Fall 2015 VAQ

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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

GROWING OYSTERS NEW OYSTER REEF ON OWLS CREEK

STRANDING RESPONSE AN INSIDE LOOK FALL 2015 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS CONTACT INFORMATION

HOURS OF OPERATION

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Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

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(757) 385-FISH Virginia Aquarium

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The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research and sustainable practices.

FALL 2015, VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 Virginia Aquarium Quarterly is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation located at 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

EDITOR Ellis Pawson ADVISOR Caryl Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Savannah Kaylor GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ashley Laginestra CONTRIBUTORS Barb Beverage, Karen Burns, Lynn Clements, Beth Firchau, Mike Mizell, Kristen Phillips, Alexis Rabon, Shawn Reid, Sarah Rose, Pam Sandloop, Craig Simmons, April Strickland, Mark Swingle, Jeff Thompson, Esi Waters, Chris Witherspoon

WE CARE ABOUT CONSERVATION

VAQ is printed with soy-based inks on post-consumer recycled paper.

Please remember to recycle VAQ when you’re finished reading & sharing it.

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OTTER

CRAB

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STINGRAY HEDGEHOG

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SEAL

DOLPHIN

WHALE

AT LEAST ONE NAMED CARDHOLDER MUST BE PRESENT.

LY N N ’ S L I N E S

FEATURES

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STRANDING RESPONSE

CONSERVATION MUSES Inspiring conservation through education is the core of the Virginia Aquarium’s mission statement, and this issue of VAQ is bursting with examples of our team exemplifying this ideal.

Some of our efforts are quite visible to the public. Did you get the chance to see one of the many sea turtles that we released this summer?

Our Stranding Response Team staff partnered with six fishing pier operators to educate anglers about how to handle a hooked sea turtle to minimize damage until we arrive. The best part is that this outreach education is working! More calls about hooked sea turtles have been made – we’ve seen a 250 percent increase in hooked sea turtles rehabilitated since last year – and that means we are able to save and release more of these animals. The turtles we released this summer are just of a few of the sea turtles that we have helped this year.

Some of our other conservation efforts are seen outside our walls, or outside of the ocean, and yet make a significant impact. For example, we’ve worked with Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy to place Sensible Seafood signage with the program logo in their seafood cases so shoppers can easily identify sustainable options. Farm Fresh has also begun carrying a special line of wines created by the Williamsburg Winery to pair perfectly with seafood, and the sale of these Farm Fresh exclusive wines benefits the Sensible Seafood Program.

Of course, you’re always welcome to drop in and see our work in action. Enjoy our newly opened stranding response program exhibit or take a stroll on the scenic overlook to see our new oyster reef, a rare opportunity for the public to see an oyster reef and oyster castles side by side. Bring a friend and prepare to be inspired to put conservation into action where you live!

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PIER PARTNER PROGRAM

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OWLS CREEK OYSTER REEF

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FEATURE

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EVENT GUIDE

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EXPERT Q&A

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SPECIES CHAMPION

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FISH FINATIC

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SUPPORT

Executive Director

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FAN PHOTOS

HIGH FIVE

TERRI TURNER

SEND US YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE AQUARIUM The top picks will be included in VAQ. Send a max of 3 high resolution, jpeg files to VAQmag@VirginiaAquarium.com. Sending photos grants the Virginia Aquarium the right to use the photos in promotional materials. Please limit attachments to 10MB per email.

GLORIA’S GRIN

EMMA LOVELAND

LUKE & ANDREW SYLVIA TAYLOR

FISHY TIME

ZEBBIE GARRISON

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AMAZED MACKENZIE MINDY STOLWORTHY

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A GROWING TEAM TA K E A C LO S E R LO O K AT O U R S T R A N D I N G R E S P O N S E T E A M A N D T H E WO R K T H E Y D O

BY M A RK SW INGLE

The time was the late 1980’s and the Aquarium (then called Virginia Marine Science Museum) had just opened in Virginia Beach. We were immediately confronted with every question about aquatic happenings, from unusual catches of fish to things washing up on the beach. At this

time we encountered our first marine mammals and sea turtles on the beach – stranded! We soon learned that strandings happen when these animals wash ashore sick, injured, or dead. We also discovered that these strandings represent incredibly valuable opportunities to help sick continued

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or injured individuals, advance scientific knowledge, and contribute to the conservation of these amazing species.

