Fall 2016 VAQ

FA L L 2 0 1 6

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

NORFOLK CANYON CONSERVATION IN THE FIELD

SCUBA DIVING BEHIND THE SCENES FALL 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS CONTACT INFORMATION

9 –5

HOURS OF OPERATION

(757) 385-FISH

AM

VirginiaAquarium.com Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

PM

Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

DAILY ADMISSIONS PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL

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

FALL 2016, VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 VAQ is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation located at 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

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HEDGEHOG

Philanthropic membership is also available through our Giving Societies. Learn more at www.VirginiaAquarium.com/join.

At least one named cardholder must be present during each visit.

EDITORS Matthew Klepeisz, Ellis Pawson ADVISOR Caryl Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Savannah Kaylor GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ashley Laginestra CONTRIBUTORS Karen Burns, Alexander Costidis, Lynn Clements, Caryl Thompson, Mary McCarthy, Rhoderick Alejo, Sean Bourgeois, Matthew Klepeisz, Michael Mizell, Alexis Rabon, Barbara Beverage, Ellis Pawson, Jennifer Hill, Taylor Saunders, Shawn Reid, Mark Swingle, April Strickland, Lisa Grigolite

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.

Dolphin Discoveries

Boat leaves from the Aquarium!

Visit VirginiaAquarium.com for information

LY N N ’ S L I N E S

FEATURES

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BEHIND THE MASK

THE POWER OF COLLABORATION The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s opening in 1986 was the culmination of years of collaboration between dedicated individuals, the City of Virginia Beach, and our non-profit Foundation. Our success is a direct result of our staff, volunteers, board of directors, and leaders working together.

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NORFOLK CANYON

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WHY I GIVE

Within this issue, you’ll discover other ways we utilize the power of partnerships. You’ll learn how our volunteers partner with us daily to care for animals and educate our guests. You’ll see how our stranding response team depends upon many partners to respond to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. You’ll find how we work with national and international groups to achieve our conservation through education mission.

This engagement with other organizations allows us to pool our resources and expand our collective reach. We frequently network with other internationally recognized agencies through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

Rachel Metz, our Director of Live Exhibits, teamed up with staff from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, South Carolina Aquarium, Oregon Coast Community College, and the Shedd Aquarium to create an Aquarium Design, Husbandry, and Leadership course for professional aquarists that we will eventually host.

I recently visited Washington D.C. to attend Capitol Hill Ocean Week. Coordinated by the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation, this advocacy week attracted over 600 policymakers, scientists, and conservation leaders to find ways to increase support for national marine sanctuaries and healthy oceans.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading the results of some of our recent successful partnerships. As Winston Churchill said, “If we are together, nothing is impossible. If we are divided, all will fail.”

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EXHIBIT RENOVATION

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EVENT GUIDE

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JUST FOR KIDS

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EXPERT Q & A

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

20 CONSERVATION

Executive Director FALL 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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F I S H F I N AT I C

NURSE SHARK

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Adult nurse sharks can reach up to 9 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds.

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The nurse shark’s young develop in eggs that are retained in the mother’s uterus. They often hatch inside the mother before birth, giving the appearance of live birth.

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Nurse sharks are able to pump water over their gills using their buccal (mouth) muscles which allows them to breathe while remaining still.

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2016

Ginglymostoma cirratum

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Nurse sharks have two “whiskers,” called barbels, located near their mouth. They use these barbels to help them find food hiding in the sand.

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Nurse sharks are bottom dwellers. You can often spot the Aquarium’s nurse shark in the Norfolk Canyon Exhibit lying on top of the submarine.

F E AT U R E

D i ve r s c h e c k a n d r e c o r d t h e t i m e before "splash" as part of the pre-dive safety and accountability check.

BEHIND THE MASK

BY SONN Y A LEJO

One of the most visible and unique jobs at the Virginia Aquarium is the scuba diver. Excited visitors often receive high-fives and waves from the masked men and women diving in the exhibits. These highly trained individuals support every aspect of our operations from animal care and exhibit maintenance, to animal selection for the collection. Our divers are passionate about ocean conservation and animal welfare.

