Exploration - Aquarium of the Pacific

28 Pages·2013·7.29 MB·English

Spring 2013
m e m b e r m a g a z i n e o f t h e a q u a r i u m o f t h e p a c i f i c
Ocean

Exploration
Focus on Sustainability
AquAtic AcAdemy:
Are We FAcing An
environmentAl cliFF?
T he AquArium oF the PAciFic  hosted three sessions of After presentations by speakers and discussion, Aquatic Academy
its Aquatic Academy in February 2013. Experts in the fields of participants compiled the plan below. It sets forth a strong consensus
climate science, oceanography, conservation, policy, and view of the most effective and important actions to decarbonize
ecology shared their knowledge and experience with attend- society and reduce the impacts of climate change.
ees. This faculty made assessments of whether or not we are facing an
environmental cliff and made recommendations for averting such a cliff.
Action PlAn to Avoid the environmentAl cliff
1. lAunch A broAd Public educAtion cAmPAign 6. develoP An ecologicAlly resPonsible food
tArgeting PeoPle of All Ages. system thAt Promotes heAlth.
This campaign should be formulated for use by schools, Shift to locally grown foods and sustainable agri-
the media, informal education institutions, and other culture and aquaculture practices. Promote healthy
venues. The content of the campaign should be tailored diets that reduce consumption of red meat.
to various audiences and regions, making it relevant and
7. redesign cities with An emPhAsis on
personal. It should also communicate the urgency of
sustAinAbility And energy efficiency.
addressing climate change. A critical element in an ef-
Implement sustainable urban planning that incorpo-
fective global educational campaign is to provide greater
rates high-density commercial and residential districts,
educational and economic opportunities for women. This
public transit, bike paths, urban gardening, green
is the most effective way to stabilize population growth.
spaces, and low-water-use landscaping. Make it pos-
2. shift the Present u.s . energy mix towArd sible for people to live close to where they work.
zero-cArbon-emissions energy sources.
8. Promote nAtionAl And internAtionAl
Starting immediately, alternative and renewable energy
cooPerAtion to Address climAte chAnge.
sources should be incorporated into the mix nationwide.
The United States should become a positive role
Different locations will have different energy-source op-
model for reducing carbon emissions. It should co-
tions, but they include hydrothermal, solar, wind, natural
operate with other nations to set targets and achieve
gas, and nuclear energy. Construction of conventional
reductions in carbon emissions worldwide.
coal-fired power plants should cease. Specific financial
incentives should be used to encourage the shift. 9. increAse funding for reseArch And
3. conserve resources. develoPment, And encourAge exPlorAtion
Individuals, communities, institutions, commercial enterprises, And evAluAtion of bold initiAtives.
governments, and the nation as a whole should conserve energy, Promote development of sustainable renewable energy
materials, and the energy needed to produce them and to pro- sources to make them more efficient and more economi-
cess resulting wastes by reducing consumption, enhancing reuse cal. Increase funding for research on carbon capture and
and recycling, and developing new technologies for processing. storage technologies. Foster a community of innovative
ideas for curbing and adapting to climate change, but
4. overhAul the nAtion’s
insist on caution in how new ideas are implemented.
trAnsPortAtion system.
10. get PersonAlly Active by becoming An Advo-
Increase public transportation and make private trans-
portation more energy efficient. Improve gas mileage by cAte for Avoiding the environmentAl cliff.
decreasing the weight of vehicles, increasing gas engine Support elected and appointed officials and organizations
efficiency, and increasing the use of hybrid and electric in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
vehicles. Promote walking, bicycling, and telecommuting. Use print and social media as platforms to spread the
word about environmental issues. Build social networks
5. develoP And imPlement new stAndArds for
dedicated to integrating and adapting to climate change.
commerciAl And residentiAl buildings.
Become a well-informed advocate for sustainable change.
New and existing buildings should be subject to ambi-
tious requirements for energy efficiency. Provide tax
incentives for owners of older buildings to retrofit their
buildings to make them more energy efficient. Promote
innovative and sustainable design for new construction.
2 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2013
Table of Contents
in this issue letter From the ceo
2 2 Focus on Sustainability | deAr members,
Participants in a recent Aquatic Academy
session drafted a ten-point action plan for
decarbonizing society and reducing the A nniversAries Are AlWAys A
good time to look back to see where
impacts of climate change.
you have been and to look forward to
see where you are headed. Our
4 Animal Updates | Learn about Aquarium opened in June 1998. This June we
deep-sea animals and read about Charlie will celebrate our fifteenth anniversary. The
4
the sea otter’s return from a two-year Aquarium of the Pacific has had a rapid evolution into one of
study on marine mammal hearing. the world’s leading aquariums and one of the most distinctive.
