three flippers cleared for release in this region and returned to the ocean in 2006.
training, teamwork and the common goal to rescue, rehab and then hopefully return animals to their environment,” Taylor says. First responders to animal sightings are also often volunteers. They undergo extensive training before joining our field team, and many have day jobs that lend added expertise, such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians and beach patrol. They are able to quickly access an animal and report back to our Baltimore-based team. If the animal needs treatment, it is transported to the Aquarium’s animal-rescue facility.
A Cure for the Cold
The staff also works closely with other regional stranding partners. The New England Aquarium, for example, sees an influx of coldstunned sea turtles in the winter, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Many of those rescued turtles are transported to the National Aquarium and other facilities for extended care, occasionally by pilots who enjoy volunteering their time and resources to the cause. Because sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles, they rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature. That temperature can drop dangerously low in cool waters. Without reprieve, the animal’s heart rate decreases and
“It’s their world, too, that we share, and that’s why I was a big believer in getting involved: to give some of these animals a second chance.” —Gene Taylor, Safety/Risk Manager fatigue sets in, making it difficult to hunt, eat and escape predators. With a weakened immune system, it is susceptible to flipper and joint infections. A weary turtle struggling to lift its head from the water to breathe might unintentionally aspirate seawater. In these conditions, too feeble to swim against currents and waves, turtles are often swept ashore. The force of stranding can be an added danger, causing wounds or the accidental ingestion of sand and rocks. These cold-stunned turtles from the Northeast region are chronic cases. They have typically spent weeks or months battling their circumstances at sea and come ashore in critical condition requiring long-term rehabilitation. Luckily, the team is well-equipped to care for them.
Turtles in Treatment
So, what exactly does sea turtle rehab entail? It all depends on the animal and its symptoms. An animal may arrive cold-stunned or suffering from a hook injury or boat strike. The cause of a wound isn’t always clear. Upon arrival, each newly admitted turtle is assigned a number—that’s how the team tells them apart. The numbers are written in white on the turtles’ shells. New patients are always given a thorough health exam, and then the team determines treatment. Each animal receives individual care and medications, as well as regular checkups throughout its stay. The turtles are fed small pieces of squid, shrimp and fish. Donning waders, staff and volunteers climb into the hospital pool carrying a small bucket of food and a long pair of tongs. They use the tongs to grasp food and offer it to each turtle. During feeding time, shouts of “41, squid! 37, capelin! 38, shrimp!” reverberate around the hospital pool. While one person distributes the food, another is tasked with recording what each turtle eats. Daily care also includes enrichment, which helps an animal maintain natural behaviors, such as hunting and diving. Turtles enjoy “caves” to hide in and hard surfaces to scratch
Manatee | 1,866 lbs
Green Sea Turtle | 500 lbs
Grey Seal | 53 lbs
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle | 13 lbs
Chessie was the first and only manatee to be housed at the National Aquarium for rehabilitation. Released in Florida in 1994, he was sighted again in Maryland 17 years later!
Calypso has been an Aquarium favorite since she arrived in 2002, after being deemed unfit for release due to the loss of her flipper.
Lily was admitted to Animal Rescue suffering from a broken jaw. Last year, she became the Aquarium’s 150th animal to be rehabilitated and released.
National Aquarium’s longest rehabilitation patient, Cougar, arrived in November 2013 and was at the Aquarium for 21 months.
AQUA.ORG 17
their shells. A turtle’s beak can crush a variety of materials, so the team is mindful of what they offer. Boat buoys, heavy-duty hula hoops and even car wash strips that simulate kelp can be found in the turtle rehab pool.
The Road to Recovery
Baltimore HOMEBOUND National Aquarium Animal Rescue has traveled up and down the East Coast to release rehabilitated animals.
