Winter 2016 VAQ

WINTER 2016

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

WELCOMING RUDDER OUR NEW HARBOR SEAL

HISTORIC IMPORT NEW TOMISTOMA ON EXHIBIT WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

1

MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS CONTACT INFORMATION

9 –5

HOURS OF OPERATION

(757) 385-FISH

AM

Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com 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.

WINTER 2016, VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

2 4 6 OTTER

CRAB

HEDGEHOG

Philanthropic memberships are also available.

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

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.

EDITOR Ellis Pawson ADVISOR Caryl Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Savannah Kaylor GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ashley Laginestra CONTRIBUTORS Susan Barco, Barbara Beverage, Karen Burns, Lynn Clements, Sarah Dawson, Beth Firchau, Chip Harshaw, Jennifer Hill, Matthew Klepeisz, Stephen Knoop, Julie Levans, Sarah Mallette, Catherine Miller, Michael Mizell, Allyson McNaughton, Alexis Rabon, Craig Simmons, April Strickland, Mark Swingle

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.

Whales & Wildlife Boat leaves from Aquarium dock!

LY N N ’ S L I N E S

FEATURES

7

IN A WHILE, CROCODILE

8

HELLO, RUDDER

THE NEXT LEVEL In our last issue, I shared some recent examples of our conservation efforts. I am thrilled to share the news about another partnership that we’re involved in: the Aquarium Conservation Partnership.

When I attended the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ national conference in the fall, the directors of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, and the National Aquarium invited us to join this new partnership. The purpose is simple — to pool our conservation efforts and resources to make a bigger impact. The initial focus is on four areas that we are already diligently working on: Addressing marine debris (plastic pollution, including balloons, plastic bags and micro-plastics).

Establishing marine sanctuaries and marine monuments for sensitive habitats like the Norfolk Canyon.

Improving the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture through programs like Sensible Seafood.

Increasing protection for threatened shark and ray species.

If this list looks familiar, it’s because it mirrors the work we are already doing in addition to conducting top-notch education programs, developing fun and engaging interactive exhibits, and offering you award-winning aquariums and animal exhibits. This new Aquarium Conservation Partnership underscores our mission to preserve and protect our natural resources. We are honored that we are invited to share and collaborate, and will be sure to share updates with you.

21 SUPPORT 5

FEATURE

13

EVENT GUIDE

14

JUST FOR KIDS

16

EXPERT Q & A

19

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

20 CONSERVATION

Executive Director WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

3

F I S H F I N AT I C

BURRFISH 1

4

Like its cousins, the puffer and porcupinefish, the burrfish can inflate to nearly twice its size to evade being swallowed by predators.

2

Strong jaws and nutcracker-like teeth allow the burrfish to feed easily on hard shelled crustaceans and bivalves.

3

Striped burrfish are found in near shore waters from Brazil to Nova Scotia.

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

Chilomycterus schoepfi

4

5

The fish’s yellow to green coloration, black stripes, and spots provide excellent camouflage in the sea grass beds of the Chesapeake Bay, where they are most commonly found.

The fish is encased in a flexible spinecovered, boney cage that can expand and contract with the fish.

Photo credit: ŠPhotoArk.com

F E AT U R E

FROGS NEAR & FAR

BY STEPHEN KN OOP

The Virginia Aquarium’s new poison dart frogs are sure to bring out a sense of curiosity and wonder in visitors of all ages. The Aquarium has three species, of the 160 found in the wild, on exhibit. You can find ground dwelling species, as well as a ‘thumbnail’ species, named for being so small adults can fit on your thumb nail! Our ‘thumbnail’ poison frogs are often found around the top of the exhibit, as they prefer to stay off the ground. You will likely find the ground dwelling species among the plants along the floor of the exhibit.

These brightly colored frogs dot rainforest floors throughout Central and South America. Their name comes from the way tribes use them for poison to tip their hunting darts. While their name suggests danger, in captivity poison dart frogs are not toxic. Their poison is produced as a result of the insects they eat in the wild.

BUMBLE BEE POISON FROG

Like other amphibians, poison dart frogs are an indicator species, meaning their sensitivity to environmental conditions can help us determine the health of an ecosystem. Global amphibian populations have been declining at an alarming rate. continued

D I D YO U K N OW ? T h e o n l y n a t u r a l p r e d a t o r to most of the poison dart frog family is the fire-bellied snake (Leimadophis

e p i n e p h e l u s ) , w h i c h h a s d e ve l o p e d a resistance to the frogs’ poison.

