Andrew
02-26-2004, 06:22 PM
1. EXHIBIT NEWS: NUDIBRANCHS GALORE, SEAHORSE DECOR, CONSTRUCTION ON THE FLOOR
Sea slugs, or nudibranchs, are called the "butterflies of the sea" for their color and beauty. We have three new "barber" nudibranchs in the kelp holdfast tank in the Kelp Lab. They're among the largest nudibranchs on the west coast. They like to nibble on anemone tentacles (like a barber trimming hair).
Elsewhere, Taylor's sea hares in the Slough Fishes exhibit just outside the aviary have been laying eggs throughout the exhibit. Sea hares are hermaphrodites, so each can mate with every other one and both end up with eggs!
In Splash Zone, we've placed an anchor in the seahorse exhibit as part of the decor. It's also a conservation reminder of the damage boat anchors do to sea grass beds and coral reefs each year.
When you visit, you'll see a bustle of construction activity at the main entrance. Most is hidden from view, but you can't miss the new bridge between the Outer Bay wing and the second floor of the Kelp Forest. In the next few weeks, the bridge will be painted and the deck installed. The bridge and a grand new entry lobby will open Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a preview: <http://www.mbayaq.org/aa/newprojects.asp>
Visit What’s New on our web site to learn about other new arrivals in our exhibits.
<http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_whatsnew.asp>
2. BEHIND THE SCENES: FIRST-TIME SHARKS
When "Sharks: Myth and Mystery" opens on April 2, we'll display a number of species we've never exhibited before, from saltwater and freshwater habitats.
Galapagos sharks, colorful freshwater rays, and striking coral and African catsharks are among those you'll see here for the first time. Although named for the islands famous for rare marine life, the Galapagos shark is a common tropical species found near oceanic islands worldwide. We'll be the only aquarium to have this species on display, though they have been exhibited before in Hawaii and southern California.
We'll also have the first African catsharks and freshwater rays we've ever displayed. Catsharks are usually small--less than three feet in length--and tend to hide during the day and hunt at night. Like cats, they have silvery reflecting plates behind the retina that increases the amount of light the eye uses and enables them to hunt at night. Just like a sleeping cat, a catshark can curl its body until its tail covers its eyes.
Don't miss the freshwater stingrays from the Amazon. Our river habitat display will include intricately patterned jaguar, spiderweb, ocellated and tortoise rays. Little is known about the life history and population status of most freshwater rays, which are found in river habitats throughout South America.
We'll have more information about these and other sharks in "Sharks: Myth and Mystery" in a few weeks. Right now, you can visit the web to see (and hear) from our aquarists as they feed Galapagos and scalloped hammerhead sharks behind the scenes.
Preview the new exhibit online!
<http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/sharks.asp>
3. PROMOTIONS & EVENTS: FREE ADULT TICKET, DIA DEL NINO, COOKING FOR SOLUTIONS
Free Adult Ticket (through April 1)
Our special "Sharks" deal continues for just one more month. Visit now through April 1, buy an adult admission ticket, and you'll receive another adult ticket good for a return visit to see "Sharks: Myth and Mystery." The tickets are non-transferable and can be used to visit between April 2 and May 31. The offer is valid only with a paid adult admission. For details, visit
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_promotions.asp
"Sharks: Myth & Mystery," Opens April 2, Friday
Be among the first to experience our newest special exhibition, featuring nearly two dozen species of sharks and rays in galleries that celebrate their impact on human cultures around the world.
http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/sharks.asp
Dia del Nino, April 25, Sunday
We'll celebrate the traditional Day of the Child with special family activities, including entertainment, a craft room and more. Children ages 12 and under will be admitted free all day. Check What’s New as the date approaches.
Cooking for Solutions, May 21-22, Friday-Saturday, Join Jacques Pepin, Alice Waters and 13 other renowned chefs for two days of events celebrating sustainable seafood, gourmet organic cuisine and sustainable/organic wines. Make your reservations now.
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_events/vi_events_cooking.asp
Our online calendar has details and more events.
<http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_calendar.asp>
4. CONSERVATION IN ACTION: A NEW OCEANS POLL
A new national survey conducted for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) found that most adults believe human activity is endangering Earth's oceans, yet fewer than one-third feel empowered to influence positive change--though they're willing to try. In fact, nearly two-thirds said they would eat less of certain kinds of fish if it would help the marine environment. And more than half support the use of public money for research and technology to reduce pollution.
"Marine life is disappearing faster than scientists can identify it, affecting our ecosystems and our food choices," said Alan I. Leshner, chief executive officer of AAAS. "The AAAS survey demonstrates that the public is deeply concerned about the environmental challenges facing our oceans and coastal regions and, given information and a voice in the discussion, is willing to back up that concern with personal action."
Our Seafood Watch program offers a simple yet effective way to take action on behalf of healthy oceans. You can download both West Coast and National pocket seafood guides on our web site. By Earth Day, we'll have available pocket guides for Hawaii and the Southeast/Gulf of Mexico--useful if you're traveling there or live in those regions.
You can read more about the survey
http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2004/0216oceans.shtml
You can download Seafood Watch pocket guides
http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_regional.asp
5. FREE OFFERS: GIFT STORE DISCOUNT, BLACKTIP REEF SHARK
This month's Sea Notes specials include 10% off all posters and prints in the gift & bookstores, a special offer at our Portola Cafe and free wallpaper of a blacktip reef shark, one of the animals from "Sharks: Myth and Mystery."