Over 60 scuba certified volunteers and a dozen staff train regularly and keep meticulous records to ensure the highest level of safety and accountability. In addition to this training, divers must ensure scuba gear is properly functioning at all times. This important maintenance check ensures every “splash� is safe for our divers and animals.

Our divers are sometimes involved during the very first interaction we have with our animals. While many animals arrive to the Aquarium by transfer from other aquariums, or when an injured animal has been rehabilitated but is not suitable for release, in some cases, animals are collected from the wild. Our Aquarium divers

Cleaning the aquariums is an important part of a diver's job. This diver is cleaning gravel in the Cheasapeake Bay Aquarium.

FALL 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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Back up second stage regulator or Octopus Compressed air or enriched air scuba cylinder

And dive an average of

Weight belt with lead weights

2,920 times a year Dive gloves

On average, scuba cylinders have

Exposure suit

21%

OXYGEN Dive fins

journey through shipwrecks and structures off the coast seeking tropical fish carried far from home by the Gulf Stream. With little chance for survival in the cold water off the Virginia coast, these fish are collected and given a second chance to thrive in one of the Aquarium’s exhibits.

Our divers also assist with in-water husbandry tasks like population counts, medical procedures, and exhibit cleaning. Twice a year, the dive team helps the animal care staff corral the sea turtles so they can receive their physical exams. In other words, these divers play a vital role in ensuring the health of our Aquarium animals.

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The dive team also works with our education staff on interactive, in-water programs for guests. Divers engage in nonverbal communication through the acrylic, teaching guests about scuba diving and basic diving maneuvers. This interaction helps encourage young audiences’ interest in this exciting field.

The more people who see our underwater world through a diver’s mask, the more advocates our incredible oceans will have.

E X H I B I T F E AT U R E

CHESAPEAKE BAY AQUARIUM RENOVATION

BY SEAN BOUR G EOI S

The Chesapeake Bay Aquarium (CBA) was the major aquarium attraction at the original Virginia Marine Science Museum. The CBA, designed to replicate the pilings and islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, has been a keystone to educating our guests about the animals of the lower Chesapeake Bay. Starting this September, and continuing through the summer of 2017, the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium will undergo a 1.75 million dollar renovation. This renovation is a collaborative project between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium Foundation.

When the CBA re-opens, it will still be representative of the lower Chesapeake Bay, but will have a different look and feel. The new habitat is being designed to replicate the look and feel of a pier similar to those in Kiptopeke State Park. The design allows the opportunity to showcase a more diverse array of species than the current exhibit allows.

Not only will this renovation offer our guests the chance to view a fresh new exhibit, it will also allow us to upgrade and improve the filtration systems that provide a healthy environment for the inhabitants of the aquarium. The updated aquarium will incorporate the latest trends in aquatic filtration and lighting, including an enhanced filtration system capable of moving 1,000 gallons of water a minute (compared to the current 370 gallons of water per minute).

Because of the advances in technology, we will accomplish this while using about 63% of the energy we currently consume. Lighting in the exhibit will rely upon the latest LED technology, allowing staff to recreate a more natural lighting cycle for the animals.

The new system will use about

63% less energy

A n d w i l l m ove

1,000 gallons per minute That's fast enough to fill a standard residential pool in

25 minutes

This is going to be an exciting renovation for us, and we’re looking forward to sharing the progress with “windows” peering into the work area. Members are encouraged to come by and see the progress!

FALL 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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By Matthew Klepeisz

Exploring Ocean Life Sixty miles off the coast of Virginia, deep beneath the ocean, lies one of the most significant pieces of undersea land in the mid-Atlantic region: the Norfolk Canyon.

Largely untouched due to the depth, this submerged 35 mile long canyon has deep v-shaped valleys and prominent rocky outcroppings and terraces that reach depths of more than 2,000 meters.

The Norfolk Canyon is a “hot spot� for ocean life due to its unique location, physical features, and oceanographic conditions. The southernmost of the submarine canyons located along the mid-Atlantic, its waters are influenced by the circulation of ocean currents like the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current.

