Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sea Notes
December 2006

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1. EXHIBIT NEWS

MEDITERRANEAN JELLIES
Mediterranean jellies are back! "Jellies: Living Art" displays some
of the world's most beautiful jelly species, but perhaps none more
stunning than the compact Mediterranean jelly with its pale gold-
and-white bell and a flurry of striking purple-tipped tentacles.

KELP GALLERY ADDITIONS
We recently introduced a plethora of species to Kelp Gallery
exhibits. See if you can spot the new additions: juvenile blacksmith
--perch-shaped, black and blue-tinged, may be seen eating plankton;
zebra perch--blue-tinted with black stripes; juvenile sheephead--
dull pink or gray with a white belly and protruding canine teeth
(used for prying hard-shelled animals from rocks); juvenile garibaldi
--California's state fish, hard to miss with its solid bright orange
coloration; and scorpion fish--a master of camouflage, blends
perfectly with its surroundings.

Visit What's New? on our web site to learn more about new arrivals
in our exhibits.
www.mbayaq.org/news/

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2. AQUARIUM NEWS

"JELLIES: LIVING ART" AND "VANISHING WILDLIFE" REOPEN
After a bit of remodeling, we've reopened two exhibits--the award-
winning special exhibition "Jellies: Living Art" and the informative
exhibit gallery "Vanishing Wildlife"--on the first floor of the Outer
Bay wing. This is the third time we've extended the run of "Jellies"
--the most popular special exhibition in our history.

NEW EDITION OF "GRAY WHALES"
Over centuries--if not millennia--gray whales have shared a somewhat
checkered history with the Monterey Bay. Now in "Gray Whales," the new
edition of a book first published by the aquarium in 1991, authors
Alan Baldridge and David G. Gordon share all the details, along with
the latest research, fascinating facts and stunning photographs and
illustrations. Find out more on our web site.
www.mbayaq.org/whalebook/

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3. PROMOTIONS & EVENTS

"MEET THE PENGUINS"
Nov. 20-22 (Mon.-Wed.)
The Thanksgiving holiday always means more to us than just turkey--
it means penguins! Our annual "Meet the Penguins" event will be held
twice daily at the Kelp Forest exhibit. Once again, one or two of our
blackfooted penguins will waddle down a red carpet and display model
penguin behavior on the podium as our resident "penguinologists"
answer questions about these cool birds. Check out a preview.
www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_events/vi_events_penguin.asp

OFFICIAL EXPLORERS CONTEST FOR KIDS (10 TO 13 YEARS OLD)
Deadline Dec. 15 (Fri.)
Do you love the ocean? Would you like to help us take care of it?
Our first two Official Explorers, Kelsey Carlson and Erik Kreeger,
have been helping us all year--and they've been terrific! But now
they're about to "retire," so we're looking for two more kids to
take their place. One of them could be YOU! Get rules and an
application.
www.mbayaq.org/PDF_files/aquarium_official_explorer_application.pdf

"EXPLORATION CELEBRATION"
Dec. 16-17 (Sat.-Sun.)
Our big "Exploration Celebration" is a special weekend dedicated to
kids who have collected passport stamps throughout the year. They'll
win prizes, play games, have fun. Check our web site soon for details.

NEW YEAR'S EVE
Dec. 31 (Sun.)
Celebrate New Year's Eve in the glamorous style of old Hollywood
during "Silver Fishes and New Year's Wishes." Besides the dazzling
dance party, options include a four-course seated gourmet dinner and
--new this year--admission to a special VIP lounge. Reserve your
tickets early for this popular event! Check our web site for prices
and details.
www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_events/vi_events_newyears.asp

Visit Special Promotions & Events on our web site for more
information.
www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_promotions.asp

Check our online calendar for more events.
www.mbayaq.org/aquariumlibraryweb/ui/calendar/calendar.aspx

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4. CONSERVATION IN ACTION

DIRE WARNING ON COLLAPSE OF FISHERIES
A newly published study in the journal "Science" warns that the
world's wild-caught seafood fisheries could collapse by 2048 if
current commercial fishing patterns continue. Fortunately, it doesn't
have to happen. Seafood can be caught and farmed in responsible,
sustainable ways. You can do your part by making sure that's the
only kind of seafood you eat. Our Seafood Watch program offers pocket
guides to help you do just that, no matter where you live or travel
in the United States. Get your own pocket guides.
www.mbayaq.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.asp
Better yet, become a Seafood Watch Advocate and help convince the
restaurants and retailers in your community to offer sustainable
seafood.
www.mbayaq.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_consumers.asp
You can learn more about the study, too.
www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-11/aaft-b2a102706.php

SEAFOOD WATCH DVD
So you'd like to help save the oceans, but you're not sure how to go
about it? We have a free DVD for you! It's full of information about
choosing seafood with healthy oceans in mind--to help prepare you
for casual conversations with family and friends or for more formal
discussions and presentations at work or out in your community.
Included with the DVD is a video from Habitat Media called "Can the
Oceans Keep Up with the Hunt?" To get your free materials, you just
need to pledge to use them--and then get back to us and let us know
how it all worked out.
www.mbayaq.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_consumers.asp

PROPOSITION 84 VICTORY
On Election Day, Californians took a significant step toward
protecting our coasts, ocean and ocean wildlife by voting to approve
Proposition 84, the Clean Water, Parks and Coastal Protection bond
measure. As a result, hundreds of millions of dollars will be devoted
to the protection of California's coastal resources--the wildlife,
beaches and habitats that sustain healthy ecosystems. Once again,
California leads the nation in its commitment to ocean protection.

Thanks to everyone who voted in favor of Proposition 84 and helped
spread the word to friends and family. In the years to come, we'll
see the fruits of this victory in many new projects that will help
ensure a future with healthy oceans. To receive advance notice about
ways to make a difference for the oceans, join our Ocean Action Team.
www.mbayaq.org/oa/

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5. FREE OFFERS: SHARK POSTER, WHITE SHARK WALLPAPER
This month's Sea Notes specials include a free shark poster and free
wallpaper of our white shark.
www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_seanotes/vi_seanotes_specials.asp


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The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a non-profit institution. Our mission
is to inspire conservation of the oceans. You can support our many
education programs and marine research projects by:

- Becoming a member or making an online donation.
www.mbayaq.org/md/

- Joining forces with the aquarium to take action on critical ocean
issues.
www.mbayaq.org/oa/

- Sending a conservation-oriented electronic postcard to friends.
www.mbayaq.org/epostcards/

We welcome your thoughts and comments.
(equarist@mbayaq.org)

Monterey Bay Aquarium | 886 Cannery Row | Monterey | CA | 93940