The sense of excitement and commitment of the founding
board, president, and staff continues to be strong.
Our fifteenth anniversary theme is ocean exploration. It will
6 O cean Exploration | Dive into be the focus of our changing exhibit, of new films in the Ocean
the mysteries of our vast, unexplored Theater and in the Great Hall, of our lecture series, and of
6 ocean. Preview the Aquarium’s summer much of our educational programming. Ralph Waldo Emerson
programming and new exhibit, Wonders once said: “Don’t go where the path may lead; go instead
of the Deep. where there is no path and leave a trail.” This statement
captures the essence of the Aquarium’s guiding philosophy.
Throughout the Aquarium's brief history, every department
of this institution has gone where there is no path and has left
27 C onservation Corner | Some
a trail, one that many other institutions have followed. Much
of the most renowned ocean explorers
of our success has been through collaborations, not only with
27 discuss the importance of exploration other aquariums, but also with government agencies, research
and the possibilities for discovery.
scholars, artists of all kinds, and with our community.
Over the past decade our attendance has increased by more
than 20 percent, the diversity of our audience has been en-
3 Letter from the CEO 20 Kids Corner
riched, and we have added a number of new facilities, programs,
10 Aquarium Programs & Events 24 Fundraising and exhibits—both temporary and permanent. We did all of this
while significantly reducing our environmental footprint.
18 Governor’s Award 25 Aquarium Accolades
This spring we will open our two new gift stores. The ex-
19 Urban Ocean Programs 26 Pacific Collections Expansion panded main retail store with its dramatic kelp windows marks
the first stage in the major expansion of the Aquarium. The
generosity of the City, our Board, and a number of foundations
and corporations has provided a good base for the campaign
needed to raise the necessary funds. The expanded facility will
Pacific currents is published for members of the PHOne nuMBers (562 area code) combine the best of aquariums and live animal exhibits with
aquarium of the Pacific. Please send your comments General information ........590-3100 the best of immersive media to tell powerful stories about
to our editorial staff at [email protected].
faX .......................................951-1629 these animals, about the relationship of humans with Earth,
Our MissiOn | to instill a sense of wonder, Membership ......................437-fisH (3474) and about the trails we can blaze to ensure this relationship
respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its
inhabitants, and ecosystems. Development ....................951-1605 is sustainable.
Pacific circle ......................951-1664 The Aquarium has had a glorious past. The future is even
Our VisiOn | to create an aquarium dedicated to Lost & found .....................951-1733 more exciting, and I thank each of you for your past support
conserving and building natural capital (nature and Private event info ............951-1663 and look forward to working with you as we go forward.
nature's services) by building social capital (the
education Programs .......951-1630
interactions between and among peoples).
Gift store ............................951-1sea (1732) Thank you for your ongoing support.
Pacific currents staff | editor/Writer: claire advanced ticket sales ...590-3100, ext. 0
atkinson | copy editor: cecile fisher | Designer: (note: $2 service charge per ticket, up to $10.)
Sincerely,
andrew reitsma | contributors: Heather George, Group reservations ........590-3100
stacey Koupal, Holly Piper
aquariuM HOurs | Open daily from 9:00 a.m.–
6:00 p.m. except Dec. 25 and during the Grand Prix
Jerry R. Schubel
of Long Beach
MeMBersHiP Office HOurs
8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily
The Aquarium of the Pacific
is a non-profit 501(c)3
institution. To provide exciting
and innovative exhibits and
educational programs, we
rely heavily on the generous
donations of individuals,
foundations, and corporations.
Aquarium Founding Sponsor
spring 2013 | Pacific Currents | 3
Animal Updates
Robin Riggs Robin Riggs
gidget the seA chArlie the seA
otter moves to otter returns
monterey
I n JAnuAry gidget the southern seA otter  I n APril chArlie the southern seA otter  returned to
was transported to monterey, california. gidget the Aquarium after a two-year stay at the long marine lab in
will be trained as a potential surrogate mother for santa cruz, california, where he participated in a study of sea
orphaned sea otter pups at monterey bay otter hearing. During his absence, another male sea otter, Odin,
Aquarium’s sea otter research and conservation program lived at the Aquarium. Odin was the original subject for the Long Marine
(sorAc). In the meantime, she will be on exhibit in Lab study, but was determined to be a less-desirable candidate because
Monterey with that aquarium's other resident female sea he appeared to have some hearing loss.