The valleys and waters above the Norfolk Canyon provide preferred feeding areas for a wealth of oceanic life, including billfish, marine mammals, and sea turtles. With rich deep-sea waters rising to the surface and fueling productivity, pelagic birds also find sustenance in these waters. But the most unique and amazing inhabitants are found on the complex, rocky bottom of the canyon. There, tree corals, sea anemones, and golden tilefish thrive in a home that has only recently been explored. This deep-sea canyon may hold even more secrets for scientists and researchers. Deep-sea corals and sponges have yielded scientific and technological advances that include compounds for cancer treatments and models for artificially creating human bone. Imagine what else we could learn from the canyon off our own coast!

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New Discoveries

The Norfolk Canyon within the Aquarium gives you a glimpse into the environment located nearly 70 miles off our shores. Sharks, rays, fish, and corals all play a vital role in the canyon's ecosystem.

The Norfolk Canyon area is not just an ecological wonderland; it also presents a remarkable maritime history opportunity. During the Deepwater Canyons 2012 Expedition, a collaborative effort with government, private, and academic partners, nine new shipwrecks were discovered in and around the Canyon. These wrecks included the “Billy Mitchell Fleet,” captured World War I German navy ships that were bombed

by Billy Mitchell’s U. S. Army Air Service to prove that aerial attacks could sink ships.

How We Are Connected The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center knows the importance of the Norfolk Canyon, and even has a Norfolk Canyon aquarium exhibit. The aquarium, more commonly known as the shark exhibit, is one of the most popular displays in the facility.

So, the Virginia Aquarium has begun working with many partners and stakeholders to explore ways to provide permanent protections for the Norfolk Canyon, potentially by creating a new National Marine Sanctuary.

National Marine Sanctuaries are the marine equivalent of National Parks. These federally protected and managed parcels can be important components of overall plans for ocean management. The idea of protecting America's 10

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2016

offshore marine resources, including the Great Lakes, is a relatively new one. It was only in 1971 that Representative Charles Mosher of Ohio described a vision for creating these sanctuaries.

In 1972 Congress established the National Marine Sanctuary Program under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. Facilitated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there are currently 13 national marine sanctuaries, including the Monitor sanctuary off North Carolina.

Working as a Community The process for nominating a new sanctuary is comprehensive and intensive. First, a “community”

The process doesn’t end there. Once added to the inventory, it enters the separate process of designation as a marine sanctuary. This process is, by law, highly public and participatory, and often takes several years to complete.

While we know that this will not be an overnight process, the Norfolk Canyon offers an incredible opportunity for ocean conservation through planning, research and education. Ocean planning requires balancing ecological value with human uses such as fishing, shipping and national security. National marine sanctuary designation is the highest level of protection we can offer to a special ocean place, and we are

builds a nomination by gathering information and support for the place it wishes to nominate.

fortunate to have one worthy of this designation right off the coast of Virginia.

National marine sanctuary designation is the highest level of protection we can offer...

Keep an eye out for upcoming ways you can get involved, and don’t miss our Henry and Eleanor Watts Conservation Speaker Series happening on October 9 at 2pm.

In our case, the Aquarium, its members, local citizens, organizations, businesses and government agencies are the community. Norfolk Canyon is the place. Next, the community submits the nomination to NOAA. If accepted, the nominated area is added to the inventory of places for potential designation as a national marine sanctuary.

©NOAA

A majority of the Canyon is explored though unmanned vehicles. Scientists that work at NOAA control these ROVs from rooms like this one.

Photos and samples are collected to help further our knowledge of this underwater wonderland.

©Google Earth

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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 Special events are free with admission, unless otherwise noted.

Lore and Legends of Virginia Beach September 10 & 11 | 11am–3pm Discover little known facts about pirates, witches, and ghosts through stories, songs and hands-on activities!

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Mentoring Young Scientists Info Night September 16 | 5:30pm Do you know a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader who is enthusiastic about science? Join us for the Mentoring Young Scientists information session.

MARSH PAVILION

Volunteer Open House September 22 | 4pm–6pm Learn about volunteer opportunities and meet department representatives who will be available to answer your questions and take applications. Youth, adult, and internship positions are available.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Commotion in the Ocean October 8 | 7–11pm Sample delicious food, browse the silent auction, and enjoy dancing and entertainment. All proceeds benefit the Virginia Aquarium Foundation in its mission to inspire conservation. Visit our website for tickets.