<http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_seanotes/vi_seanotes_specials.asp>
(Source: MBA's "Sea Notes" Press Release/Newsletter)
Sea slugs, or nudibranchs, are called the "butterflies of the sea" for their color and beauty. We have three new "barber" nudibranchs in the kelp holdfast tank in the Kelp Lab. They're among the largest nudibranchs on the west coast. They like to nibble on anemone tentacles (like a barber trimming hair).
Elsewhere, Taylor's sea hares in the Slough Fishes exhibit just outside the aviary have been laying eggs throughout the exhibit. Sea hares are hermaphrodites, so each can mate with every other one and both end up with eggs!
In Splash Zone, we've placed an anchor in the seahorse exhibit as part of the decor. It's also a conservation reminder of the damage boat anchors do to sea grass beds and coral reefs each year.
When you visit, you'll see a bustle of construction activity at the main entrance. Most is hidden from view, but you can't miss the new bridge between the Outer Bay wing and the second floor of the Kelp Forest. In the next few weeks, the bridge will be painted and the deck installed. The bridge and a grand new entry lobby will open Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a preview: <http://www.mbayaq.org/aa/newprojects.asp>
Visit What’s New on our web site to learn about other new arrivals in our exhibits.
<http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_whatsnew.asp>
2. BEHIND THE SCENES: FIRST-TIME SHARKS
When "Sharks: Myth and Mystery" opens on April 2, we'll display a number of species we've never exhibited before, from saltwater and freshwater habitats.
Galapagos sharks, colorful freshwater rays, and striking coral and African catsharks are among those you'll see here for the first time. Although named for the islands famous for rare marine life, the Galapagos shark is a common tropical species found near oceanic islands worldwide. We'll be the only aquarium to have this species on display, though they have been exhibited before in Hawaii and southern California.
We'll also have the first African catsharks and freshwater rays we've ever displayed. Catsharks are usually small--less than three feet in length--and tend to hide during the day and hunt at night. Like cats, they have silvery reflecting plates behind the retina that increases the amount of light the eye uses and enables them to hunt at night. Just like a sleeping cat, a catshark can curl its body until its tail covers its eyes.
Don't miss the freshwater stingrays from the Amazon. Our river habitat display will include intricately patterned jaguar, spiderweb, ocellated and tortoise rays. Little is known about the life history and population status of most freshwater rays, which are found in river habitats throughout South America.
We'll have more information about these and other sharks in "Sharks: Myth and Mystery" in a few weeks. Right now, you can visit the web to see (and hear) from our aquarists as they feed Galapagos and scalloped hammerhead sharks behind the scenes.
Preview the new exhibit online!
<http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/sharks.asp>
3. PROMOTIONS & EVENTS: FREE ADULT TICKET, DIA DEL NINO, COOKING FOR SOLUTIONS
Free Adult Ticket (through April 1)
Our special "Sharks" deal continues for just one more month. Visit now through April 1, buy an adult admission ticket, and you'll receive another adult ticket good for a return visit to see "Sharks: Myth and Mystery." The tickets are non-transferable and can be used to visit between April 2 and May 31. The offer is valid only with a paid adult admission. For details, visit
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_promotions.asp
"Sharks: Myth & Mystery," Opens April 2, Friday
Be among the first to experience our newest special exhibition, featuring nearly two dozen species of sharks and rays in galleries that celebrate their impact on human cultures around the world.
http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/sharks.asp
Dia del Nino, April 25, Sunday
We'll celebrate the traditional Day of the Child with special family activities, including entertainment, a craft room and more. Children ages 12 and under will be admitted free all day. Check What’s New as the date approaches.
Cooking for Solutions, May 21-22, Friday-Saturday, Join Jacques Pepin, Alice Waters and 13 other renowned chefs for two days of events celebrating sustainable seafood, gourmet organic cuisine and sustainable/organic wines. Make your reservations now.
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_events/vi_events_cooking.asp
Our online calendar has details and more events.
<http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_calendar.asp>
4. CONSERVATION IN ACTION: A NEW OCEANS POLL
A new national survey conducted for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) found that most adults believe human activity is endangering Earth's oceans, yet fewer than one-third feel empowered to influence positive change--though they're willing to try. In fact, nearly two-thirds said they would eat less of certain kinds of fish if it would help the marine environment. And more than half support the use of public money for research and technology to reduce pollution.
"Marine life is disappearing faster than scientists can identify it, affecting our ecosystems and our food choices," said Alan I. Leshner, chief executive officer of AAAS. "The AAAS survey demonstrates that the public is deeply concerned about the environmental challenges facing our oceans and coastal regions and, given information and a voice in the discussion, is willing to back up that concern with personal action."
Our Seafood Watch program offers a simple yet effective way to take action on behalf of healthy oceans. You can download both West Coast and National pocket seafood guides on our web site. By Earth Day, we'll have available pocket guides for Hawaii and the Southeast/Gulf of Mexico--useful if you're traveling there or live in those regions.
You can read more about the survey
http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2004/0216oceans.shtml
You can download Seafood Watch pocket guides
http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_regional.asp
5. FREE OFFERS: GIFT STORE DISCOUNT, BLACKTIP REEF SHARK
This month's Sea Notes specials include 10% off all posters and prints in the gift & bookstores, a special offer at our Portola Cafe and free wallpaper of a blacktip reef shark, one of the animals from "Sharks: Myth and Mystery."
<http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_seanotes/vi_seanotes_specials.asp>
(Source: MBA's "Sea Notes" Press Release/Newsletter)