Andrew
07-22-2004, 06:27 AM
Sea Notes - August 2004
1. EXHIBIT NEWS: GALAPAGOS SHARKS, A SCHOOL OF SARDINES
Two of the Galapagos sharks that outgrew the Australia exhibit in
"Sharks: Myth and Mystery" have been placed in the Outer Bay
Exhibit. Sharks come in many different shapes and sizes, but
people are most familiar with the classic look of a Galapagos
shark. Its body is solid, large and torpedo-shaped--an efficient
form for swimming.
Look for a swirling silver school with approximately 1,000
Pacific sardines now circling through the Kelp Forest exhibit.
(If your eyes are sharp, you may also spot a few northern
anchovies in the school.) These are the sardines that fueled the
booming fish-packing industry in the heyday of Cannery Row. You
can learn more about the history of the industry, and even check
out some touchable sardine models (no smell, no slime) in our new
Hovden Cannery exhibit.
Visit What’s New on our web site to learn about these and other
new arrivals in our exhibits.
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_whatsnew.asp
2. AT THE AQUARIUM: A SEA OTTER ADVENTURE FOR TEENS
Sea otters are consistently the most popular animals at the
aquarium. This summer, we're offering teenage visitors an
opportunity to shadow one of our sea otter aquarists and to work
with our exhibit otters for a few hours. It’s the chance of a
lifetime. Participants in our "Sea Otter Adventure" will fix a
meal for the otters, help plan and participate in the day’s otter
training session, and even create enrichment toys that contain
frozen treats. The small group size (no more than three teens,
age 14 to 18, per session) assures a memorable and very
personalized experience.
You can learn more and find out how to register at
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_promotions.asp
3. AQUARIUM NEWS: OUR "OCEAN’S EDGE" EXHIBIT PROJECT
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we've embarked on a major
project to revitalize and transform our original exhibit
galleries. We're designing and building a dramatic new experience
that will blend lively exhibits with compelling conservation
themes. "Ocean’s Edge: Coastal Habitats of Monterey Bay" will
connect every visitor with the wonders of marine life--and the
urgent need to protect our oceans. You can get the inside scoop
at http://www.mbayaq.org/aa/newprojects.asp
4. PROMOTIONS & EVENTS: OTTER DAYS, DIA DE LA FAMILIA, 20TH
ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
Otter Days, August 21 & 22
The sea otter is a Central Coast icon. We'll celebrate these
captivating marine mammals with a weekend of activities including
a craft room for kids, special auditorium programs including
presentations by our otter care staff, and daily drawings for
behind-the-scenes tours of our sea otter exhibit and research and
conservation operations.
Dia de la Familia, September 19 & 26
The aquarium puts the focus on families to honor Mexican Heritage
Month. On each of the last two Sundays in September, children 12
years and younger will receive free admission. Other activities
especially for children include a craft room and live musical
performances.
20th Anniversary Weekend Celebration, Oct. 23 & 24
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of inspiring conservation of the
oceans during a weekend event throughout the aquarium. Saturday
activities focus on sharks and will include talks by "Jaws"
author Peter Benchley, as well as music and family activities.
Sunday is a family day, with free admission for children age 12
and younger, family concerts and art activities.
Check our online calendar for details and more events.
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_calendar.asp
5. CONSERVATION IN ACTION: CARBON EMISSIONS AND OCEAN HEALTH,
TRACKING SHARK FINNING
Two newly published research studies have concluded that nearly
half the carbon dioxide released during the past 200 years of
industrialization has found its way into the upper reaches of the
ocean. The studies found that the CO2 increase has altered the
chemistry of the oceans, making the water more acidic, and that
this could threaten the integrity of ocean food webs. Under more
acidic conditions, ocean animals including plankton, corals and
mollusks have a harder time forming the shells they need to
survive.
The studies are "a wake-up call," says Peter Brewer, a scientist
with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute who studies
ocean chemistry but who was not involved in the new research.
"The numbers are crystal clear. There is no uncertainty about
this." One possible threat identified by Brewer: "Viable coral
reef systems will very possibly vanish."
At the aquarium, in addition to conservation education programs,
we're reducing our own carbon emissions, whether by encouraging
staff to use buses, bikes and carpools when they come to work, or
by installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.
To learn more about the research, visit
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=000A751A-F39F-10F6-B39F83414B7F0000&ref=sciam&chanID=sa003
To learn what we're doing to reduce carbon emissions, visit
http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/everyday_practices.asp
To learn more about the work of our colleagues at the Monterey
Bay Aquarium Research Institute, visit
http://www.mbari.org
On another front, DNA science is helping identify which species
of sharks are being landed for the global shark fin market--a
fishery that has devastating impacts on the abundance of sharks.
Researchers can now identify several shark species by analyzing
samples of their DNA, giving fisheries managers another tool to
monitor the impact of fishing practices on ocean ecosystems.
To learn more, visit
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/09/0917_020917_sharks.html
To download an up-to-date Seafood Watch pocket guide so you can
make seafood choices that protect ocean wildlife, visit
http://www.seafoodwatch.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp
6. FREE OFFERS: FREE SHARK POSTER, CAFE DISCOUNT, SEA OTTER
WALLPAPER
This month's Sea Notes specials include a coupon for a free shark
poster, a special offer at our Portola Cafe and free wallpaper of
California sea otters.
