Watermarks Winter 2017 by National Aquarium

WINTER 2017

FEATURING

THE ART OF ARTIFICIAL

Creating One-of-a-Kind Corals

PLUS

One Couple’s Support Takes Many Forms 10

A Floating Haven in the Harbor 04

PLUS

One Family’s Support Takes Many Forms 10

A Floating Haven in the Harbor 04

FROM THE CEO

In October, I had the privilege of speaking on behalf of the National Aquarium and the Aquarium Conservation Partnership at the international Our Ocean conference in Malta. Among other highlights, I was pleased to announce our success in eliminating single-use plastic foodware throughout the Aquarium this year, and our commitment to eliminate 1 million plastic bottles from the waste stream by 2020. As I listened to dignitaries including Prince Charles of Wales and former Secretary of State John Kerry, I noticed a consistent theme. Each speaker reinforced that we can overcome the staggering challenges facing our ocean planet,

“We can overcome the staggering challenges facing our ocean planet, if only we can work together.”

if only we can work together. When managing issues as pervasive and difficult as plastic pollution, climate change and extreme weather, there are no simple answers. It can seem easier to give up. But each of us possesses the power to make the world better. As John F. Kennedy said, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” Individuals committed to change create it. Even small actions can have lasting results. On

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

NATIONAL AQUARIUM INC. CHAIR Thomas E. Robinson IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Robert E. Carter VICE CHAIR Jane W. I. Droppa VICE CHAIR Tamika Langley Tremaglio EX OFFICIO Donna Morrison John C. Racanelli Toby Thompson LIFE DIRECTOR Frank A. Gunther Jr. BOARD MEMBERS Timothy J. Adams John Bremer Marc Bunting Keith Campbell David Churchill

page six of this issue, you’ll learn how our Aquarium team not

Colleen Dilenschneider

only works to make beautiful exhibits for our guests, but also

Nancy Grasmick

takes action to save coral reefs. You will meet Joe and Melissa Nigro on page 10. He’s a

Mohannad F. Jishi Joseph Nigro Marianela Peralta

member of our Board of Directors, and she’s a dedicated

Charles A. Phillips

volunteer docent. They have not only committed their

Diana Ramsay

financial support; they freely contribute their most valuable

The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

resource—their time. We hope their story will inspire you to

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kristin Zissel EDITORS Nabila Chami Megan Kowalski Kate Schmelyun DESIGN DIRECTOR Krista Gill DESIGNERS Dave Dundas Aimee Swartz PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Burk David Coffey Theresa Keil Sean Lo COPY EDITOR Chris M. Junior

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.

Edward Wiese

look around your community to see where you might be able

Jennifer W. Reynolds

to spend a bit of time making a big difference. Better yet,

Enric Sala

visit aqua.org/volunteer to consider joining our dedicated

WATERMARKS CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS

Chuck Tildon

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

THE ART OF ARTIFICIAL

AQUARIUM NEWS

MEMBER NEWS

OUR FABRICATION TEAM’S PAINSTAKING

THE AQUARIUM PARTNERS WITH NEIGH-

CHECK OUT OUR PHOTO GALLERY

Aquarium are thankful to you, our donors, members

WORK TO CREATE HANDMADE CORALS

BORS THROUGHOUT THE CITY AS PART

OF SNAPS SUBMITTED BY

and volunteers. Your support sustains our compelling

PAYS OFF WHEN GUESTS CAN’T TELL IF

OF OUR COMMITMENT TO BALTIMORE.

AQUARIUM MEMBERS.

corps of 1,000. We’d love to have you. As 2017 draws to a close, all of us at the National

Jacqueline Ulman

conservation mission and is evidence of your commitment to

WE CHOOSE RECYCLED.

a healthier Inner Harbor, Chesapeake Bay and global ocean.

Printing this issue of

And it’s a vote for positive change.

Watermarks using

We are truly grateful for your support, and we look forward to sharing many new adventures in the year ahead. Thank you! Warm Regards,

recycled materials in lieu of virgin fiber content makes a world of difference. 80# Rolland Satin 100% (Savings based on paper tonage.)