$125 per person

VIRGINIA BEACH CONVENTION CENTER

Prehistoric Myths and Mysteries

October 9 | 2pm Join Sandra Brooke, Ph.D. and Steve Ross, Ph.D. as they use photography and video to take us on an amazing journey to the bottom of the Norfolk Canyon while discussing their groundbreaking research in and around the submarine canyons of the mid-Atlantic region.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 3D THEATER

October 8 & 9 | 11am–3pm Stop by the creature feature curiosity cart and discover some dinosaur descendants and living fossils found at the Virginia Aquarium.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

TreeHouses October 9–January 1, 2017 Check out our new changing exhibit!

Immerse yourself in an indoor tree house to see who lives in trees. Try out stereoscopic viewfinders. Look for tracking clues and natural artifacts. Listen to animal sounds.

Turn a tree into a house-and back again.

You’ll be surprised how trees are used.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Fall Ecycling September 24 | 10am–2pm The Aquarium, in partnership with TFC Recycling, Public Works, and Goodwill Industries brings you this event. Visit our website for a list of items accepted, including household hazardous waste.

EAST PARKING LOT

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Eleanor & Henry Watts Conservation Speaker Series

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2016

Monster Madness October 28 | 6pm–9pm Come dressed for Halloween fun! Monster Madness features games with prizes, crafts, a puppet show and a chance to meet some of our “creepy” creatures. A paying adult must accompany children. Children 2 and under are free. For reservations call 757-385-FISH.

$10 Members | $12 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Chesapeake Indians: Virginia’s First People November 12 & 13 | 11am–3pm Learn about Virginia’s Native Americans, the Chesapeake Indians, through demonstrations, stories, and hands-on activities.

MARSH PAVILION

YOUTH PROGRAMS These specially designed programs help encourage life long learning.

Toddler Tuesdays Every Tuesday | 10am, 11am & 12:30pm Bring your little ones for this ageappropriate program that includes story time, songs, and activities. Free with admission.

MARSH PAVILION

Toddler Trek Every Thursday | 10am & 11am 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. Free with admission.

MARSH PAVILION

Puppet Shows September 20, October 18 & November 15 | 10am, 11am & 12:30pm On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany our story time.

Free with admission.

MARSH PAVILION

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

SEA ADVENTURES

Go beyond the Aquarium glass for a closer look. Reservations required by noon the day of the program. Book online or call (757) 385-FISH. Some age and height restrictions apply. Must be able to climb stairs.

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. Sightings not guaranteed.

Sea Turtles Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 1pm

Dolphin Discoveries

Go above the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium to observe aquarists conducting a feeding and behavioral training session with the sea turtles. 45 minutes.

March–October Check website for dates, times, & special trips.

$15 Members | $20 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

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

Take an unforgettable 90-minute excursion exploring for Virginia’s most common and charismatic marine mammal, bottlenose dolphins!

$18 Members | $20 Non-members AQUARIUM DOCK

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.

$15 Members | $20 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

S.T.E.A.M. September 14, 28; October 12, 26; November 9, 23 | 3:30–4:30pm Geared for ages 2–7 and focused on integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. During each program, early learners will create a piece of art that allows them to explore, investigate and understand scientific concepts.

Advance registration required. Call (757) 385–0310 or email jlhill@virginiaaquarium. com to register.

$5 Members, $7 Non-members MARSH PAVILION

TreeHouses Exhibit Member Preview October 8 | 9am–5pm Member Exclusive Enjoy exclusive entry to the Aquarium's newest exhibit!

Immerse yourself in an indoor tree house to see who lives in trees. Enjoy an extra 10% off (20% total) on Aquarium store purchases.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

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JUST FOR KIDS

Let’s learn about

RED DRUM FISH 35 They live 35 years on average

Red Drum make a drumming sound using muscles near their swim bladder

?

??

They have an eyespot at the base of their tail to fool predators

Family Activity Why don’t fish float/sink in water?

Fish easily move forward in the water by swimming with their fins, but their fins do very little to help the fish move up and down in the water. Rather, many fish have an organ called a swim bladder to control how they float in the water.