Stranding response was a natural fit for the Aquarium and the passionate staff members that became involved.

It was clear from the beginning that Virginia needed a well-organized stranding network It was clear from the beginning that Virginia needed a well-organized stranding network to respond to the wide variety of species and large numbers of animals that washed ashore. In 1991, we established the volunteer stranding team to provide much-needed assistance for the growing responsibility of responding to stranded animals in Virginia Beach and on other coastlines in the state.

STRANDING TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Fast-forward to 2015 and it is hard to imagine that the Virginia Aquarium has been responding to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles for more than 25 years.

Today, we are very excited about the future, and we’ve reached another important milestone. Thanks to funding from the Hansen Family Foundation, the Aquarium Connection, and the Kellam Family Fund, a new exhibit opened this fall that shares the stories of the Stranding Response Program. Through interactive media experiences and unique exhibit presentations, the new exhibit provides an up-close look at stranding response, research, animal rescues, rehabilitation and release. Highlights of the new exhibit include presentations of stranding team activities, a display of animal tagging and tracking devices, an interactive table and a live video feed from the off-site Stranding Center. As guests experience the new exhibit, they will clearly see how the Aquarium’s signature field conservation program has come of age.

They provided medical care and rehabilitation for hundreds of live animals

They responded to more than 7,000 stranded animals

They educate the public

They collect vital

They provided

on the biology and life history of species

during national & local environmental crises

Research contributes directly to the conservation of species in the wild

Stranding team volunteers have contributed more than 100,000 hours

scientific information

about protecting sea turtles and marine mammals

emergency response

Information cumulative since 1991 8

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F E AT U R E

CARBON’S SPEEDING TREADMILL:

THE OCEANS CAN’T KEEP UP B Y E S I WAT E R S , L E E D A P O + M

Esi Waters is on the Virginia Aquarium Board of Trustees, and is Manager of Corporate Sustainability at Norfolk Southern Corp.

T he ocean has always been a natural carbon sink. It

faithfully absorbs up to 25 percent of the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide (CO2) through chemical and biological processes. According to research in the journal Nature, the ocean can’t keep up with the rising CO2 in our atmosphere. If the oceans were a person running at a sustainable pace on a treadmill, the influx of CO2 due to industrial processes - would be like someone consistently increasing the treadmill speed; making it go faster and faster. As atmospheric CO2 increases, ocean pH levels decrease, which results in ocean acidification.

This pH imbalance is destroying ocean habitat by killing many of the colorful coral reefs found all over the world.

Thankfully, all is not lost. There are many actions the Virginia Aquarium is already taking to help reduce the speed of that fast-moving treadmill. The chief example is the Aquarium’s energy reduction efforts as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star Program. The program was created in 1992 to encourage companies and individuals to lower their CO2

footprint through superior energy efficiency. It takes a lot of energy to house the animals at the Aquarium. Thanks to many improvements the Aquarium is becoming more energy efficient. For instance, the renovations of the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater helped reduced theater energy use by 73 percent. As part of the Energy Star certification process, the Aquarium staff is currently drafting an Action Plan to determine opportunity areas for further energy reduction. The goal: reduce total energy usage by 10 percent. When we use less energy at home, work, and at the Aquarium, less CO2 goes into the atmosphere and we become one step closer to slowing down that treadmill.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? SWITCH ‘EM OUT

Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient bulbs such as lightemitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

TAKE THE STAIRS

Not only is it good for your health, but it saves on energy!