The ultimate goal is to release animals back into their natural environment. Rehab lasts a few short weeks for some patients but can span months for others. One Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, Cougar, was with the Aquarium for nearly two years. His release this past August was a celebrated success. Animals need to pass a few tests to be cleared for release. First and foremost, they must be medically cleared— completely free of illness or disease and off medications for at least two weeks. The Aquarium’s animal health staff helps make that determination. Behavioral tests are also crucial. Before sending any animal back into the wild, the team makes sure it has the skills to survive. For example, if an animal has undergone surgery in our care, they will ensure it is strong enough to properly navigate ocean currents. “We’ll make sure it can catch live food. We’ll put it through a little boot camp, making sure that it can still hunt and forage appropriately,” Dittmar says. They should also still be wary of people—after all, you don’t run into a lot of humans out in the open ocean. Once an animal clears its exit exam, the team starts planning. Release locations depend on the animal and time of year. Finding warm temperatures for a turtle may mean packing up the van and traveling as far south as Florida. A seal, on the other hand, might require a trek north to cooler waters.
A Story to Share
Release is always cause for celebration. And while returning a healthy animal to its natural habitat is extremely rewarding, our larger success is determined by our ability to convey each animal’s story. “It’s not just that we’re releasing an animal into the water. ... We’re also doing that community outreach, which we do so well,” Taylor explains. Sharing the stories of rescued and rehabilitated animals helps communities understand the global implications of their day-to-day actions and encourages people to make more thoughtful choices. Stranding organizations examine each rescued animal and try to interpret what they’re seeing. “It’s kind of like a CSI,” Dittmar says. “One of the biggest responsibilities for animal-rescue organizations is to look at stranded marine mammals and sea turtles as sentinels of ocean health.” Evaluating animals for injuries, signs of infectious disease and even human impact helps inform biologists and scientists about the overall health of the ocean and its inhabitants. “Because our oceans take up so much of the world, ocean health really drives human health as well,” Dittmar says. Of course, there is also value in the individual. Returning even one rescued animal to its natural environment is a victory. That’s especially true for critically endangered species like the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, which makes up an astounding 51 percent of the National Aquarium’s rehabilitated and released animals. As Taylor puts it, “It’s so interesting thinking, ‘Wow, this animal is finally going to get back to its own world, and just think of the life it’s going to live.’”
For 25 years, National Aquarium Animal Rescue has responded to and cared for hundreds of marine animals in distress. Its success wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of philanthropic individuals and organizations. To make a contribution, visit aqua.org/donate.
18 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
A 35 YE
R
N AN
IVE
RSAR
Y
FROm rIPPleS tO wAVeS The National Aquarium celebrates 35 years of evolution.
T
he Inner Harbor looked much different four
decades ago. Instead of shops, restaurants and attractions, the area was populated with neglected wharves and dockside warehouses. Everything changed when two influential men—Mayor William Donald Schaefer and Commissioner of Housing and Community Development Robert Embry—had a vision: to build a world-class aquarium that would develop tourism, expand downtown commerce and renew historic buildings. On August 8, 1981, what is now known as the National Aquarium opened its doors. In celebration of its 35th anniversary, we’re
BY MELISSA MARSHALL
traveling back in time to explore its origins and how it grew into the role it plays today.
an ever exPanDInG CamPuS The National Aquarium’s buildings, situated on piers 3 and 4, are nothing short of iconic—two of Baltimore’s most recognizable architectural structures. But believe it or not, the Aquarium opened with just one of those buildings: Pier 3’s 157-foot-high structure, with its glass-encased rain forest on display for all of the Inner Harbor to see. Designed by Peter Chermayeff, it was predicted to be one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Its companion on Pier 4, which would house a 1.3-million-gallon habitat and an Animal Care Center, wouldn’t open until December 1990. Also missing at that time were many of the species guests discover in our exhibits today. Sloths hadn’t made their debut, the jellies exhibit didn’t exist and Calypso, the 500-pound green sea turtle, had yet to swim into our hearts. The marine menagerie of 1981 consisted of just 5,000 animals, and there was talk of adding polar bears to the mix. The number of animal residents has increased considerably since then, to nearly 20,000 fish, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and other vertebrates. The same can be said for our campus, which not only expanded to include Pier 4 but also added a 64,500-square-foot pavilion on Pier 3 (home to Australia: Wild Extremes) and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Waterfront Park. We continue to grow. In January, we announced the purchase of a brand-new Animal Care and Rescue Center located in Baltimore’s Jonestown neighborhood, reinforcing our dedication to high-quality animal care. For the first time, the Aquarium will have a fully customizable, state-of-the-art center for its current, and future, residents.