100 trees preserved 46,557 gallons of water saved 3,116 pounds of solid waste prevented 6 pounds of water pollutants prevented 8,548 pounds CO2e net greenhouse gasses prevented 45 million BTUs of energy saved

EXHIBIT HABITATS ARE REAL OR NOT. 06

TIME TO GIVE

12 THE INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP, HELD EACH FALL, HARNESSES PEOPLE

ANIMAL UPDATE

POWER TO PROTECT THE OCEAN.

WE BID FAREWELL TO LUNA

FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER

THE GREY SEAL AND RAVEN

JOE NIGRO AND HIS WIFE, MELISSA,

NEW FLOATING WETLAND PROTOTYPE IS

AN AQUARIUM VOLUNTEER, SUPPORT

A HAVEN IN THE HARBOR.

TAKES MANY FORMS.

THE LOGGERHEAD. 13

— J ohn Racanelli

ON THE COVER This clown triggerfish is at home amongst the handmade corals of the Aquarium’s Blacktip Reef exhibit.

ABOVE This June, Aquarium staff and volunteers worked side by side to plant native marsh grasses which restore habitat for wildlife at Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SEAN LO

P H O T O G R A P H B Y D AV I D C O F F E Y

PRESIDENT AND CEO

EXPLORE MORE

VISIT AQUA.ORG

AQUARIUM NEWS

Our Commitment to Our Community

Coming Together to Make a Difference

The Aquarium partners with neighbors throughout Baltimore City.

International Coastal Cleanup harnesses people power to protect the ocean.

With several critical partnerships in place and the antici-

The Aquarium’s partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free

pated opening of our new Animal Care and Rescue Center

Library system allows staff and volunteers to provide

in Jonestown set for the first half of 2018, the National

interactive educational outreach programs at library

Aquarium’s presence can be felt in more Baltimore neigh-

branches throughout Baltimore. Conservation action

borhoods and communities than ever before.

programs, including workshops, neighborhood garden initiatives and shoreline cleanups, take place throughout

In addition to our main Inner Harbor campus, the Animal

the city as well. All together, the Aquarium has conducted

Care and Rescue Center, and the Masonville Cove Environ-

outreach programs at 92 sites throughout Baltimore since

mental Education Center in South Baltimore’s Brooklyn

2015, sharing our mission of inspiring conservation of the

neighborhood, our staff and volunteers are working within

world’s aquatic treasures with our hometown.

communities throughout Baltimore City to bring hands-on conservation action and interactive educational opportunities to our neighbors right where they live.

LEARN MORE

Please check out aqua.org/care for more information about National Aquarium outreach programs.

The National Aquarium participates in the ICC by serving as the statewide coordinator for Maryland, and by hosting an annual cleanup event at Masonville Cove in South Baltimore. This year, 75 cleanups were held across the state—from Frederick to Annapolis to Baltimore to Ocean City—with 1,225 volunteers removing 33,484 pounds of debris from 70 miles of shoreline.

The International Coastal Cleanup—an annual worldwide event coordinated by Ocean Conservancy—is the world’s largest single-day volunteer effort to remove trash from local waterways, beaches, lakes and rivers. The results are always staggering—and often somewhat bizarre. The 2016 haul included not only 2 million cigarette butts, 1 million plastic beverage bottles and more than 800,000 plastic bags, but also 149 shopping carts, 54 bicycles and 39 toilets/toilet seats. In total through the ICC last year, nearly 800,000 volunteers across the globe collected 18 million pounds of trash.

“I volunteer because it makes me feel good,” says Mike Waltz of Lutherville, Maryland, an Aquarium member who regularly participates in cleanups. “Now that I’ve picked up thousands of pieces—literally—of Styrofoam, I’m not buying my coffee in that again, or if I must, I will dispose of it properly. And the same with water bottles. I am committed even more strongly to recycling after every cleanup event.”

The data for the 2017 cleanup, held in September, will be released in the spring.

Over the past three decades through the ICC, 225 million pieces of trash have been logged and removed from beaches and waterways by more than 11.5 million volunteers. The data collected at these cleanup events is compiled in Ocean Conservancy’s Ocean Trash Index, the world’s largest item-by-item, location-by-location database of trash found in near-shore environments. The database is used by scientists, conservation groups, governments and industry leaders to take actions to prevent debris from entering our waterways. LEARN MORE

Join the global movement to keep beaches, waterways and the ocean trash-free by downloading the Clean Swell app at aqua.org/icc.