TURN IT OFF

Turn off and unplug lights, appliances and electronics not in use. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once.

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FALL QUARTER

DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE

P RO G R A M A ND EVEN TS GUI D E SPECIAL EVENTS

Native Americans November 21 | 11am–3pm

An Evening with Cousteau

Learn about Virginia’s Native Americans, the Chesapeake Indians, through demonstrations, stories, and hands-on activities.

MARSH PAVILION

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE October 1 | 7pm

SCUBA Santa

Special events are free with admission, unless an event fee is listed below.

TODDLER PROGRAMS Sponsored by Whole Foods, these weekly programs are created just for the little ones.

Included with membership and admission.

Programs last about 30 minutes. Adults must accompany child during program.

Toddler Tuesday

Jean-Michel Cousteau, oceanographic explorer and environmentalist, will host a screening of his latest movie, The Secret Ocean. After the movie, Cousteau will be available to autograph posters and answer questions in person.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 3D THEATER

Saturdays & Sundays, November 28 through December 20 | 11am Be sure to catch a glimpse of the jolly ole’ elf swimming with the fishes in the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Bring your little ones for this ageappropriate program that includes story time, songs and an Aquarium adventure.

MARSH PAVILION

Myths & Mysteries

Sundays with Santa

Puppet Shows

October 17–23 | 11am–3pm Stop by the creature feature curiosity cart and discover some of the “dinosaur descendants” and “living fossils” at the Virginia Aquarium.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Monster Madness October 30 | 6–9PM Come to the Aquarium dressed for Halloween fun! Our annual Monster Madness event will feature nature-themed crafts, games and a chance to meet some of our “creepy” creatures.

A paying adult must accompany children.

Call (757) 385-FISH for reservations.

$7 members, $10 non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Watts Conservation Speaker Series November 8 | 2pm Join us for a screening of Sam Low’s documentary film The Navigators. Sam Low, anthropologist, author & filmmaker, will be present to discuss the world-wide voyage of Hokule’a. Mr. Lowe will be available for a book signing following the presentation.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 3D THEATER

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Sundays, November 29 through December 20 | 12–3pm

Every Tuesday | 11am & 12:30pm

October 20, November 17 & December 15 | 11am & 12:30pm

Polar Express Pajama Party!

On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany our story time.

MARSH PAVILION

MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE December 18 | 6pm

Toddler Trek

Wear your favorite holiday pajamas and enjoy a showing of the modern day holiday classic, Polar Express! This event is free, seating is limited and registration is required.

Call (757) 385-FISH for registration.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Join us for an exploration session for early learners to discover a new animal, color and shape through fun outdoor activities. Takes place inside during inclement weather.

MARSH PAVILION

Join Santa and his elves for festivities and fun.

MARSH PAVILION

Breakfast with Santa MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE December 19 | 9–10:30am Enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by SODEXO’s executive chef; snap a photo and visit with our very jolly special guest! Holiday craft stations and other activities will be available. Reservations required.

Call (757) 385-FISH.

$17 per person BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

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Every Thursday | 11am

DISCOVERY DAYS Geared for ages 4–6, these programs include age-appropriate discussions, activities and crafts. $7 members, $10 non-members.

Pre-registration is strongly recommended by calling (757) 385-0278 or by e-mailing programs@virginiaaquarium.com.

Marsh Mayhem October 1 | 2–3:15pm Fish, turtles, snakes and more. Join us as we investigate our freshwater ponds to find out which animals call this habitat their home.

MARSH PAVILION

Creatures of the Night

BEHIND-THE-SCENES Go beyond the Aquarium glass for a closer look. Reservations required in advance.

Book online or call (757) 385-FISH. Some age and height restrictions apply. Must be able to climb stairs. Book by noon.

Sea Turtles Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 1pm Go above the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium to observe aquarists conducting a feeding and behavioral training session with the sea turtles. 45 minutes.