What You’ll Need Water Playdough Straw Ruler Rubber band 2 Paper clips Half-liter plastic bottle with cap

Set-up: Fill a plastic bottle with water leaving 1 inch of air at the top. Cut the straw to be 2 inches long. Seal one end of the straw with as little play dough as possible.

Wrap a rubber band repeatedly around the opposite end of the straw. Attach two paper clips to the rubber band on opposite sides of the straw. Place the straw apparatus, rubber band end down, into the bottle of water and seal the bottle with the cap. Without pressure, the straw floats close to the surface of the water.

If you apply pressure, by gently squeezing the bottle, the straw will sink.

What Happened?

The straw represents the air filled swim bladder inside of a Red Drum. Without pressure added to the swim bladder by squeezing the bottle the swim bladder remains full of air and the fish floats at the surface of the water. By adding pressure to the bottle, the amount of air in the straw “decreases”. The increased pressure pushes the air molecules closer together decreasing the volume of air in the straw making the fish less buoyant causing it to sink.

If a fish fills his swim bladder up, he will float higher in the water.

“Mac, why is that fish at the bottom of the aquarium? Can he not swim any higher?"

Well Charlie, many fish have swim bladders.

This helps them maintain their buoyancy.

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FAN PHOTOS

SEND US YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE AQUARIUM

The Virginia Aquarium is home to over 7,000 The top picks will be included in VAQ. Send a max of 3 high resolution jpeg files to fish, close 200 species, and we can’t help VAQmag@VirginiaAquarium.com. Sending photos grants thetoVirginia Aquarium the right but get excited about them.

Our staff are truly to use the photos in promotional materials. Please limit attachments to 10MB per email. fish finatics! We hope you’ll love learning about some of our favorite fish.

HATCHLING

TAMMY LONG

AMAZEMENT

ALANNA WILLIAMS

UP CLOSE

TAMMY LONG

SNEAK PEEK

ELLIS PAWSON

SEA ADVENTURES VIEW SAVANNAH KAYLOR

WONDER

JEN ROBINSON

CORAL & FISH

CHRISTAL MARSHALL

EXPERT Q&A

GLADYS "GIGI" TEASE MARKETING ADMIN ASSISTANT

What do you do for the Aquarium?

I’m an administrative assistant and provide support to Marketing and Public Relations, which also includes Private Events and the mascot program.

What is an average day like?

Every day is different! I book meetings, update the website calendar, respond to or redirect “Contact Us” emails, sort the mail, log invoices and attend to normal administrative tasks. On special days, I set up A/V equipment, manage mascots, facilitate dive proposals (everyone has said yes so far!) and meetings, help with rental tours, work with vendors, etc. There’s never a dull moment.

What do you like best about your work?

What is your favorite exhibit and why?

I think I’m pretty lucky to work here.

It’s full of wonderful critters, lots of science, knowledgeable staff and volunteers and a beautiful nature trail. No matter what kind of day you’re having, a walk around this place always makes you feel better.

That’s a tough question – I like all of the exhibits, especially when staff are doing enrichment with the animals, interacting with the public or even just doing upkeep. I also like the discovery carts because you get good info from the docents and you get to touch stuff.

What does a mascot handler do?

Everybody loves Sandy Sea Turtle and everyone wants to interact with him.

Sandy visits the Aquarium as well as the Mall, Zoo, airport, baseball games and even one of the Boardwalk parades! Once we’re on the floor, my job is help our visitors interact with Sandy or get their picture taken because turtles don’t talk. I also make sure that Sandy is safe.

Gigi is often found walking the Aquarium with Sandy during our summer season. With so many guests wanting to meet Sandy, Gigi plays a vital role!

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STRANDING

BREAKING RECORDS

BY ALEXA N DER COSTI DI S

The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program staff and volunteers welcomed a new wave of patients with open arms this summer. In its second full year, the Pier Partner Program has been a resounding success.

The program was created as a partnership with local fishing piers to increase awareness about sea turtle hookings in recreational fishing gear, to provide resources to the piers and fishermen in hopes of reducing injury to hooked turtles, and to ensure timely notification of rescue staff at the Stranding Center. Clearly, the word has gotten out!