otters, and she will serve as a companion to SORAC’s rescued Principal Investigator Dr. Colleen Reichmuth and Laboratory Research
otters. She was identified as the most appropriate candidate Coordinator Asila Ghoul conducted the study, which was the first of its
for this role from all of the female southern sea otters in kind in investigating sea otter hearing. Its goal was to establish a baseline
aquariums in the United States. She lived at the Aquarium of for capability across their hearing range. Gathering this data is important,
the Pacific for just over four years. the researchers say, because it can inform decisions made by government
Gidget was rescued by wildlife officials when she was agencies regarding the impact of human activity on marine environments.
estimated to be between ten and twelve weeks old. She was Human activity that produces noise that may impact sea otters includes
found separated from her mother on a beach near Cayucos, coastal construction, oil and gas production, military and harbor opera-
California. When she arrived at the Aquarium in October tions, dredging, and transportation, both commercial and recreational.
2008, Gidget required around-the-clock care. She weighed Charlie was selected as a good candidate for this study, in part,
only six pounds. Because she was so small, she was bottle- because of the behavioral training he had received at the Aquarium.
and hand-fed. She ate every three to four hours and had to be “The animals have to be really very well-trained and cooperative part-
hand-groomed after each feeding. ners in the research,” Reichmuth explained. “Just what we’re learning
Gidget gained notoriety on the Aquarium’s website as from Charlie is going to make a really significant contribution to what
“The Furball,” a name bestowed upon her by husbandry we know about the entire species. Charlie is going to be an important
volunteer and blogger Hugh Ryono, who helped raise the representative for the entire [sea otter] population.”
otter when she first arrived. Gidget was originally named Reichmuth and Ghoul tested Charlie’s hearing both above and below
Maggie when she came to the Aquarium. Later, another otter water. To participate, Charlie learned to enter a specialized acoustic test-
named Maggie joined the Aquarium’s collection. Because this ing environment, listen for sound signals, and respond to the research-
otter was older and more accustomed to her name, Gidget ers, notifying them whether or not he had heard the sound by touching
was renamed. his nose to a target or remaining still.
Reichmuth and Ghoul will present a lecture at the Aquarium on June
25 to share details of the study’s findings and stories of Charlie’s experi-
The Aquarium is slated to receive another young ences during the research (see page 12 for more information).
As a standard procedure, Charlie will be quarantined for one month
female otter to take Gidget’s place.
before being reintroduced to the public exhibit and the Aquarium’s other
sea otters. Husbandry staff members estimate that Charlie will be back
on public exhibit before the end of May.
4 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2013
Animal Updates
M
Doug PeRRine/seAPiCs.Co
hAgFish chAmbered
nAutilus
Eptatretus stoutii
Nautilus pompilius
T he hAgFish is An T he chAmbered
unusuAl AnimAl that nAutilus, a cephalopod,
may conjure up images of is a relative of squid,
aliens. hagfish are found at octopuses, and cuttle-
depths of up to 3,600 feet and grow fish. It inhabits ocean waters close
up to 32 inches long. They have to the seafloor in the tropical
eel-like bodies, simple light-sensing Ms Pacific during the day and migrates
epyaertsipaol ctsa,r atinladg ninoo juasw s. kTuhlle, yb huat vneo a noAA/Cbn tsoe asrhcahl loofw feoro wd,a itnecrl uadt innigg hsth irnim p,
vertebrae, so they are not truly crabs, and fishes. This vertical
vertebrates. They live on the soft bottoms of the continental slope, migration can cover up to 1,200 feet.
with the broadbilled hagfish species occurring in the Western Pacific
Ocean near Australia and New Zealand.
The eyes of a nautilus are poorly developed compared
Hagfish feed on injured animals or dead carcasses at to the complex ones of most other cephalopods. The
the seafloor, sometimes consuming them from the simple, pinhole eyes lack lenses and probably form
inside out. They also hunt for worms and small fish, but blurry images at best.
their slow metabolism allows them to go for months
at a time without eating.
The nautilus' shell is divided into compartments. As the
animal grows, it adds compartments, which it uses to regulate
Hagfish can produce large quantities of slime as a defense mecha- its buoyancy and travel up and down the water column. It sucks
nism when they are attacked by predators. The volume of slime has in and expels water to control forward, backward, and sideways
been recorded reaching five gallons from a single hagfish. movement. The nautilus can completely withdraw its body
Look for the Aquarium’s hagfish in the new Wonders of the Deep into its shell, closing the opening with a leathery hood. Adult
exhibit opening on May 24. A display featuring animals that feed on nautiluses reach up to 10 inches in diameter and can live for
carcasses of whales at the seafloor will include hagfish, crabs, and more than sixteen years.
other deep-sea animals. Nautiluses are present in the fossil record 500 million
years ago, predating the existence of dinosaurs on Earth. The
Aquarium will have several chambered nautiluses on exhibit in
Wonders of the Deep. Look for them in the cylindrical tank in an
exhibit describing vertical migration.
spring 2013 | Pacific Currents | 5
Oce an e xplOratiOn
Dive into the mysteries of our vast, unexplored ocean.