ABOVE The Aquarium’s presence in Baltimore extends far beyond the Inner Harbor, with projects, outreach programs and conservation work taking place throughout the city, from Jonestown to Locust Point to Curtis Bay.

ABOVE In Maryland alone this year, 1,225 volunteers removed 33,484 pounds of debris from 70 miles of shoreline as part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. The Aquarium coordinates ICC events statewide.

P H O T O G R A P H B Y D AV I D C O F F E Y

PHOTOGRAPH BY THERESA KEIL

WAT E R M A R K S

WINTER 2017

EXPLORE MORE

VISIT AQUA.ORG

AQUARIUM NEWS

A Haven in the Harbor The Aquarium’s new floating wetland prototype is re-creating habitats and offering opportunities to study the Harbor’s unique ecosystem. At last count, five species had already taken up residence in the National Aquarium’s new floating wetland prototype installed in the slip between Piers 3 and 4 in the Inner Harbor in August. In the past three years, 18 aquatic species have been documented utilizing the harbor as a home through the floating island and Biohut projects. “On the new floating wetland prototype, we have seen schools of Atlantic silversides, mummichogs, banded killifish and grass shrimp, as well as blue crabs, which use the island as a refuge to molt. We also recently removed a Northern water snake shed, and a night heron stops by almost every evening,” says Charmaine Dahlenburg, Chesapeake Bay program manager for the Aquarium.

WAT E R M A R K S

The prototype is part of an expansive, ongoing project to turn the waterfront surrounding the Aquarium into a living laboratory that promotes healthy water, attracts native species and teaches students and other Inner Harbor visitors about wetland ecosystems. Floating wetlands are artificial islands with a porous base, planted with native grasses whose nutrient-absorbing roots reach the water below. Floating wetlands uptake excess, unwanted nutrients found in urban waters and use these nutrients as food to grow. The prototype features a shallow, submerged channel where small species can hide, feed and spawn, and

WINTER 2017

AQUARIUM NEWS

compressed air lines that release microbubbles to aerate the water. All of this is set upon adjustable, water-filled pontoons and secured to steel pilings along the pier. The harbor was once home to native plants that supported marine life, including oysters, blue crabs and rockfish, as well as aquatic birds and reptiles. The floating wetlands will reintroduce salt marsh habitats and create a home for a number of species. Beyond what they’ve already seen, Aquarium staff anticipates that the floating wetland habitat will attract American eels, migratory birds, turtles and other species, while promoting improved water quality and supporting life above and below the water’s surface.

Aquarium staffers and University of Maryland Center of Environmental Science researchers have been measuring water quality and analyzing biodiversity in the slip since mid-2015. These wetlands will also provide a new green space where students and guests can learn about the plants and animals native to these habitats, and gain a better understanding of the Inner Harbor’s environmental health and its connection to the Chesapeake Bay and ocean. LEARN MORE

As part of the project, Dahlenburg and a team of other

For updates about the floating wetland prototype and other updates to the Aquarium’s waterfront, visit aqua.org/waterfront-campus.

OPPOSITE Before the floating wetland prototype was installed, staff and volunteers planted it with native grasses whose roots will uptake excess, unwanted nutrients from the harbor’s water.

ABOVE The prototype is an early step in an expansive project to turn the slip between Piers 3 and 4 into a living laboratory that promotes healthy water, attracts native species and provides learning opportunities.

PHOTOGRAPH BY THERESA KEIL

P H OTO G R A P H BY PAU L B U R K

EXPLORE MORE

VISIT AQUA.ORG

F E AT U R E S

THE ART OF ARTIFICIAL BY MEGAN KOWALSKI Considering that coral reefs can take 100,000 to 30 million years to fully develop in the wild, it’s no surprise that the majority of corals found in National Aquarium exhibits are artificial—but that doesn’t stop guests from wondering. According to National Aquarium Director of Exhibit Fabrication and Operations Paul Valiquette, our staff’s painstaking effort to create the illusion of real coral reef habitats pays off when guests question their authenticity. “The highest compliment, of course, is when somebody starts looking at [the coral] and they’re totally captivated and at some point they say, ‘Is this real?’,” Valiquette says. “That’s where you want to be.” The first step in re-creating some of the most ecologically diverse places in our ocean is getting inspiration straight from the source. After extensive research, members of the National Aquarium exhibit fabrication team have a few options when it’s production time: sculpted, molded or a hybrid process. CREATING CORAL