T h e S t r a n d i n g R e s p o n s e Te a m a d m i t t e d a record 33 turtles in just the first month and half of the season...

Cajun This sea turtle had two internal hooks. The internal hook closer to the mouth was removed under sedation. The second hook farther down was a fragment and unable to be accessed. Cajun ended up passing the hook fragment all the way through the GI. Follow-up radiographs confirmed this. Cajun was successfully released on July 21.

The Stranding Response Team admitted a record 33 turtles in just the first month and half of the season, compared to the previous highest 5 month total of 37 admitted turtles in 2015. While some turtles have had relatively mild injuries, a number have revealed secondary hooks inside of them, which required surgical intervention. For this reason, we stress the need for every turtle to receive medical attention even if a hook falls out or the hooked turtle appears healthy. Staff ask fishers to use nets provided at the piers to lift turtles and to avoid removing hooks themselves.

This apparent success is due, in large part, to the dedication of the program volunteers like Pier Partner Coordinator Kathy O’Hara, and the team of volunteer pier responders. They have helped organize the program and continue to respond to, and recover, sea turtles hooked on recreational fishing gear. Nonetheless, without the assistance and cooperation of the pier managers, owners, and fishers at the local fishing piers: Little Island, Virginia Beach, Lynnhaven, Buckroe, Ocean View and Sea Gull, none of this would be possible.

To r e p o r t a h o o k e d , d i s t r e s s e d , o r deceased sea turtle or dolphin, take a picture and call the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response P r o g r a m a t ( 7 5 7 ) 3 8 5 -7 57 5 .

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DISCOUNTS GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS TOUR MARCH 15–25, 2017

SENIOR DAYS October 1–31, 2016 | Mon–Fri Seniors (62+) show valid photo ID to pay half-price Aquarium admission. Discount available Monday thru Friday and is good for senior’s admission only.

VETERAN'S SPECIAL November 5–11, 2016 Join the Virginia Aquarium for an adventure of a lifetime. Come face to face with the iconic wildlife of the Galapagos. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about ongoing conservation initiatives in the islands.

For more information, call 757-385-FISH.

Half off Aquarium admission to active duty military, retirees and veterans.

For a complete list of terms and conditions, please visit VirginiaAquarium.com.

Climbing & Zip Line Fun! KIDS - TEENS - ADULTS - GROUPS Reserve Now: ClimbVB.com Use Discount Promo: VAQ6

The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium SM

801 General Booth Blvd. - Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Ph: (757) 385-4947 - www.ClimbVB.com

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AT VIRGINIA AQUARIUM

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

DESIREE VELASCO

BY S H AW N R E I D

Desiree Velasco knew she wanted a career working with animals.

While attending Ocean Lakes High School, she attended a career fair and heard about the Aquarium’s volunteer program. Right away, she decided this was the best place to volunteer to get the experience she needed for her future. That same focus and determination that drew Desiree to the Aquarium as a youth volunteer four years ago is what keeps her moving toward her goals.

While volunteering as a fishes assistant, she earned two associates degrees; one in Psychology and the other in Social Sciences and Behavior. What is Desiree’s next goal? To pursue her BS degree in Animal Behavior at Becknell University in Pennsylvania.

When she’s not volunteering at the Aquarium or attending class, Desiree is involved with Surfers Healing. In her “down time," you will find her enjoying a slice of cake and reading Harry Potter.

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

MONSTER MADNESS OCTOBER 28 | 6–9PM $10 members | $12 non-members For reservations call 757-385-FISH

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AT I O N SE C TCIO ON NSTEIRTVLE

THE OCEAN'S

BLUE PRINT

BY MARK SWI N G LE

Ocean Uses Millions of organisms live below the surface, so what happens above it matters. Here are just a few things that are taken into consideration when planning.

Commercial shipping

Did you know, over half of U.S. residents live in coastal areas?

Even more important, the ocean directly impacts everyone’s life! Given these high stakes, planning for commercial and recreational activity while keeping a sustainable ocean environment is vital. A healthy ocean ecosystem should be the foundation for any ocean planning process.