IMITATOR POISON FROG

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

5

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, one third to one half of all amphibian species are at risk for extinction. Many of these declines are due to the spread of a deadly fungus known as chytrid (pronounced kit-rid) fungus. When infected, the chytrid fungus causes the animal’s skin to thicken. Amphibians breathe through their skin, so this thickening can result in suffocation. In addition, poison dart frogs also face declines due to habitat loss.

Deforestation does more than cause direct habitat destruction. It also alters the environments of nearby habitats causing hotter, drier conditions. Amphibians are more sensitive to these types of environmental changes, so they’re affected at a faster rate than other organisms.

The global amphibian crisis also affects species in our own backyards. You can help our local frog and toad species by becoming a FrogWatch volunteer at the Virginia Aquarium. FrogWatch is a citizen science program that provides individuals, groups, and families with an opportunity to learn about local wetlands and report data on the calls of local frogs and toads. Volunteers learn to identify local frog and toad species by their calls and how to accurately report their findings. Training sessions are held in February of each year.

COPES GREY TREE FROG

To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e u p c o m i n g 2 0 1 6 F r o g Wa t c h s e a s o n a t t h e VAQ , e m a i l S t e p h e n Knoop at SKnoop@VirginiaAquarium.com

6

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

A N I M A L F E AT U R E

IN A WHILE, CROCODILE B Y M AT T H E W K L E P E I S Z

G LO R I A

In October, the Aquarium said goodbye to Gloria, the Tomistoma crocodile. Gloria was on exhibit alone for the past two years, following the death of her mate Grover.

Until Grover passed away, they were one of six breeding pairs in North America, a special distinction for a dwindling population in human care and in the wild. The breeding pairs are designated by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, as part of Species Survival Plans (SSP).

These SSPs are created for many endangered animals.

Gloria was still within the viable breeding range, so she was moved to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in St. Augustine, Fla. in hopes of finding another suitable mate.

The comprehensive breeding and population management goals set forth in SSPs ensure the sustainability of the species. One of the main goals of an SSP is to guarantee genetic diversity in human care populations.

As with people, some genetics make animals more susceptible to illnesses and complications. When an entire species’ survival hinges on breeding, it becomes all the more important to take the time to find a perfect match.

For the first time since 1974, US Fish and Wildlife Services approved a permit to import Tomistoma from their native country into the United States.

This historic achievement took Chip Harshaw, Virginia Aquarium Curator of Herpetology, over a year of research and planning. Due to the Virginia Aquarium’s expertise and commitment to Tomistoma conservation and research, we succeeded in acquiring a genetically diverse breeding pair, Sommer and Ralf. Hopefully one day they will reproduce and further their species’ survival.

SOMMER

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

7

Hello, Rudder Meet Rudder. He’s super cool and loves to eat fish.

B Y S A R A H DAW S O N

On a cold day in February 2015, the New Jersey Marine Mammal Stranding Center rescued a 40 pound male harbor seal from Deal, New Jersey. The young seal was found with lacerations on his neck and back. He was taken back to the Center to be cared for. The team hoped he could eventually be released back into the wild.

Over time, the Center realized that it would be tough for the young seal to hunt for food, due to partial paralysis in his hind flippers. Seals rely on their rear flippers to propel themselves through the water. He was deemed un-releasable, which meant finding the young seal a home in a facility that could care for him permanently. continued 8

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

9

Scars of Rudder ’s injuries, probably the result of a boat strike or shark bite, remain.

The staff at the Virginia Aquarium knew we could provide the young seal with a great home, and began preparing for the addition to our family. A new animal would change the dynamic of our day to day activities, and might take some getting used to by the seals already living at the Aquarium.

Like any new addition to a family, the little guy needed a name. A call went out to get the public involved in naming the new seal. At the close of the polls, it was clear that his name would be Rudder.

During his first few weeks at the Aquarium, staff members spent their days with the new seal acclimating him to his new home and to the staff. They regularly talked to him, read him books, and sang their favorite songs to him so he would recognize their voices. They also worked to familiarize him with his new daily routines. Behavioral training also began at this time.