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_seanotes/vi_seanotes_specials.asp
(Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium "Sea Notes" email newsletter)
1. EXHIBIT NEWS: GALAPAGOS SHARKS, A SCHOOL OF SARDINES
Two of the Galapagos sharks that outgrew the Australia exhibit in
"Sharks: Myth and Mystery" have been placed in the Outer Bay
Exhibit. Sharks come in many different shapes and sizes, but
people are most familiar with the classic look of a Galapagos
shark. Its body is solid, large and torpedo-shaped--an efficient
form for swimming.
Look for a swirling silver school with approximately 1,000
Pacific sardines now circling through the Kelp Forest exhibit.
(If your eyes are sharp, you may also spot a few northern
anchovies in the school.) These are the sardines that fueled the
booming fish-packing industry in the heyday of Cannery Row. You
can learn more about the history of the industry, and even check
out some touchable sardine models (no smell, no slime) in our new
Hovden Cannery exhibit.
Visit What’s New on our web site to learn about these and other
new arrivals in our exhibits.
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_whatsnew.asp
2. AT THE AQUARIUM: A SEA OTTER ADVENTURE FOR TEENS
Sea otters are consistently the most popular animals at the
aquarium. This summer, we're offering teenage visitors an
opportunity to shadow one of our sea otter aquarists and to work
with our exhibit otters for a few hours. It’s the chance of a
lifetime. Participants in our "Sea Otter Adventure" will fix a
meal for the otters, help plan and participate in the day’s otter
training session, and even create enrichment toys that contain
frozen treats. The small group size (no more than three teens,
age 14 to 18, per session) assures a memorable and very
personalized experience.
You can learn more and find out how to register at
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_promotions.asp
3. AQUARIUM NEWS: OUR "OCEAN’S EDGE" EXHIBIT PROJECT
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we've embarked on a major
project to revitalize and transform our original exhibit
galleries. We're designing and building a dramatic new experience
that will blend lively exhibits with compelling conservation
themes. "Ocean’s Edge: Coastal Habitats of Monterey Bay" will
connect every visitor with the wonders of marine life--and the
urgent need to protect our oceans. You can get the inside scoop
at http://www.mbayaq.org/aa/newprojects.asp
4. PROMOTIONS & EVENTS: OTTER DAYS, DIA DE LA FAMILIA, 20TH
ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
Otter Days, August 21 & 22
The sea otter is a Central Coast icon. We'll celebrate these
captivating marine mammals with a weekend of activities including
a craft room for kids, special auditorium programs including
presentations by our otter care staff, and daily drawings for
behind-the-scenes tours of our sea otter exhibit and research and
conservation operations.
Dia de la Familia, September 19 & 26
The aquarium puts the focus on families to honor Mexican Heritage
Month. On each of the last two Sundays in September, children 12
years and younger will receive free admission. Other activities
especially for children include a craft room and live musical
performances.
20th Anniversary Weekend Celebration, Oct. 23 & 24
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of inspiring conservation of the
oceans during a weekend event throughout the aquarium. Saturday
activities focus on sharks and will include talks by "Jaws"
author Peter Benchley, as well as music and family activities.
Sunday is a family day, with free admission for children age 12
and younger, family concerts and art activities.
Check our online calendar for details and more events.
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_calendar.asp
5. CONSERVATION IN ACTION: CARBON EMISSIONS AND OCEAN HEALTH,
TRACKING SHARK FINNING
Two newly published research studies have concluded that nearly
half the carbon dioxide released during the past 200 years of
industrialization has found its way into the upper reaches of the
ocean. The studies found that the CO2 increase has altered the
chemistry of the oceans, making the water more acidic, and that
this could threaten the integrity of ocean food webs. Under more
acidic conditions, ocean animals including plankton, corals and
mollusks have a harder time forming the shells they need to
survive.
The studies are "a wake-up call," says Peter Brewer, a scientist
with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute who studies
ocean chemistry but who was not involved in the new research.
"The numbers are crystal clear. There is no uncertainty about
this." One possible threat identified by Brewer: "Viable coral
reef systems will very possibly vanish."
At the aquarium, in addition to conservation education programs,
we're reducing our own carbon emissions, whether by encouraging
staff to use buses, bikes and carpools when they come to work, or
by installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.
To learn more about the research, visit
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=000A751A-F39F-10F6-B39F83414B7F0000&ref=sciam&chanID=sa003
To learn what we're doing to reduce carbon emissions, visit
http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/everyday_practices.asp
To learn more about the work of our colleagues at the Monterey
Bay Aquarium Research Institute, visit
http://www.mbari.org
On another front, DNA science is helping identify which species
of sharks are being landed for the global shark fin market--a
fishery that has devastating impacts on the abundance of sharks.
Researchers can now identify several shark species by analyzing
samples of their DNA, giving fisheries managers another tool to
monitor the impact of fishing practices on ocean ecosystems.
To learn more, visit
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/09/0917_020917_sharks.html
To download an up-to-date Seafood Watch pocket guide so you can
make seafood choices that protect ocean wildlife, visit
http://www.seafoodwatch.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp
6. FREE OFFERS: FREE SHARK POSTER, CAFE DISCOUNT, SEA OTTER
WALLPAPER
This month's Sea Notes specials include a coupon for a free shark
poster, a special offer at our Portola Cafe and free wallpaper of
California sea otters.
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_seanotes/vi_seanotes_specials.asp
(Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium "Sea Notes" email newsletter)