$15 members, $20 non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Above & Beyond

Nocturnal animals have special adaptations that allow them to be active at night. Learn all about these adaptations and meet some of the Aquarium’s nocturnal ambassadors.

MARSH PAVILION

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday | 12:30pm

Colors of Fall

$15 members, $20 non-members

Tree leaves are starting to turn orange, red, and yellow. I wonder how they do that and what other things change for fall. Join us as we learn how fall weather changes things.

MARSH PAVILION

Native American Know How November 19 | 2–3:15pm What would you do without a grocery store, television, telephones, or cars? Native Americans lived a very different lifestyle. Join us as we learn to live like Native Americans.

MARSH PAVILION

Let it Snow December 3 | 2–3:15pm Snow inside? How is that possible? Join us as learn about snow and the animals that hibernate under it while we make a little “indoor” snow.

MARSH PAVILION

Dolphin Discoveries March–October Check website for dates and times Take an unforgettable 90-minute excursion exploring for Virginia’s most common and charismatic marine mammal, bottlenose dolphins!

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Tour selected service areas for a peek at the “inner workings” of a public aquarium and find out how we care for our fish and other marine animals. 45 minutes.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

GALA Commotion in the Ocean October 10 | 8pm–12am Sample delicious food, browse the silent auction, dancing and entertainment – all set in the beauty of the Virginia Aquarium exhibits. All proceeds benefit the Virginia Aquarium Foundation in its mission to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research, and sustainable practices.

Call (757) 385-0261 for tickets.

$125 per person

Virginia Aquarium boat trips engage adults, families and student groups in coastal marine ecology by providing opportunities to observe dolphins, whales and other marine life in their natural habitat.

$18 members, $20 non-members

October 15 | 2–3:15pm

November 5 | 2–3:15pm

SEA ADVENTURES

Whales & Wildlife December–March Check website for dates, times, and prices Join us a 2–2.5 hour immersive encounter to search for some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures that visit Virginia’s coastal winter waters: whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds!

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Sailing with Santa November 28 & December 19 10:30am & 12pm Check website for dates, times, and prices Set sail with Santa and his crew aboard the Atlantic Explorer on a 60-minute cruise on Owls Creek. Enjoy refreshments, games and activities while Santa greets his guests for a unique photo opportunity. Call (757) 385-FISH for reservations.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Beach Day December 17 | 2–3:15pm Do you miss the beach and summer as much as we do? Join us as we bring the beach inside for some fun-filled sandy fun.

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EXPERT Q&A

A MAN OF MANY TRADES JEFF THOMPSON Acquisition, Quarantine and Boat Operations Manager

Q: A: Q: A:

How long have you worked at the Virginia Aquarium?

I started as a volunteer with the Aquarium in 1994. I was hired on as a part-timer a few months later. In July of 1997, I was hired full-time.

Q:

What do you do on the average day?

A:

There are no “average days” in my line of work. I can be out collecting fish one day, and running the research boat the next. Other days I conduct system maintenance.

Sometimes I do all these things in one day.

What has been the most exciting experience you’ve had working for the Aquarium?

Disentangling a free swimming right whale off the coast of North Carolina a few years ago. It was entangled in fishing gear. The whale kept swimming, towing us while we worked to remove the gear.

What do you like best about your work?

Q:

What is the most exciting animal you’ve ever acquired for the Aquarium?

The various stingrays we have. We go out with the commercial pound netters and stand in their fish hold while their catch is dumped all around us. We get to sort through the fish to find various species of stingrays to bring back.

A: Meet the man responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Aquarium’s Marine Animal Care Center.

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Q: A:

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I like the fact that no two days are the same. I also love that I get to work outdoors and on the water.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

SPECIES CHAMPION

KRISTEN PHILLIPS FOR HER WORK WITH ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS

Tursiops truncatus In addition to rehabilitating and releasing stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, the Stranding Response Program conducts a variety of research projects to learn more about our local marine wildlife. The Stranding Team can learn a lot about an animal after it has washed up on shore, by performing a necropsy (animal autopsy).