Commercial fishing

How does one go about deciding appropriate uses for the ocean? The complex process must balance many competing activities. Organizations like the Aquarium have a fundamental role to play in ocean conservation.

We serve as portals to the ocean for millions of people by providing a place where the important foundations of ocean planning – healthy ocean ecosystem and sustainable uses – can be presented, explained and supported. Ocean planning must also consider the impacts of climate change, an important issue for the region and the planet.

Military activities

This will encourage sustainable e c o n o m i c d e ve l o p m e n t w h i l e a l s o protecting and restoring our ocean ecosystem..

The recently drafted Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan provides an initial “blueprint” for ocean planning. The plan focuses on better coordination of federal, state and local agencies, improved data sharing, research, shared objectives, and thorough stakeholder engagement. A regional assessment of ocean uses, natural resources and economic and cultural factors will provide a comprehensive context for decision-making.

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Aquaculture Offshore wind energy Ocean mining Submarine cables Recreational fishing

Boating, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc.

Beach activities Observing marine wildlife Marine science (research, surveys, ocean observing platforms)

It is imperative to fully implement the Ocean Action Plan for Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. The multiple uses listed above, come together in a dynamic mix that requires a sound planning process. This will encourage sustainable economic development while also protecting and restoring our ocean ecosystem. The MidAtlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan provides our best chance to achieve these goals while also conserving marine life and habitats essential for a healthy ocean. To view the complete plan, visit BOEM.gov/Ocean-Action-Plan/.

SUPPORT

WHY I GIVE W I T H R E B A M AC C O N N E L L , D O N O R & A R T I S T

Reba MacConnell, an artist and Virginia Beach native, was introduced to the Virginia Aquarium through her work with the Williamsburg Winery on their Sensible wines, which benefit the Aquarium’s Sensible Seafood Program. Reba’s zest for life is evident in her art. Splashes of color and energy erupt from each piece like the splash of a wave on the beach. Animals and mermaids frequent Reba’s pieces, which often have a distinct ocean flavor. Reba regularly contributes pieces to Aquarium events, including the Commotion in the Ocean gala. Her work will be available again at this year's Commotion in the Ocean fundraising event, October 8 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

I love sharing my art with the Virginia Aquarium because I consider the ocean an extension of my home. It’s where I spend time with my children, and where I find inspiration. The Virginia Aquarium provides a wonderful opportunity to our community. Everyone who visits the Aquarium learns about protecting the ocean and all of its creatures.

There’s a bond that’s created when someone smiles as they watch the antics of the otters, or gazes at the majestic sharks as they seem to hang in the water.

My son asked to join the Aquarium as a junior docent as soon as he turned 13. And my daughter was an Aquarium summer camp volunteer this year. My kids love every minute of their time at the Virginia Aquarium – and teach me so much! I love giving to the Virginia Aquarium because I truly love the ocean, and I know the Aquarium does, too.

EVERY GIFT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. The Virginia Aquarium raises money through the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation to support our educational programming, live animal exhibits, and other important conservation, research, and educational initiatives.

Giving is easy, visit VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveThe Ocean.

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THANK YOU! Contributions from April 2016 – June 2016 ANNUAL FUND Jason Baker In Memory of Kayo & Lynn Barco Betty G. Barco Stephanie Boni Kimberly Bryant Virginia Burke Alexander J. Campbell Lynn Clements Cobb Pediatric Therapy Services Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) San Diego Combined Federal Campaign of Greater SOCAL CFC of South Hampton Roads Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) Francis Daniel Fraim Family Foundation Barbara K. Gallagher Ian P. Goodwin Brenda Groves Sanci M. Hall April Haynes Mr. & Mrs. Bert Burr Henderson IV Patricia Henderson Flora Hezel Allyson Hughes Calvin Jones Kroger Marnie Keogh Peter Leddy & Otto Design Thomas Meehan Norfolk Southern Corporate Trust Norfolk Southern Foundation Daniel J. Pilcher Bert & Missy Schmidt Michael Shoebrook Robin D. Shoop Maddie Theodorlis TRUiST United Way South Hampton Roads Cathie J. Vick WalMart #3216 Curt Wargo AQUAPALS ADOPTIONS Robert Davis Anthony C. Maresco Lori McCurdy Amber Shoebrook Gregory Wells