AQUA.ORG 19
A 35 YE
R A
IV NN
ERS
ARY
a hIStOry OF SuPPOrt
O F T E N T H E ANIMALS WOULD
UpsTage celebRitY gUests S O M E O F W H O M C O M P L A I N E D TO L E T T E R M A N O R
lATe NIGhT STAFF
Despite myriad developments over the past 35 years, some things never change. “What has remained the same is having staff dedicated to making the Aquarium the best it can be,” says General Curator Jack Cover. Hired in September 1987 as a herpetologist, Cover fondly remembers accepting the 1989 Edward H. Bean Award for the Aquarium’s poison dart frog breeding program and assisting with the opening of multiple award-winning exhibits. He even presented Aquarium animals on “Late Night with David Letterman.” “Often the animals would upstage celebrity guests, some of whom complained to Letterman or ‘Late Night’ staff,” he recalls. Cover isn’t the only one with early Aquarium memories. In addition to other staff members who joined the Aquarium decades ago, 11 volunteers have been here since the start. Roger and Irva Gabin were among our first members. “A sweet little old lady [at the member desk] said that for just a little bit more we could buy a couple’s membership and come back free all year,” Roger says. “I asked what made a couple—because we were on our first date—and the lady said, ‘two consenting adults,’ so we joined!” Now married and retired, the Gabins remain members.
a mISSIOn In PrOGreSS Today, no National Aquarium exhibit, education program or piece of communication is void of conservation messaging. It’s become an inherent part of our mission, and it didn’t happen overnight. The initial seeds were planted in the 1980s in the form of outreach programs: Aquarium on Wheels transported aquatic life to schools and community centers, and the Henry Hall scholarships offered city youth first-time opportunities to study for marine biology careers. A sturdy conservation foundation evolved between 1990 and 2000. Pier 4’s rehabilitation facility inducted the organization into the world of animal rescue, conservation pieces started to appear within the exhibits, and fledgling conservation programs flourished. By the end of the decade, a brand-new Aquarium Conservation Team was partnering with
20 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to restore the first of many acres of Chesapeake Bay wetlands around Fort McHenry. Once 2010 rolled around, attendance was no longer the sole measure of success. The organization looked to volunteer participation, environmental education efforts and restoration progress to help determine its impact. Fast-forward five years and the Aquarium has built a robust, multifaceted conservation program; instituted a new mission statement; and appointed its first-ever chief conservation officer. The Aquarium’s commitment to conservation endures today as it continues to evaluate its role as an aquarium in the 21st century and direct its overall mission to become a leading advocate for ocean health around the world.
BaCk tO the Future Next year will mark the start of a meaningful transformation for the Aquarium as it works to create a model for urban waterfronts nationwide. In alignment with Inner Harbor 2.0, the Aquarium is developing a free and accessible environmental district on our piers 3 and 4 campus. Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with the Inner Harbor and Chesapeake Bay through our Urban Wetland living laboratories that restore habitat around our campus. The waterfront revitalization is a first-priority project under the Aquarium’s BLUEprint master-planning process. Studio Gang Architects has been an essential partner in the BLUEprint process, helping to inform the waterfront campus plan and its signature floating wetlands. To learn more about our campus revitalization, visit aqua.org/waterfront. © 2016 National Aquarium, Ayers Saint Gross
IN 2015, THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM 40%
OBTAINED OF OUR ENERGY NEEDS FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES
CATALOGUED
170 SPECIES OF
URBAN WILDLIFE WITH THE HELP OF CITIZEN SCIENTISTS
EDUCATED MORE THAN
ENGAGED
150,000
3,000
STUDENTS
REMOVED
130,000
PIECES OF MARINE DEBRIS
VOLUNTEERS
SAFEGUARDED ANIMALS ALONG
4,360 MILES OF COASTLINE
To view our 2015 Impact Report, visit aqua.org/impact. AQUA.ORG 21
Piecing Together the Plastic Problem
It’s time to re-evaluate our strategy for preventing marine debris. BY MELISSA MARSHALL
If we asked you to estimate the number of single-use plastics you used this week, you’d likely comb your memory for plastic grocery bags you carried home or perhaps plastic to-go containers from restaurants. The obvious things. But the real number would shock you. Single-use plastics have become so ingrained in our day to day that we don’t even register the fact we’re using them. In the past week, it’s probable that you’ve consumed at least one bottled beverage— whether it was bottled water or soda. If you opted for a fountain soda, chances are it was topped with a plastic lid. Bought produce at the grocery? You probably placed it in one of those clear plastic bags before continuing to shop. And if you grabbed a cocktail with friends, it’s a safe bet it was served with a straw. Don’t forget about sandwich baggies, plastic wrap, potato-chip bags, packaging for household products— the list goes on.