Animal care staff have an in-depth knowledge of harbor seal behavior in the wild. Behavioral training allows staff to enhance these natural behaviors to provide Rudder with behavioral, physical, social, and psychological well-being. Behavior training also allows animal care staff to shape animal behaviors that improve daily care.

Members who visit the Aquarium in December, January, or February will be entered for a chance to win a sneak-peek experience for 6 with the seals. The more you visit, the more chances you have to win. One winner will be announced, each month, January through March. For details visit VirginiaAquarium.com.

10

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

To train Rudder, trainers use a whistle to signal when he completes correct behaviors. This is coupled with a reward, often his favorite fish, herring. Over time, he will learn that the whistle is not just a sound, and will associate it with a correct behavior. Trainers are starting small, training him to do simple things like taking fish from them, recognizing his name, and touching his nose to a buoy. As Rudder masters these skills, trainers will move on to more complex behaviors like opening his mouth on cue. These complex behaviors are designed to help staff conduct health screenings, nail trimming, teeth care, and veterinarian visits to ensure he remains healthy.

Training isn’t all work and no fun! In addition to training sessions, Rudder has play sessions, called enrichment. Enrichment sessions can include toys but can also be anything that changes his current environment.

Adding ice to the pool, spraying a hose into the water, and offering different types of fish are ways animal care staff “mix things up” for him.

He is quite curious when new toys are introduced into his pool.

He quickly approaches when rafts or snow sleds are placed in his habitat. He spends time hiding underneath them, trying to climb on them, or pushing them around.

Trainers are starting small, training him to do simple things like taking fish from them.

Rudder will spend his time behind-thescenes where staff can continue to work on his behavioral training. When he is ready, we will begin to introduce him to his new seal friends one at a time. Once he gets to know all of them, he will be introduced to the outside pool, where guests can enjoy watching him swim and explore. Guests can see our animal care staff working with the seals on exhibit, most days, at 10:00am and 3:00pm.

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

11

WINTER QUARTER

DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE

P RO G R A M

EVEN TS GUI D E

SPECIAL EVENTS

A ND

Countdown to 2016!

December 31 | 11am–1pm

Polar Express Pajama Party!

Children and adults get ready for the New Year! Join us for games, activities and sparkling beverages!

MARSH PAVILION

MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE December 18 | 6pm

Dragon Day

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

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

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

Toddler Tuesday

Whether your favorite dragon is a Komodo or Puff the Magic Dragon, we will be celebrating them all on Dragon Day! Meet our Komodo dragon keepers and try your hand at some famous dragon trivia.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

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

MARSH PAVILION

Every Tuesday | 11am & 12:30pm

Toddler Trek Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Exhibit Preview MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE January 23 | 9:00am–5:00pm Come enjoy exclusive entry to the Aquarium’s newest exhibit. With admission, members receive a Smokey Bear giveaway and an extra 10% off (20% total) Aquarium store purchases.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Extreme Experiments!

February 20 | 11am–3pm

Saturdays & Sundays through December 20 | 11am

Be a scientist for a day! Aquarium guests can learn fun and mysterious experiments that they can also do at home with a few supplies.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Sundays with Santa Sundays through December 20 | 12–3pm Join Santa and his elves for festivities and fun activities.

MARSH PAVILION

12

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.

January 16 | 11am–3pm

SCUBA Santa Watch Santa dive with resident sea life in the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium.

Free with admission BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

TODDLER PROGRAMS

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

Every Thursday | 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.

MARSH PAVILION

Puppet Shows December 15, January 19 & February 16 | 11am & 12:30pm On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany our story time.

MARSH PAVILION

DISCOVERY DAYS

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

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.

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.

Let it Snow

Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 1pm

December 3 | 2–3:15pm

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

Snow inside? Learn about snow and the animals that hibernate under it while we make a little “indoor” snow.

MARSH PAVILION

Sea Turtles

$15 Members | $20 Non-members 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 sandy fun.

MARSH PAVILION

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

Little One’s Science Lab

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.

January 7 | 2–3:15pm

$15 Members | $20 Non-members

Join us for some hands-on science experiments. Learn how to form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment and record results.

MARSH PAVILION

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

SEA ADVENTURES 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.

Whales & Wildlife December–March Check website for dates, times & prices Join us for 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 December 19 | 10:30am & 12pm 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.