Sculpted coral is essentially made from scratch, and deciding which materials to use is up to the expertise of our staff. Consider the branching fire coral, for example—our fabrication

team discovered that repeatedly dipping stainless steel pipe cleaners in liquid urethane rubber was the perfect way to replicate the branching arms that are indicative of this species. On the other hand, the molding process involves using real coral skeletons to create a two-layer mold: an inner flexible mold and an outer rigid mother-mold, or mold jacket. The flexible rubber mold reproduces the fine polyp detail of the coral skeleton, while the rigid jacket holds the overall shape of the coral head. Materials and techniques have improved over the years, but the basic process of flexible molding has remained relatively constant since Valiquette first delved into the world of artificial coral fabrication in 1975. An example of a hybrid process that is oftentimes employed for large branching corals involves dissecting a coral head into individually moldable pieces, casting these pieces and reassembling them for the finished product.

mens, which is a clear indication of an artificial habitat. Coral specimens for Blacktip Reef were carefully selected and gathered from every commercial source available, and mounted in a way that makes any repeating occurrences undetectable. The diversity of shapes and colors was further enhanced with the addition of hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces fabricated by Aquarium staff. Whether guests realize it, our staff’s dedication to replicating the true-tolife diversity of real coral reef habitats lends to its apparent authenticity. “Guests will often comment that our habitats are better, but they don’t always know why,” Valiquette explains. “One reason is because they go other places and they see the repeated use of the same coral pieces over and over, and they come to the National Aquarium and they witness a greater diversity of specimens and species. We’re distinctive because we strive to make our habitat simulations both naturalistic and believable.”

SUSPENDED DISBELIEF

In the wild, corals are like people— each piece is different. To achieve a heightened state of realism in our Blacktip Reef exhibit—a homage to the Indo-Pacific reef—Aquarium staff went to unparalleled lengths to avoid obvious replication of coral speci-

WAT E R M A R K S

WINTER 2017

OPPOSITE National Aquarium Habitat Fabricator Oskar Tarplee seals a piece of coral to prepare it for molding. PHOTOGRAPH BY THERESA KEIL

F E AT U R E S

“The highest compliment, of course, is when somebody starts looking at [the coral] and they’re totally captivated and at some point they say, ‘Is this real?’” —PAUL VALIQUETTE, DIRECTOR OF EXHIBIT FABRICATION AND OPERATIONS

RESTORING THE REEF BUILDERS

National Aquarium Assistant Curator

If you happen to find yourself off the

of Blue Wonders Jennie Jansen

coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula

a few nights after the full moon in

this summer to work in tandem with

the hottest month of the year, it may

SECORE International, an organization

appear to be snowing underwater. But

that promotes worldwide coral reef

it wouldn’t be an aquatic snowstorm—

conservation, as well as local stake-

it’s the annual spawning event of the

holders National Autonomous

critically endangered Elkhorn coral.

University of Mexico and Xcaret Park, to coordinate fertilization of the

Incredibly, these corals know exactly

Elkhorn coral.

when to release their gametes into the water in a synchronized event that

During the annual spawning event, the

allows the Elkhorn to broaden its gene

SECORE team and partners collected

pool. Each coral polyp in a colony is

Elkhorn gametes, and then introduced

a separate animal, but is often genet-

sperm and eggs in a lab setting. Suc-

ically identical to its neighboring

cessful fertilization resulted in more

polyps, so gametes from different

than 100,000 coral embryos, which

colonies are necessary for successful

were raised in nurseries until they

fertilization.

were ready to be placed back on the ocean floor on manmade substrates.