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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY GIVING AT

www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean

EDUCATION Linda Y. Brown Tom & Betty Broyles Brian & Erica Cuffee DeFord Limited Farm Fresh (Supervalu, Inc.) Charles Horton June J. Hoye Ms. Anne Kellam Kemps Landing/Old Donation Tina Kotarides Dr. Julius S. Miller Wiley & Marshale’ Mitchell Mr. Fred J. Napolitano, II Rotary Club of Norfolk Christina & Lee Westnedge Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Wilson, Jr. EXHIBITS Eric Seeland Virginia Beach Garden Club RESEARCH & CONSERVATION In Honor of Hannah Baumer Katherine C. Grones Cape Henry Woman's Club Inc. Floyd E. Kellam, Jr. Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation GFWC Kempsville Woman's Club Max & Erma's Restaurant Rosaura Paredessuarez In Memory of Pamela Parker Allan Parker Shutterfly Inc. VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIP In Memory of Eugene R. Woolridge Ms. Sandra Yon 2016 GOLF CLASSIC Title Sponsor Monarch Bank 19th Hole Sponsor Hoffman Beverage Company Beverage Carts Sponsor ABS Technology Chipping Game Sponsor ESI Closest to the Pin Sponsor Optima Health RK Auto Driving Range Sponsor Tidewater Home Funding, LLC Golf Cart Sponsor PRA Group, Inc. Goody Bag Sponsor Summs Skip and Collateral Solutions

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2016

Putting Green Sponsor Fain Family Hole Sponsors 360IT Partners Coastal Grill Brian & Tracy Horan Thomas O'Hara Olympia Development Corporation Onhaizer Harris King Group - Merrill Lynch Kathleen Reed Reynolds Landscaping, Inc Sinnen-Green & Associates Tidewater Fleet Supply Wolcott, Rivers, Gates Hole in One Sponsors Beach Ford Norfolk Marine Company 2016 SENSIBLE SEAFOOD FEST Title Sponsor PNC Financial Services Group Diamond Sponsors Farm Fresh Platinum Sponsors Bob & Leslie Fort PRA Group, Inc. Gold Sponsors Hoffman Beverage Company Williamsburg Winery Silver sponsors Capital Concrete Hap & Becky Chalmers Clear Springs Foods, Inc. Fraim Family Foundation Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts H.M. Terry Co., Inc. High Liner Foods Anne G. Kellam Noah Enterprises, Inc. Sam Rust Seafood Whole Foods Wild River Outfitters Bronze Sponsors Thomas & Kathy O’Hara The Vakos Family Media Sponsor Inside Business Gift-in-Kind Sponsors Double Tree Hotel Billy Edwards – Whitlock Natural Organic Process Enterprises, NOPE Oceanfront Inn ProFish Sodexo TFC Recycling

Hello, Fall Savings!

IN THE PRESENTED BY CAPITAL GROUP

JOIN US

10 . 08 . 2016 AT THE VIRGINIA BEACH CONVENTION CENTER

NOVEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER Purchase or renew your membership & receive a 40% off coupon good for Aquarium store purchases or future memberships.

Coupon received with membership cards

BIG SCREEN

SATURDAYS

Movies at

7:50 pm | $5Members $7Non-members

SEPTEM B ER 3 The Breakfast Club (R) 10 Sixteen Candles (PG) 17

St. Elmo’s Fire (R)

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 3D (PG-13)

O CTOBER 1 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 3D (PG-13) 8

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG-13)

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Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (PG-13)

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Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (PG-13)

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Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (PG-13)

N OV EM B ER 5 Caddy Shack (R) 12 Blues Brothers (R) 19 26

National Lampoon’s Vacation (R) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13)

AQUARIUM CONNECTION’S 14TH ANNUAL GALA

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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.

Postmaster: Please deliver by September 30, 2016

Member Exclusive Preview October 8 | 9 am –5 pm Immerse yourself in our new changing exhibit and see who lives in the trees.

Open through January 1, 2017.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | FALL 2016

Thanks to Jane's Trust, the Cabot Family Charitable Trust, and the Institute for Museum and Library Services.