$12 Members | $15 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Defend and Protect January 21 | 2–3:15pm Some animals hide, some stink, and some look scary. Come explore the many ways animals protect themselves from being a meal.

MARSH PAVILION

We Heart Animals February 4 | 2–3:15pm

NURTURING NATURALISTS

At the Aquarium we love all animals great and small. Even the smelly ones! Join us to meet a few of our animal ambassadors and learn why we love animals so much.

MARSH PAVILION

These one-hour guided nature play sessions are geared toward families with children 10 & under. Activities help families foster a love of nature in children, while inspiring family outdoor play, curiosity, and adventure. Free with admission.

Slithery Snakes

February 17 | 9:30–10:30am & 2:30–3:30pm February 20 | 9:30–10:30am

February 18 | 2–3:15pm Most people know snakes smell with their tongues, but did you know snakes don’t use their teeth to chew? Learn about these wonderful animals and meet a few of the Aquarium’s slithery ambassadors.

MARSH PAVILION

Rainy day wash out your plans for nature play? We’ll demonstrate water activities that are easy to do indoors- rain or shine!

MARSH PAVILION

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

13

JUST FOR KIDS

Let’s learn about

HORSESHOE CRABS! Family Activity Horseshoe crabs are more closely related to spiders than crabs.

A horseshoe crab’s blood is blue!

A horseshoe crab has two compound eyes like a fly.

Be careful! That looks dangerous!

How does a horseshoe crab breathe underwater?

Animals like fish and horseshoe crabs have gills to help them breathe underwater. Gills are specialized structures to help these animals obtain oxygen from the water. Let’s learn about how gills work.

What You’ll Need: Coffee filter Bowl Rubber band Cup of water Pepper Set-up: Place a coffee filter over the rim of a bowl. Hold the coffee filter in place on the bowl with a rubber band. Mix a tsp. of pepper in a cup of water.

Pour the pepper and water mixture over the coffee filter into the bowl.

Did you hear that, Mac? Is it going to hurt us?!

It won’t hurt us, Charlie.

That’s its “telson”, or tail.

14

What Happened?

The pepper represents oxygen that is found in ocean water. The coffee filter represents the gills of a horseshoe crab or fish. When the pepper and water mixture is poured over the coffee filter, the filter (gill) separates the pepper (oxygen) from the water so the animal can use the oxygen.

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

When a horseshoe crab gets turned over, it sticks its telson in the sand to flip itself over.

FAN PHOTOS

JOY

CECELIA CAMPBELL

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.

JUST CHILLIN’ AMBER BAER

SCUBA TIME

MEREDITH HATCHELL

WONDER

MELISSA AGUIRRE

BRODY RYAN TARA RYAN

LAUGHING WITH TERRAPINS GEORGE OLSEN

EXPERT Q&A

ALLYSON MCNAUGHTON VETERINARIAN

How would you describe what you do?

I am contracted to work with the husbandry staff in each department to provide quality preventative health care to all of the animals at the aquarium, as well as responding to and treating any illness or injury that may arise.

How did you get started working with animals?

I started working with animals as a volunteer at the Vancouver Aquarium in Vancouver, Canada.

Why did you become a veterinarian?

I wanted to combine my main interests, medicine, animal care and marine biology. So as I pursued my career as a veterinarian, I did so with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian at an aquarium.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Dr. Ally and husbandry staff care for one of the Aquarium’s chain dogfish.

16

I love the variety that is inherent to being a veterinarian at an aquarium. In one day, I could see and work with the harbor seals, one of the komodo dragons, a southern stingray and a pelican!

Each day is different and each day is exciting.

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

What was your most memorable and/or exciting moment as a veterinarian?

I really do love all aspects of my job so it is hard to pick just one moment.

However, it is exciting to see an animal pull through an illness or injury.

After a lot of hard work and care, for an animal to be well again and return to its normal life, is very rewarding.

What advice would you offer someone interested in this career?

Volunteer at an aquarium, zoo, wildlife center, animal shelter or veterinary clinic! Take every opportunity to experience different aspects of animal care and veterinary medicine.

STRANDING

WHALE IDENTIFICATION

BY SUE BA R CO & SA R A H M A LLETTE

The U.S. Mid-Atlantic coast provides an important hunting, nursery, and a migratory habitat for a lot of marine mammals. This area poses challenges for conservation of marine mammals due to the shipping, military, commercial fishing, and offshore energy development activities.