ANTHONY BOSNENGO If you ever meet Anthony Bosnengo, your day will be all the better for it. It’s difficult to find a friendlier volunteer or a more infectious smile.

He has a wide-ranging volunteer repertoire, but it’s on our stranding team that his passion is

Kristy Phillips and other team members have been studying the diet of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins since 2012. By examining stomach contents that have been archived at the Marine Animal Care Center since 1998, they can figure out what dolphins are eating and if there have been any shifts in diet. Prey species are identified by the shape of otoliths (fish ear bone) or squid beaks found. Kristy has found that the most common prey species belong to the family Sciaenidae, a family of fishes that produce throbbing or drumming sounds. Fishes belonging to this family include croaker, spot, and seatrout.

perhaps at its strongest. Anthony assists with animal triage and treatment, prepares food, performs necropsies, retrieves and transports marine mammals and sea turtles, conducts facility maintenance and care, and is involved with numerous research projects. In his own words, “Whether it’s getting them off of the beach, cut out of nets, or doing necropsies out of water, I love learning about these animals and passing that info on. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community and an incredibly amazing experience.” –

BY C R A I G S I M M O N S

For information about volunteering, call (757) 385-0274 or visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com/volunteer

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R A NTD SE CSTTI ON I TI N LEG N E W S

THE VIRGINIA PIER PARTNER PROGRAM

BY SA RAH ROSE

I n 2014, The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program

launched The Virginia Pier Partner Program which aims to provide pier fishermen with the tools and knowledge needed to aid in the rescue of sea turtles incidentally hooked at fishing piers. Working in cooperation with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, the stranding team developed this program in response to the rising impacts fisheries have on sea turtles.

From 2009 to 2012, the program admitted an average of 2.5 “hooked” sea turtle patients per season. 2013 included a record number of reported interactions between recreational fisheries and sea turtles.

The stranding team received 15 reports of hooked sea turtles, and admitted seven of those animals for rehabilitation at the Marine Animal Care Center. In 2014, Kathy O’Hara, Pier Partner Program Coordinator, started initial pier outreach efforts by posting signs, distributing tackle box stickers, interviewing fishermen about their fishing habits, and researching prior fisherman-sea turtle interactions.

The program received a tremendous amount of support from local fishermen. Fishermen reported 22 hooked turtles, 16 of which were admitted into rehab. All hooked turtles were released back into the wild by October, 2014.

In May 2015, O’Hara brought together program staff and local fishing pier representatives to discuss the goals of the Virginia Pier Partner Program and brainstorm methods to improve the program.

Key discussions included the team’s interest in obtaining sea turtles caught by fishermen for examination, the importance of sea turtle lift nets - provided by the program - for safely and successfully landing a hooked sea turtle, and how to best inform local fishermen about sea turtle interaction best practices. Piers were also provided with signage and sea turtle rescue boxes to safely contain sea turtles until the stranding team arrived.

As a result of these efforts, reports and rescues of hooked sea turtles continue to climb. As of July 2015, there were 38 reports of hooked sea turtles and 30 were admitted into rehabilitation. The Stranding Response Program is seeking funding to support the Pier Virginia Partner Program as a multi-year project to continue working with recreational fishermen at local piers. To donate to this program, contact the Aquarium’s Development office at 757-385-0262.

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C O N S E R VAT I O N

NEW OWLS CREEK

OYSTER REEF

BY CHRIS W IT H E R SPOON

T hrough a generous donation from the Rudee

Inlet Foundation (RIF) - a citizen’s group supporting conservation of Owls Creek and the surrounding marsh - the Virginia Aquarium created a demonstration oyster reef that guests can view from the Scenic Overlook. This new exhibit may be the most accessible and diverse oyster reef display found anywhere, and features three reef types: a 30 foot strip of natural shell along the marsh edge; a 30 foot section of oyster castles along the marsh edge; and a large ring of shells in the deeper subtidal zone. Over time, oyster spat settling on these structures will build living reefs that will improve water quality in Owls Creek and contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat for other marine animals.