Currently, there are so few colonies of Elkhorn coral—particularly in Mexico—

This process, which has been

that they aren’t geographically close

developed by the SECORE team over

enough to cross-fertilize, which leads

several years, increases the genetic

to unfruitful spawning events.

diversity of the Elkhorn—a critical step in restoring this ecologically important

That’s where members of the

species. Elkhorn is considered a reef-

National Aquarium team—working

building coral that creates necessary

with partners from across the United

habitat for an array of fishes and

States and Mexico—step in.

helps protect the shoreline from powerful storms.

OPPOSITE No detail is spared by the Aquarium’s exhibit fabrication team when creating unique artificial pieces. PHOTOGRAPH BY THERESA KEIL

WAT E R M A R K S

WINTER 2017

THE ART OF ARTIFICIAL

Reefs in Peril They constitute less than 1 percent of the ocean floor, yet support an estimated 25 percent of ocean life—and an estimated 75 percent of them are considered threatened. We’re talking about coral reefs— and they need our help. Every bit as beautiful as they are fragile, corals—which are colonial animals made up of thousands of tiny, individual polyps—are extremely sensitive to changes in light, temperature and water acidity. Perhaps the most pressing issue facing corals is increasing water temperatures, which are a result of climate change and lead to coral bleaching. Ocean acidification and increasingly powerful storms—additional products of climate change—as well as coastal development, pollution and invasive species can be counted among the risks to coral reefs, which serve as critical spawning, nursery, breeding and feeding grounds for thousands of species. But there is good news: With the right environmental conditions, coral can grow and repair itself. Individuals can take simple, everyday actions—such as reducing fertilizer use, minimizing energy consumption and conserving water—to help make our ocean a suitable place for corals around the world to thrive.

LEARN MORE

Visit aqua.org/coral-reefs to learn more about coral reefs—and how you can help protect them.

EXPLORE MORE

VISIT AQUA.ORG

F E AT U R E S

TIME TO GIVE

“The Aquarium’s mission is unique. There’s an entertainment element, but there are also important conservation and sustainability elements. I think they’re equally important. It’s good for the community.” —JOE NIGRO, CONSTELLATION CEO, EXELON EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL AQUARIUM BOARD MEMBER

F R O M B O A R D M E E T I N G S T O T H E R A I N F O R E S T, S U P P O R T TA K E S M A N Y F O R M S F O R J O E A N D M E L I S S A N I G R O . BY KRISTIN ZISSEL The National Aquarium’s relationship with Constellation, an Exelon Company, has resulted in some remarkable benefits. As the benefactor of a $1 million, five-year grant, Constellation is the Aquarium’s lead sponsor of Chesapeake Bay Conservation Initiatives. Cooperation on the construction of a new 4.3-megawatt grid-connected solar power system in Cambridge, Maryland, now helps offset 40 percent of the National Aquarium’s annual energy usage with renewable sources. The execution of $3.7 million in energy and water efficiency upgrades, including the conversion of 99 percent of the Aquarium’s light fixtures to LED, saved over $400,000 in utility costs in just two years. Constellation staff even spend time getting their hands dirty, volunteering in large numbers to take part in Aquarium conservation field days. Yet, even in light of these tremendous results, the personal dedication of Constellation CEO and Exelon Executive Vice President Joe Nigro and his wife, Melissa Nigro, stands out as one of the very best perks to come from this extraordinary relationship. In addition to their ongoing financial support, the Nigros’ commitment to the National Aquarium is defined by their generous donation of their most precious resource: their time.

When Joe’s position with Constellation brought the couple to Baltimore in 2012, Melissa put a lot of thought into how to best leverage her time to benefit her new hometown. “Volunteering at the Aquarium presented an opportunity to engage with this community and learn something brand new,” she says. In her position as a volunteer exhibit guide, Melissa spends time each week interacting with guests as they explore the Aquarium. “I get the most enjoyment from the kids who want to tell you everything they know,” she says. “I almost always learn something from them. If they’re enjoying their visit, you really see this wide-eyed wonder as they discover something like Blacktip Reef.” For Joe, accepting a seat on the Aquarium’s Board of Directors was a natural fit, in line with both his personal and professional priorities. “Constellation and Exelon take climate and conservation very seriously,” he remarks. “That aligns well with what the Aquarium is doing, and I think of it as the right way to do things.” Joe cites several reasons why his commitment to the National Aquarium is in the top tier of his philanthropic efforts. “The National Aquarium is the pillar of tourism and entertainment here in Baltimore and acts as an economic driver,” Joe says,

