2013 Annual Report - National Aquarium

40 Pages·2014·24.78 MB·English

THE POWER ONE
of
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
NATIONAL AQUARIUM

The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization TABLE of
CONTENTS
whose mission is to inspire conservation
of the world’s aquatic treasures.
2 ONE MISSION
3 ONE OPPORTUNITY
5 THE STORY OF ONE
ONE DROP OF WATER
ONE CAMERA
ONE HEAD OF LETTUCE
ONE SCHOOL OF SHARKS
ONE OYSTER
ONE REUSABLE BOTTLE
ONE SATELLITE TAG
ONE OCEAN
20 FINANCIALS
22 ONE VOLUNTEER
26 ONE DONOR
ONE MISSION
JOHN C. RACANELLI
Every day, I am impressed by the National Through revitalized exhibits, animal care LEADERSHIP TEAM
Aquarium’s staff, who have dedicated themselves that is second to none, and conservation-based
to our compelling mission to inspire conserva- experiences for Marylanders and guests from John C. Racanelli
President, Chief Executive Officer
tion of the world’s aquatic treasures. Whether 49 states and 17 countries, we are becoming
working to enlighten guests about the plight of an international force for aquatic awareness Bruce Hoffberger
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
coral reefs or coordinating restoration efforts and action. This trend will continue.
throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, our All of our achievements in 2013 were Paula Schaedlich
RETIRED AUGUST 2013
staff—both paid and volunteer—are singularly made possible through the support of our
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
focused on that mission. It defines who we are. generous donors. Your unique contributions
Dale Schmidt
This year saw the opening of Blacktip Reef, allow us to realize our vision to change the
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
which greatly increased our capacity to delight way humanity views—and cares for—our
Steven Schindler
and educate 1.3 million annual guests with a interconnected, life-giving ocean. Thank you Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
message of hope for these iconic Indo-Pacific for your role in making this vision a reality.
Eric Schwaab
coral reefs. Our animal rescue team released its
Senior Vice President, Chief Conservation Officer
100th rehabilitated animal, and our conserva-
Kathleen Sher
tion action team restored its 25th acre of Ches-
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
apeake Bay habitat. We also completed Phase
One of BLUEprint, an intense examination of
JOHN C. RACANELLI
our future potential and the evolving role of
aquaria amid unparalleled global climate change. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Current as of December 31, 2013
2 | ANNUAL REPORT 2014
BOARD LISTS
Executive Board Tamika Langley Tremaglio J. Scott Plank
Robert E. Carter Jaki Ulman John Racanelli
Chair
C. Elizabeth Wagner Diana Ramsay
Jennifer W. Reynolds
K. Lee Riley, Jr.
Immediate Past Chair Foundation
Thomas Robinson
Timothy Adams Anna L. Smith,
Neal D. Borden Chair Charles Rogers, III
ONE OPPORTUNITY Marc Bunting Michael Batza Jim Seay
Neal D. Borden
Jane W.I. Droppa Washington, D.C.
Frank Rosenberg
Colleen Dilenschneider Tamika Langley Tremaglio
Michael Dunmyer Charles E. Knudsen, III Chair
ROBERT E. CARTER John Racanelli Dr. Carole C. Baldwin
Andrew L. Good
Secretary James Bowers
Baltimore
Nancy Grasmick James L. Connaughton
Robert E. Carter
Our National Aquarium community has been discard misconceptions and outdated constraints Randall M. Griffin Chair Jane W.I. Droppa
engaged in a thorough rethinking of our assets to pave the way for new ideas and a different role Frank A. Gunther Jennifer W. Reynolds Randall M. Griffin
and opportunities, envisioning a future that in the world. As that vision takes shape, we are Life Director Immediate Past Chair
Marianela Peralta
will position us as thought leaders and inspi- excited about the impact we can make in con- Mohannad F. Jishi Marc Bunting
John Racanelli
rational builders for a future of aquatic con- serving and protecting precious natural resources. Treasurer Marilyn Carp
servation. Part of that process was developing I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to all Kyle Muehlhauser Mark Rovner
James Dale
a comprehensive strategic plan, which is being of our donors who have supported our pursuit Mark Mullin Nina Selin
Michael Dunmyer
revised to integrate the findings and recom- of ocean conservation through their individual Joseph Nigro John D. Shulman
Mark P. S. Edward
mendations from the BLUEprint process. contributions. You give us the power to carry out Donald Pettit C. Elizabeth Wagner
Ann T. Gallant
Through this important work, we will con- our mission each and every day, and we appreci- J. Scott Plank Otto Wolff
nect people more directly to aquatic habitats. We ate your support as we enter a new and exciting Andrew L. Good
John Racanelli Secretary Dr. Daniel A. Wubah
will expand our audience to achieve greater im- stage in our evolution.
pact in the field of conservation. We will protect Diana Ramsay Mohannad F. Jishi Center for Aquatic
our immediate environs—the Chesapeake Bay The Honorable Stephanie Donna Morrison Life and Conservation
and Mid-Atlantic coast—and build partnerships Rawlings-Blake Kaliope Parthemos Randall M. Griffin
K. Lee Riley, Jr. Chair
with organizations with compatible missions. Donald Pettit
And we will expand our expertise and advocacy Thomas Robinson Charles Phillips Neal D. Borden
for measurable impact in conservation science. BOB CARTER Anna L. Smith John C. Racanelli
These strategies have led to a catalytic CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
moment in our history that demands that we NATIONAL AQUARIUM INSTITUTE Current as of December 31, 2013
THE POWER of ONE | 3
4 | ANNUAL REPORT 2014
THE STORY ONE
of
Each person who shifts perceptions, works with passion and
inspires others to follow is imperative in the effort to conserve