The reefs on the marsh edge were constructed June 2-3 at low tide.

Volunteers from the RIF hauled shell-filled baskets through the woods and across the muddy marsh. Director of Research & Conservation, Mark Swingle, and consulting oyster scientist Laurie Sorabella then spread the shells while slogging through ankle-toknee deep mud.

The volunteers also lowered heavy oyster castle blocks from the overlook deck to the mud flat where Laurie stacked them to create seven pyramidal oyster castles.

To get the new reef off to a good start, the Aquarium invited school groups to seed the intertidal shell section with oyster spat they had raised during the year. Students from the Old Donation Center, Princess Anne Middle School, and New Castle Elementary enthusiastically contributed 18,000 young but ready-to-reproduce oysters to the project. Because the reef is so accessible, we anticipate that schools will continue to visit each spring to add their spat.

The final section of reef was installed July 22, at high tide. Under the supervision of James Reidy and Jason Barney of the Crystal Club, an organization dedicated to improving local water quality, a large barge anchored and shells were dumped to create the subtidal reef. Guests will be able to see the tall mound of shells forming the perimeter even though this section is in deeper water than those along the marsh edge. The Aquarium is planning a longterm monitoring project to examine the impact of the reef structures on oyster colonization and changes to the shoreline.

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F I S H F I N AT I C The Virginia Aquarium is home to over 7,000 fish, close to 200 species, and we can’t help but get excited about them. Our staff are truly fish finatics! We hope you’ll love learning about some of our favorite fish.

STURGEON

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The Atlantic sturgeon is a living dinosaur, remaining relatively unchanged since it first appeared in prehistoric oceans more than 120 million years ago.

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Atlantic sturgeon have been recorded to lengths over 12 feet long and weighing over 800 pounds, but most sturgeon today weigh about 100lbs and reach 5-6 feet in length.

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Female sturgeons can lay up to 2 million eggs in one brood (a group of young fish born at the same time).

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Acipenser oxyrinchus

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Atlantic sturgeon are common in the Chesapeake Bay in April through May as they migrate to reach spawning grounds in the Bay’s tributaries. In the fall they move offshore to winter feeding grounds.

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After hundreds of years of overfishing for their eggs to be sold as caviar, sturgeon numbers have declined. Today, the fish is protected by the US Endangered Species Act.

FUNDRAISING

THIS IS YOUR AQUARIUM

BY APRIL STRI CKLA N D

M embers and guests keep the doors open and the lights on, and ensure that the facilities throughout our

campus are ready for your next visit, but donations are what add life to the Aquarium.

Did you know that the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center exists thanks to a partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium Foundation? Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation enable the Aquarium to do what we do best. We provide outstanding educational opportunities throughout our campus and the community. From Toddler Tuesdays to outreach programs, our education department impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals. Your donations help us conduct research within and related to the marine environment, and rehabilitate injured and ill marine mammals and sea turtles through the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program. We also provide unique, engaging exhibits, including more than 10,000 amazing animals in our collection, like sea turtles, otters, raptors, and sharks.

Gifts to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation make a real difference. To make a gift by phone, call (757) 385-0262.

Visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com/savetheocean to make a gift online or mail your donation to the Virginia Aquarium, 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

You can also donate by designating the Virginia Aquarium in your workplace giving campaign.

• Our Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) number is 45920 • Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) number is 3183 • And you can write-in Virginia Aquarium on your Combined Charities Campaign commitment form.