OF ALL THE PLASTIC WE USE, A STAGGERING 50% IS USED ONCE AND THROWN AWAY. “While plastics can be valuable to our
GETTING FROM POINT A TO POINT SEA With 100 billion plastic bags and 35 billion plastic water bottles being trashed every year in America alone, you might wonder: Where does it all go? Much of it gets dumped in landfills, but a devastating amount enters our waterways. In fact, the United Nations Environment Programme estimated
health and our standard of living, our
that 10 percent of globally produced plastics ended up in the ocean
reliance on single-use plastics is a major sus-
in 1997. We’ll do the math: That’s roughly 10 billion plastic bags and
tainability and conservation concern,” says
3.5 billion plastic water bottles—plus countless other single-use
Laura Bankey, National Aquarium director
plastics—entering the ocean annually.
of conservation.
The vast majority of these plastics were disposed of on land and washed into storm drains after heavy rains. “In many cities, the water that goes down those storm drains is not diverted to a treatment plant where it could be filtered out,” Bankey explains. “It’s fast-tracked to our nearest waterway.” It’s why waterways can appear more polluted after a rainstorm— because they are.
22 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
NEARLY EVERY PIECE OF PLASTIC EVER MADE STILL EXISTS IN SOME SHAPE OR FORM TODAY. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Aquatic animals are paying the price for our pollution. Tens of thousands of whales, birds, seals and turtles die each year from contact with ocean-borne plastic bags, either mistaking them for food, like jellies, NORTH PACIFIC GYRE
NORTH ATLANTIC GYRE
or becoming entangled. The smaller, broken-down plastic pieces are unintentionally ingested by everything from plankton to baleen whales.
SOUTH PACIFIC GYRE
SOUTH ATLANTIC GYRE
INDIAN OCEAN GYRE
In addition to posing an immediate threat to marine life, ingested plastic also has long-term consequences. Plastic particles act as sponges for waterborne contaminants, such as pesticides. A sin-
FINDING THEIR FOREVER HOME
gle plastic microbead—the microplastics
In their new aquatic residence, plastics
used in certain personal care products, like
settle in for the long haul. Most degrade
exfoliating face soap—can be 1 million times
but never completely disappear, breaking
more toxic than the water around it.
down into smaller and smaller pieces called
“They’re petrochemicals, which tend
microplastics. Nearly every piece of plastic
to collect other sources of pollution. And
ever made still exists in some shape or form
then they’re misconstrued by many levels
today. More than 90 percent are smaller than the eraser on a No. 2 pencil.
of organisms as food sources,” Bankey says. currents, forming a plastic soup in large
“When those predators either become prey
ocean areas called gyres. Today, billions of
themselves to a food that humans eat, or as
other physical processes determine the
pounds of plastic can be found in swirling
the plastic and its associated chemicals bio-
movement of these plastics. The buoyant
convergences making up about 40 percent
accumulate through the food chain, those
pieces are swept up in strong surface
of the world’s ocean surfaces.
toxins can end up on our plate.”
Wind, waves, currents and the ocean’s
AQUA.ORG 23
ONLY 5 TO 10% OF THE PLASTIC WE PRODUCE IS CURRENTLY RECOVERED.
WHY RECYCLING ISN’T ENOUGH You might be thinking, “But I recycle!” While this individual conservation act is commendable, it’s not enough to counter
TAKE THE CHALLENGE Join the 48 Days of Blue movement to improve the planet each day.