Virginia Aquarium and colleagues have conducted whale research off the coast of Virginia for more than two decades. Since November 2012, Coastal Zone Management (CZM) has funded aerial surveys, vessel surveys, and whale watch cruises near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Data collected during these trips identified four species of large whales that visit the area.

This research allows an opportunity to gather whale identification data. Photo-identification allows for researchers to identify individual whales using fluke and/or dorsal fin shape, coloration patterns, and natural

markings. Since 1990 the Aquarium had curated the Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog which contains photos and information on over 150 individual humpback whales. Some whales spotted off the Virginia coast have also been sighted elsewhere along the Mid-Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Maine, Newfoundland, Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Dominican Republic.

This research supports the idea that the our region serves as an important seasonal habitat for many large whale species. Humpback whales are common visitors, with some individuals coming back year after year. These efforts help with decisions made on vessel speeds entering the bay, and other whale/human interaction issues. This data is shared throughout the scientific community.

301

Humpback Whales

6 Minke Whale Atlantic 7 North Right Whale

61

Fin Whale Sightings 2012 – Present

Flukes Whales can be identified by black and white patterns found on the underside of their flukes. Just like fingerprints uniquely identify humans, fluke patterns uniquely identify individual whales. Sometimes unique shapes, scars, notches, and other physical characteristics of the fluke can be used to identify a whale.

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

17

M U I R A U Q A A I N I VIRG ENT

V E G N I L C Y C E

2PM – M A 0 1 6 3, 201 T P A R K I N G L O T 2 Y R A U N JA EAS , VA CH UM INIA BEA AQUARI G R A I I V N , I D G V VIR OTH BL RAL 717 GENE

BO

F O R D E TA I L S , V I S I T VIRGINIAAQUARIUM.COM

BIG SCREEN

SATURDAYS

MOVIES AT 7:50 pm | $3 Members $5 Non-members

18

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

NEIL STAMM

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

It’s not always just fish you find when you look inside The Red Sea Aquarium. You may just see volunteer diver Neil Stamm in his favorite exhibit. Neil dives among the Spotted Eagle Rays and fish on a regular basis to help keep the aquarium clean. A retired educator, he has been volunteering at the Aquarium for nearly 15 years. Not only is he a regular diver, but he is also involved in diver training, team tryouts, and serves as a member of the Dive Team Advisory Board. Neil believes “Volunteering, even for just a few hours, provides a lifetime of good feelings.” He volunteers to fulfill a civic duty, while also enjoying one of his favorite hobbies year round.

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

Volunteer Open House January 21, 2016 4 – 5:30pm

Meet in the Classroom at the Bay & Ocean Pavilion to learn how you can become a volunteer!

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

19

AT I O N SE C TCIO ON NSTEIRTVLE

SLOWING DOWN FOR

RIGHT WHALES

BY MARK SWI N G LE

Northern right whales are the most endangered large whale species in the world. Today, there are less than 600 remaining whales and they still face a wide range of threats to their recovery. When a right whale stranding occurs, there are major scientific efforts to learn as much as possible about the circumstances surrounding the death. The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team has played a significant role in the studies to determine the causes for right whale mortalities. One particular stranding provides a sobering example of what we learned.

Stumpy was an adult female right whale with a long history of successfully rearing calves. In a critically endangered population, Stumpy was a star mother. In 2005, a dead right whale was reported floating off the Virginia coast.

Identified as Stumpy, the carcass eventually washed ashore in North Carolina. Led by the Aquarium’s stranding team, the scientific community rushed to the stranding site.

More than 50 feet in length and weighing an estimated 75 tons, the post-mortem examination was long and difficult.

Stumpy was killed by a ship strike. Even worse, Stumpy was pregnant at the time of the collision and her unborn calf was also killed. Following the event, there were calls for additional measures to protect right whales since ship strikes were a leading cause of documented deaths.

Ship strikes were a leading cause of documented right whale deaths.

With support from the Aquarium and many other organizations and scientists, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) enacted the Ship Strike Management Rule in December 2008. The Rule requires commercial ships to reduce speeds to 10 knots or less when approaching within 20 miles of major ports along the east coast, including Chesapeake Bay, during right whale migratory seasons.