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THANK YOU! Contributions from May 1 through July 31, 2015 ANNUAL FUND Debra Arnold Beverly Baird Jason Baker Bank of America Foundation, Matching Gift for Kevin Furey Beach Municipal Federal Credit Union, for the Coins for Conservation Program Summer Bertram Brian Biebel Merry Carter Combined Federal Campaign of South Hampton Roads Anna Cunning Magan R. Echols Fraim Family Foundation Ian P. Goodwin Sanci M. Hall Christopher W. Hicks Tracy Horan Kroger Community Rewards Program MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation Andrew J. Merkle Susan Moritz Norfolk Southern, Matching Gift for Bob Fort* Norfolk Southern, Matching Gift for Wiley F. Mitchell Norfolk Southern Charitable Match Trust, at the direction of William Spicuzza Chris Post Morgan Stanley, at the direction of Howard Rodman Jean Siebert*, Siebert Realty Beaven Smith Frederick Stanley SunTrust Investment Services, Matching Gift for Burr Henderson Tabb Elementary School Talbots, Inc United Way of the Coastal Empire * Special thanks to Order of the Turtle members who make unrestricted gifts of $2,500 or more.

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THANK YOU

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY GIVING AT

www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean

United Way South Hampton Roads Matthew R. Vollkommer Walmart Corporate Giving Christina & Lee Westnedge Woodstock Elementary School EDUCATION Humpback Whale Program MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation Wetlands & Watersheds Program Carnival Foundation EXHIBITS Seal Splash Program The Oceanfront Inn, Vakos Family GREEN TEAM Keep Virginia Beautiful, Thirty Grants in 30 Days Program Terracycle, Inc. LYNN’S LEGACY In honor of Lynn Clements Cynthia Whitbred Spanoulis In honor of Kaitlynn Walsh Barbara Chapman STRANDING RESPONSE PROGRAM Anonymous Brandon & Tiffany Anthony Cape Henry Woman’s Club, Inc. Browning Curry Roy Hendrix Kemps Landing Magnet School PTA Elsa Parli Pure Paradise Water of Virginia Beach Waitt Foundation Whale & Bottlenose Dolphin Catalogs Floyd E. Kellam Jr. Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Pier Partners Program Bass Pro Shops, Outdoor World Beach Pet Hospital Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Girl Scout Troop #468

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Loggerhead MarineLife Center Owners, Operators & Fishermen: Little Island Fishing Pier Virginia Beach Fishing Pier Lynnhaven Inlet Fishing Pier Sea Gull Fishing Pier Ocean View Fishing Pier Buckroe Fishing Pier Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring Team Dominion Foundation IN HONOR OF Marian Childress Virginia Master Naturalists, Tidewater Chapter Michelle Collins Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Alton Gaskins Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Carly Healy, Birthday Donna K. & John Fumai, Annelise Hannon, Jennifer M. Healy, Kelli P. & Christopher L. Nelson, Christine D. & Stephen M. Smith Chris Hill Gloria F. Biemesderfer Maggie Lynott Marian Childress Joel Ross, Birthday Jemima Addico-Filson Connor B. Zydron, Birthday Matthew B. & Bellamy E. Zydron IN MEMORY OF Pamela Parker Allan Parker George W. Roper, II Theresa & Wayne Sawyer Freda Stanley Kathleen Reed AQUAPALS ADOPTION Mrs. Carter’s Third Grade Class Gavin Siegel Avery Jakubovic Dawn Emery Trudy Matheny Stephanie Quiney

SENSIBLE SEAFOOD PROGRAM Wild River Outfitters TRAIL/HORTICULTURE Charles Jourdant Junior Virginia Beach Garden Club Virginia Beach Garden Club VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Walter Pope Sandy Wood, Karen Burns & The Friday Morning Volunteer Shift Lynn Clements Sandy Yon E. Marcie Shields Scholarship,

by Justine Shields WATTS CONSERVATION SPEAKER SERIES Norfolk Southern, matching gift for D. Henry Watts

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717 GENERAL BOOTH BLVD VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451 (757) 385-FISH VirginiaAquarium.com A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums, and World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

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Postmaster: Please deliver by October 31, 2015