The world’s vasT ocean is earTh’s final fronTier for exploraTion. while significant ocean
discoveries have been made over the last two centuries, experts estimate that as much as 95 percent
of the volume of the world ocean and 99 percent of its seafloor remain unexplored.
The potential for uncovering new
life forms, resources, and scientific
knowledge is great. Government
agencies like the national oceanic and
atmospheric administration (noaa),
nonprofit institutions like the national
Geographic society, and scientists,
researchers, and filmmakers working
independently have brought exploration
into the national consciousness. The
hope is to inspire future generations to
learn more about the ocean.
selected important events in the history of ocean exploration
1807: The United States 1868: Charles Wyville 1872-1876: Challenger 1914: Reginald Fessenden 1917-1919: World War I
government formally began Thomson discovered sea Expedition circumnavi- sailed on the U.S. Coast accelerated oceanic acous-
ocean exploration when life at 14,400 feet below gated the globe in the first Guard Cutter Miami. He tic research as both the
President Thomas Jefferson the surface of the ocean, great oceanographic used a Fessenden oscillator U.S. Navy and the Army
authorized the Survey of overturning previously held expedition. Research was to reflect a signal off an Coast Artillery developed
the Coast, NOAA’s earliest theories that the sea was conducted on salinity, iceberg and simultaneously research programs to
predecessor. lifeless below 1,800 feet. density, and temperature of reflect an acoustic signal devise means to detect
1849: Coast Survey sea water as well as ocean off the sea bottom. This enemy submarines.
soundings in support of currents, sediment, and test marked the beginning 1934: William Beebe was
metrology. Hundreds of new of the acoustic exploration
Gulf Stream investigations lowered to 3,028 feet in
species were discovered of the sea.
resulted in the discovery of a tethered bathysphere,
and underwater mountain
the continental shelf break pioneering manned explo-
chains documented.
and the continental slope. ration of the ocean with his
Modern oceanography was
partner, Otis Barton.
based on this research.
Oce an e xplOratiOn
final frontier
The World ocean covers nearly three- oil and gas, an unlimited supply of renewable
quarters of the earth’s surface and contains energy in the form of waves and currents,
more than 97 percent of the planet’s water. and space for offshore wind farms, among
it averages about two-and-a-half miles deep other possibilities.
with a maximum depth of nearly seven miles More than 98 percent of the World ocean
at the Mariana Trench. Located in the Pacific by volume is in total darkness and within a
ocean east of the Mariana islands near few degrees of freezing all of the time. Life in
Japan, the Mariana Trench is the deepest the ocean depends ultimately on a thin, sunlit
part of the ocean and the deepest place on surface layer where plants can photosynthe-
earth. only three explorers have made this size. The exception is the ecosystem found
seven-mile journey, while in comparison first in 1977 at a hydrothermal vent on the these tools are research ships, satellites,
more than a dozen people have walked on east Pacific Rise and subsequently found in smart buoys, gliders, and floats that move
the moon, 240,000 miles away. The ocean is a number of other tectonically active areas with the currents. Data can even be collected
home to earth’s highest and longest moun- of the seafloor. Chemical reactions in the by tracking devices and cameras attached to
tain range, the largest and flattest plains, hot fluids that flow from the earth’s mantle marine animals like whales and sea turtles.
canyons larger than the grand Canyon, more up through these vents are the source of The data collected by these platforms and
than half of earth’s volcanoes, and a series of energy supporting diverse organisms. until sensors provide the raw materials for learning
deep trenches. this discovery by ocean explorers, scientists about ocean properties, processes, and
Humans rely on the ocean for many believed that photosynthesis was the only phenomena, as well as that of marine life. We
resources. in addition to providing more than source of energy for all life on the planet. can then translate the data into information,
half of the oxygen we breathe, helping to ocean explorers use the latest science then knowledge, and finally into action to
regulate the earth’s temperature, and absorb- and technology to explore, observe, and help protect natural resources.