The results have been very encouraging – no right whale ship strike mortalities have been documented in these management areas, including Virginia, in the six years since the rule was enacted. Though many other challenges remain for right whale recovery, the ship speed rule has been a success.

Thanks to the stranding team, years of scientific examinations of right whale strandings resulted in significant new protections for the conservation of endangered right whales.

CAUSE & EFFECT

• More than 15,000 large vessel

transits per year into and out of Chesapeake Bay

• At least 3 right whale ship-strike

mortalities in Virginia in 6 years prior to ship speed rule

• No right whale ship strike

mortalities in Virginia in 6 years since ship speed rule

P H O TO C R E D I T : WO O D S H O L E O C E A N O G R A P H I C I N S T I T U T I O N

20

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

SUPPORT

6 weeks old

HATCHLING SUPPORT B Y J U L I E L E VA N S

The Virginia Aquarium has a unique program caring for sea turtle hatchlings through a partnership with United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The hatchlings are acquired every year during nesting season, and cared for by staff for one year at the Aquarium. Through the course of their stay, over 620,000 visitors are able to connect with them.

Research looks into the physical development of sea turtles during their first year of life and where they go in the world’s oceans during that time.

The hatchlings serve as ambassadors for their ocean counterparts. Virginia happens to be the northern most nesting region for loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, and green sea turtles. With limited numbers of nests, it is important for us to be able to spread the word on how our choices and actions impact the survivability of sea turtles to keep them coming back to our shores for many years to come.

This species-saving research is all thanks to the financial support of the Aquarium donors. Donations fund many research and conservation projects like this one.

Since the early 1990’s, we have successfully reared and returned over 80 loggerhead sea turtle yearlings to the ocean. Sea turtles play a large role in the ocean’s balance.

The hatchlings also contribute to science and our further understanding of sea turtle natural history. The hatchlings participate in scientific research programs through collaborations with scientists from Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyan College, and the University of Central Florida.

Please consider making a gift to the Aquarium to e n s u r e n e x t y e a r ’ s h a t c h l i n g s h a ve a h o m e . V i s i t V i r g i n i a A q u a r i u m . c o m /c o n t r i b u t e /d o n a t e - n o w.

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

21

THANK YOU! Contributions from July 1 through Sepember 30, 2015 ANNUAL FUND Anthony S. Hankins Beach Municipal Federal Credit Union Charles Alderman Charles H. Woodson Combined Federal Campaign of South Hampton Roads Dahlgren School SAF Elizabeth Miklos Katherine Hines Kroger M. Richard Epps MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation Morgan Stanley Sanci M. Hall Stephanie Quiney Talbots, Inc United Way South Hampton Roads Victoria Dietz AQUAPALS ADOPTIONS Dahlgren School SAF Elli M. McPherson Ramona-Grace A. Grigolite Trudy Matheny EDUCATION Association of Zoos & Aquariums Geico Philanthropic Foundation Wells Fargo Bank Ohio Foundation (MN) EXHIBITS Charles Jourdant Rhoderick Alejo LYNN’S LEGACY In honor of Kaitlynn Walsh Barbara Chapman

22

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY GIVING AT

www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean

RESEARCH/ CONSERVATION Alex Rakowski Anna Cunning Bernard Kahn Brandon Anthony Christine O. Bridge Cornell University Daniel Brown Elsa L. Parli Girl Scout Troop #468 Industrial Economics, Incorporated Marsha J. Miller Norva Plastics Ryan Sauer SAIC Strategic Wealth Management Summer Bertram VERSAR Wild River Outfitters In honor of Cary Healy’s Birthday John Fumai Heather Hannon Jennifer M. Healy Christopher L. Nelson Stephen M. Smith In honor of Dr. Robert George & Staff Mary Margaret Hutchins In memory of Pamela Parker Allan Parker VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of Carol E. Gillikin Sandra Yon In memory of Walter Pope Sandra Yon COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN Presenting Sponsor ($15,000) Capital Group Gulf Stream Sponsors ($7,500) BB&T Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