You’ve probably been taught to “reduce, reuse, recycle.” But a better motto would be “refuse, reuse, recycle.” Refuse single-use plastics whenever you can. Decline the cashier’s offer to place your purchases in a plastic bag. Request a drink with no straw. Your small choices make all the difference. Here are just a few ideas from
the monumental amount of plastic we’re
#48DaysofBlue, a National Aquarium initiative aimed at empowering individuals to dis-
constantly producing. Plus, only 5 to 10
cover the simple ways they can positively impact our blue planet. Join the movement at
percent of the plastic we produce is
48daysofblue.com, and get ready to kick off 48 days of challenges from Earth Day on April
currently recovered.
22 through World Oceans Day on June 8.
“Recycling initiatives are important, but recycling should not be the first or last thing we think about when we’re trying to protect our environment,” Bankey says. “Much of the plastics that are ending up in our waterways are not necessarily from sources that can easily be recycled.” What’s more, many plastics touted to be biodegradable do not biodegrade in aquatic environments. They’re only designed to break down efficiently in commercial composting systems, such as landfills.
DITCHING THE DEBRIS
Skip the Straw
Aquariums across the country are teaming up to stop single-use plastics at their source in 2016 and 2017. The Aquarium Conservation Partnership—developed by the National Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium
Choose Reusable
Replace plastic bags with reusable bags, and opt for reusable bottles instead of single-use bottles. To take it a step further, pack a wastefree lunch with lunch boxes, reusable snack bags, cloth napkins and durable utensils.
and Monterey Bay Aquarium, working
Americans throw away 500 million plastic straws each day. Ditch the disposables and try a reusable glass straw instead. Maximize your impact by encouraging local restaurants and bars to go straw-less with you.
alongside other aquaria from all over the country—is a strategic partnership of aquariums that uses its collective resources to advance conservation goals on a state, regional and national level. “As one of the founding members, the National Aquarium’s role greatly consists of providing resources that we’ve already developed,” Bankey says. “For example, earlier successful state laws banning microbeads in Maryland and California—advocated for by the National Aquarium and Monterey Bay Aquarium, respectively—were instrumental in garnering support for the federal ban that was recently signed by President Obama.”
24 WATERMARKS | SPRING 2016
Ditch the Gum
Most modern chewing gums are made with synthetic rubbers that are not only less than stellar for your health, but also tend to end up in our natural environment.
Join a Cleanup
Aren’t sure where to look? Check your local parksand-recreation website, and look into conservation organizations, nature centers and other community resources in your area. East Coasters: Visit aqua.org/ care to sign up for one of the Aquarium Conservation Team’s many upcoming cleanup events!
MEET OUR MEMBERS
TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR BEST EXPERIENCES AS A NATIONAL AQUARIUM MEMBER. My family membership was a first Mother’s Day gift from my husband [Tony], designed so we could share National Aquarium outings with our daughter. On our first trip together, ... I managed to snap a pic of Tony and our daughter with one of the rays in [Australia: Wild Extremes].” — Adrienne Wiley
When you’ve had a bad day at work and you need to relax a little bit, you can come in and relax with the fish and just calm down and spend a minute with the shark tank. The whole day just kind of releases—just an amazing feeling—so we like coming here as often as we can.” — Ashly Shaffer
We brought our son, Everett (5), and daughter, Melodie (1), to the National Aquarium. When we entered the dolphin underwater viewing area, our daughter started ‘talking’ and pointing excitedly to the dolphins. Our son put his arm around her, and we looked on as they shared this special sibling moment. We asked Everett later if he was explaining the dolphins to Melodie, and he replied, “No, I was explaining Melodie to the dolphins.” — Sara Schomig
ASK THE EXPERTS Q: How do you keep the octopus from getting bored?
—Noah Marshall, age 6 A: Octopuses are highly intelligent animals and require a lot of stimuli. In the wild, stimuli is the result of trying to find food, avoid predators and eventually finding a mate. We provide what is typically referred to as enrichment and basically provide the octopus with challenging opportunities to find food. Additionally the aquarist will interact with the octopus to provide it with a variety of stimuli.
—Jay Bradley, Curator of Fishes
AQUA.ORG 25
501 East Pratt Street | Baltimore, Maryland 21202
TAKE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL From the food we eat to the air we breathe, the ocean sustains us every day. Become a National Aquarium Patron Society member to make a more powerful impact on our blue planet’s future and enjoy additional benefits.
To learn more, visit aqua.org/patron or call 410-576-8678.
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