the world’s aquatic treasures. Fortunately, the National
Aquarium is blessed with many such individuals. From board
leaders and marine specialists to dedicated volunteers and
loyal donors, each is making meaningful contributions to the
success of our collective mission.
THE POWER of ONE | 5
ONE DROP WATER
of
THE TRICKLE OF A BROOK, THE RUSH OF A RIVER, THE POUNDING
WAVES OF VAST SEAS—ALL START WITH A SINGLE DROP.
At the National Aquarium, each drop of water Our role in conservation includes incorpo-
is of great value, and we are sharing that mes- rating new green technologies. “We are trying
sage with each guest and each new generation. to be good citizens of the watershed,” Schwaab
With so many interesting inhabitants in our notes. “We’ve made an expanded commitment
exhibits, water itself often goes unnoticed. But to renewable energy through a power purchase
every day, we carefully maintain more than 2 agreement with our partner Constellation, an
million gallons of water within our Aquarium Exelon company, and we’ve made our mechan-
systems, providing the highest-quality water to ical infrastructure more energy-efficient.”
17,000 animals. All of the saltwater in our Aquarium programs engage students and
exhibits is homemade—a combination of volunteers in projects to clean up the banks
Baltimore City water and a house blend of of streams and rivers, plant marsh grasses that
salts— and the water is tested daily for quality. filter Bay waters and pick up urban debris
This commitment to water persists even before it enters storm drains.
beyond the Aquarium itself. In 2013, Eric We have many partners in conservation,
Schwaab was appointed as our first-ever chief including national environmental organiza-
conservation officer, underscoring our dedica- tions and generous supporters. We’ve worked
tion to leadership in ocean preservation and with the Maryland General Assembly to
environmental stewardship. address the effects of carbon-based pollution
“From the arid Australian Outback to and ocean acidification. Our efforts in fishery
the tropical rain forest, each drop of water sustainability have been bolstered by a grant
connects and contributes to life on this plan- from the Gordon and Betty Moore Founda-
et,” Schwaab says. “Here in the Inner Harbor, tion, which addresses the uncertainties of
which is part of the Chesapeake Bay, we sit on assessing stock and preventing overfishing.
the edge of one of the most compromised “We have a unique opportunity to show
bodies of water in the country. We need to people this other world,” Schwaab says, “and
take greater responsibility, engage more active- to inspire them to appreciate and protect our
ly and take better care of our watershed.” amazing aquatic resources.”
6 | ANNUAL REPORT 2014
“People think pollution
is caused by that
smokestack or outfall
pipe or the other guy,
but each of us can
make daily choices
that play a huge part
in protecting clean
water.”
ERIC SCHWAAB
CHIEF CONSERVATION OFFICER
1.8 million
GALLONS OF OUR HOMEMADE SEAWATER
WERE PRODUCED TO SUPPLY ROUGHLY
2.4 MILLION GALLONS OF SEAWATER IN
OUR EXHIBITS AND BACKUP AREAS.
LEFT Director of Laboratory Services
Jill Arnold tests the water quality for our
exhibits. ABOVE As an Inner Harbor land- 90,000+
mark, we have a responsibility to preserve
the source of many of our resources: the AQUARIUM LABORATORY TESTS
Chesapeake Bay. WERE PERFORMED.
THE POWER of ONE | 7
ONE CAMERA
EAGER TO PRESERVE IMAGES OF OUR INHABITANTS, GUESTS OFTEN
BECOME DEDICATED TO THE ANIMALS’ PRESERVATION IN THE WILD.
Whether it’s to capture a child’s reaction to ing items for children to touch,” Doggett
Blacktip Reef or take a family photo in the says. “They will talk about the incredible
Australian Outback, the camera quickly animals, the threats they face in the wild and
emerges when guests step into the Aquari- how we can help.” The Aquarium also hosts
um. “Families come to have a great time immersion programs, including behind-the-
together, to create memories, to celebrate,” scenes glimpses of animal care and overnight
says Heather Doggett, director of visitor sleepovers with dolphins and sharks.
programs. “Children are always surprised These interactions are critical to carrying
when they come nose to nose with majestic out our mission. In 2013, guests enjoyed
animals from diverse habitats. They’ll look on-site event programming, our Friday night
into an animal’s eyes and feel such awe that Cultural Series and the Marjorie Lynn Bank
it ignites a spark to help the species in its Lecture Series, which highlighted issues rele-
natural environment.” vant to marine conservation.
Some of the Aquarium’s staff, in fact, Aquarium visitors won’t see the distinc-
were just such children, who visited and were tion, but they will encounter both paid and
inspired to become professional aquarists, volunteer staff during a tour, and all of them
conservationists and marine educators. “Each share a passion for their roles. “We teach
day, our staff talks with young people about preschoolers about environmental manners,
our animals, their excellent care and how which are the building blocks of treating our
we can all make decisions that will protect Earth gently,” Doggett says. “Our interpretive
them,” Doggett says. “Their curiosity can staff have a gentleness and an appreciation of
translate into deeper learning. Eventually nature while also conveying scientific skills of
they start questioning and tracking threats to observation and hypothesizing. Our teen
the health of the ocean.” interpreters are some of our best ambassadors
Staff are in the galleries, talking with because of their energy and their keen under-
guests and groups of schoolchildren as they standing of conservation, which becomes part
explore. “They may push a cart with intrigu- of their value system.”
8 | ANNUAL REPORT 2014