Chesapeake Bay Sponsor ($5,000) Williams Mullen Rudee Inlet Sponsors ($2,500) Abatement Technical Services ABS Technology Architects Beach Ford Checkered Flag Motor Company Coca-Cola Refreshments Farm Fresh Charitable Foundation FCI Towers First Team Automotive Hoffman Beverage Optima Health The Port of Virginia PRA Group Sam’s Club SB Ballard Construction Tidewater Home Funding Wells Fargo Bank Owls Creek Sponsors ($1,000) 360IT Partners Andrew Kellam – Southern Trust Mortgage Burton Lumber Cape Henry Associates Sander & MaryAnne Dukas The ESG Companies Fraim Family Foundation HAV, Inc. Ironclad Technology Services Kotarides Developers Krista Costa and Divaris Real Estate, Inc. Mass Mutual Financial Group McLeskey Family Foundation McPhillips, Roberts & Deans Noah Enterprises, Inc. The Opus Group of Virginia Palladium Registered Investment Advisors Thai Arroy Restaurant Waller, Todd & Sadler Architects Waypoint Advisors Lake Wesley Sponsors ($500) Altmeyer Funeral Home

CB Richard Ellis JD Miles & Sons Mayo Insurance Agency New Deal Production Services William D. Sessoms, Jr. Technical Services Sponsors Cox Communications Whitlock Group, Billy Edwards Media Sponsors Beach Ford Inside Business Auction Sponsors 21st Street Art Gallery 344 Beauty Bar & Face Salon The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium Agio AV Metalworks Baker’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts Balance Massage Bay Local Eatery Bayville Golf Club Beach Movie Bistro Sonja Bicanic Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks Blue Pete’s Restaurant Bravo! Cucina Italiano Bryce Burton Chesapean Outdoors Chick’s Oyster Bar Dr. & Mrs. Paul Chupka Citrus Jorge Dabul and David Limroth Diana M. Davis Donkey Dawgs Either Ore Jewelers Strawbridge Eurasia Freedom Surf Shop Golf Galaxy Island Creamery Java Surf Café KaZAM Kellam and Dorroh Families Lubo Lululemon Margie & Ray’s Seafood Restaurant

Marlin Lacrosse Summer Camps Kara McCaa Reba McConnell Ryan McGinness Studios Michael Folck, D.D.S., Mollie Gioffree D.D.S., Kristen Maddux D.D.S. Mosquito Joe Norfolk Southern Ocean Breeze Old Dominion Athletic Foundation Party Lite Posh Designs Premier Designs Princess Anne Country Club Refuge Inn The Royal Chocolate Sassy Frass Photography Sonja Bicanic Sleepy Hole Golf Course Soccer Shots Sodexo at Virginia Aquarium Southwest Airlines

Sumatra Salon & Spa Surfrider Restaurant Taste Tidewater Tours Bill Terry Trader Joe’s Tradewinds Restaurant Tupperware Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center Virginia Zoo Walmart Wareings Gym Wessex Hundred Whiskey Kitchen Chip Wilkinson Williamsburg Winery WRV YNOT Pizza Zoe’s

12PM – 3PM November 29 | December 6, 13, 20 Join Santa and his elves for holiday festivities and fun activities in the Marsh Pavilion.

11AM | Saturdays & Sundays November 28 – December 20 Santa dives deep in Aquarium waters to spend time with resident sea life.

STORE SAVINGS COUPONS

JANUARY ADDITIONAL

20% OFF BOOKS Must present this coupon at time of purchase.

Valid January 1 through January 31, 2016.

Only valid on gift store purchases. Limit one coupon per transaction. Not valid with other offers, discounts, programs, coupons, or items not listed here. No cash value.

FEBRUARY ADDITIONAL

MARCH ADDITIONAL

20% OFF JEWELRY

20% OFF T-SHIRTS

Must present this coupon at time of purchase.

Valid February 1 through February 29, 2016.

Only valid on gift store purchases. Limit one coupon per transaction. Not valid with other offers, discounts, programs, coupons, or items not listed here. No cash value.

Must present this coupon at time of purchase.

Valid March 1 through March 31, 2016. Only valid on gift store purchases. Limit one coupon per transaction. Not valid with other offers, discounts, programs, coupons, or items not listed here. No cash value.

WINTER 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

23

717 GENERAL BOOTH BLVD VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451 (757) 385-FISH VirginiaAquarium.com A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION Postmaster: Please deliver by December 31, 2015

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.

NEW EXHIBIT, OPENING SOON...

January 24 through September 18, 2016 Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl, and their forest friends invite everyone to explore their woodland habitat!

Memb e

r Prev

Janua r 24

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2016

iew

y 23