“but from my personal perspective, I see the Aquarium working to achieve something unique that is good for the city by providing educational community resources that focus on a healthy ocean and climate.” While Joe and Melissa cite the touchpools of Living Seashore and the lush, green warmth of the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, respectively, as their favorite exhibits, both are excited about the new Animal Care and Rescue Center now under construction in Jonestown. Referring to the behind-the-scenes work that goes into caring for Aquarium animals, Joe sees an opportunity for guests to understand the animal welfare process from the beginning. “Before becoming involved with the National Aquarium, I had never thought about the work going on off-exhibit,” he says. “The new Center will provide a completely unique experience. There is no place else to see that.” The Nigros are excited about the community access and educational programming the Aquarium provides, and they both see potential to expand upon the Aquarium’s conservation mission and broaden its reach. In the meantime, though, both Joe and Melissa keep coming back for one primary reason. “I think everyone who comes through this place has the same impression,” says Joe. “It’s simply a wonderful place to visit.” Joe and Melissa Nigro, pictured in the Aquarium’s Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit, take a multifaceted approach to giving. PHOTOGRAPH BY THERESA KEIL

WAT E R M A R K S

WINTER 2017

MEMBER NEWS

A N I M A L U P DAT E

So Long, Luna!

Memories Are Made Here Members share their favorite Aquarium moments as part of Membership Month. WE ASKED AND YOU DELIVERED!

As part of Membership Month in August, we invited members to send in photos that capture their favorite Aquarium memories. We loved every photo and are happy to share a few here with you, our readers.

J O H A N N A R O L L I N S | B A LT I M O R E , M A R Y L A N D

After spending about three months in our care, Luna the juvenile grey seal was released back to her ocean home in early September! She was released at Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, the same place where Phil— the harbor seal that was also in our care this summer—was released in June. While Luna was in Baltimore, she recovered from several medical issues, including pneumonia, dehydration, lungworms and lacerations.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SEAN LO

NEW SKATE AT THE SEASHORE L A U R E N F R I E D M A N | WA S H I N G T O N , D . C .

D R . C H A N D R AS E K A R S H AST RY | B A N G A LO R E , I N D I A

C H R I S S I E C O N S TA B L E | C E N T R E V I L L E , V I R G I N I A

Guests now have another animal to interact with in our Living Seashore exhibit: a new clearnose skate, nicknamed Arya Stark! This skate can be identified by its exceptionally pale coloration. A translucent nose, otherwise known as a rostral ridge, gives the clearnose skate its name. These rhombus-shaped elasmobranchs can grow to be about 18 inches wide and 33 inches long. RAVEN’S RELEASE

The loggerhead sea turtle that was at the National Aquarium as part of the Loggerhead Head Start Program, nicknamed Raven, was recently released in North Carolina! Raven was in our care since October 2016 and was living in our Maryland: Mountains to the Sea exhibit, where she learned to dive, hunt and scavenge for food. Stay tuned for more information about our new loggerhead hatchling! B R U C E D E W E Y | W E ST F I E L D, M ASSAC H U S E T TS

SAMANTHA GOLDBERG | ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

E R I C Z E L M A N | S I LV E R S P R I N G , M A R Y L A N D

NEW BLACKTIP REEF RESIDENTS

Keep an eye out for an anchor tuskfish, clown surgeonfish, crown squirrelfish, fusilier damselfish, green chromis, moon wrasse, pyramid butterflyfish, yellowtail coris, flame hawkfish, freckled hawkfish and yellowstripped cardinalfish in Blacktip Reef. Visit aqua.org/members to see more member photos.

WAT E R M A R K S

WINTER 2017

EXPLORE MORE

VISIT AQUA.ORG

HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS

The giant Pacific octopus and sea anemones in Surviving Through Adaptation are off exhibit until March, when their habitat renovation will be complete! PHOTOGRAPH BY SEAN L0

501 East Pratt Street | Baltimore, Maryland 21202

GIVE THE GIFT OF JOY. Give the adventure-seeking family and friends on your holiday list a gift theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forgetâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a membership to the National Aquarium! Purchase onsite or online at aqua.org/members.

Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 7625