ing carbon, the ocean is a major repository of document the biological, chemical, physical,
earth’s biodiversity and provides a bountiful geological, and archeological aspects of the
supply of seafood. The ocean also contains ocean. new technologies and sensors in use
vast stores of biologically active compounds today allow humans to explore the ocean and
that can be synthesized into drugs to benefit gather measurements and other data that tell
humans. it also offers significant amounts of us more about earth and the ocean. Among
1954: The French research 1955: The Coast and 1960: Don Walsh and 1964: The Deep 1977: Hydrothermal vents
submersible FNRS-3 Geodetic Survey Ship Jacques Piccard in the Submergence Vehicle Alvin were discovered, along
descends to 13,257 feet off Pioneer tows the first bathyscaphe Trieste dived was constructed by the with an ecosystem that
the coast of West Africa, pi- marine magnetometer and to what was believed to be Woods Hole Oceanographic survives without the energy
loted by Georges Houot and discovers magnetic striping the deepest point in the Institute. Alvin was the first of the sun, by a team led by
Pierre Willm, inaugurating on the seafloor off the West Mariana Trench, recording U.S.-based deep-diving Robert Ballard.
use of manned, untethered, Coast of the United States. a depth of 35,800 feet. submersible and has now
research submersibles. This survey provided a key Exploring the same area made over 4,400 descents
element to the Theory of in 1998, an unmanned that have led to numerous
Plate Tectonics. Japanese research vessel ocean floor discoveries.
measured a depth of 35,886 1970: Sylvia Earle led the
feet.
first team of women aqua-
nauts during the Tektite
Project and set a record for
solo diving to a depth of
3,000 feet.
Wonders of the deep
As part of the Aquarium’s programming on animals and models and images to stand in for In an exhibit displaying chambered nauti-
Ocean Exploration, the Wonders of the Deep those animals that cannot be displayed. luses, visitors will learn how these animals and
exhibit will open to the public in the Aquarium’s The exhibit will include a recreation of a other residents of the deep sea make daily ver-
changing exhibit space on May 24. Upon hydrothermal vent, where life forms thrive in tical migrations from the depths of the ocean
entering the gallery, visitors will experience the intense heat and dynamic environment to the surface in order to feed and reproduce.
the darkness of the deep ocean, punctuated by of this undersea ecosystem. Video imagery Visitors will also learn about bioluminescence,
the brilliant and unusual beauty of the marine projected behind the display will show footage a phenomenon manifested in about 95 percent
life found beyond the reach of sunlight. Images of a real hydrothermal vent, allowing visitors of deep-sea animals, at an exhibit featuring
of submersibles and sea creatures projected to see what these tectonically active habitats flashlight fish. Gelatinous animals like sea jellies
on the walls, along with sounds, lighting, and look like in the deep ocean. Visitors will also see also populate the deep sea. The Wonders of the
interactive computer displays, will immerse a life-sized model of a whale fall—the island of Deep gallery will include a jelly touch lab, where
visitors in the undersea world. life that survives for decades on the decaying visitors will be able to touch moon jellies and
Wonders of the Deep is one of the first carcass of a dead whale once it sinks to the learn more about gelatinous animals.
exhibits at an aquarium in the United States seafloor. Hagfish, deep-sea crabs, urchins,
to recreate these deep-sea habitats. Animals brittle stars, and other scavengers will be
from this environment survive in extremes exhibited with a model of 9-foot-long pygmy
of temperature and pressure. For this reason, sperm whale.
most of them cannot be displayed in aquariums.
Wonders of the Deep will include both live
ocean exploration timeline
1982: A major El Niño La Niña events, a major 1985: A team led by 1995: Declassification 2010: The first ever
event led to the installa- step in understanding the Robert Ballard discovered of GEOSAT radar altimetry Census of Marine Life
tion of a Pacific equatorial coupling of the ocean and the Titanic, the most famous data from a U.S. Navy Earth culminated, cataloging the
oceanographic buoy array atmosphere system. shipwreck in modern observation satellite led to diversity, abundance, and
by NOAA's Pacific Marine history. worldwide mapping of the distribution of marine spe-
Environmental Laboratory. seafloor. cies in an online database.
Observations from this
array have since predicted
the onset of El Niño and
Source: oceanexplorer.noaa.gov and education.nationalgeographic.com
8 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2013
aquarium-Wide
ocean exploration
programs
When the Aquarium’s Ocean Exploration
programming kicks off, the Aquarium’s Ocean
Science Center, Great Hall, and Ocean Theater
will feature films that showcase deep sea
animals, recently discovered animals, and the
ocean explorer
history of ocean exploration.
lecture series
In the Great Hall, a two-story column
erected near the Aquarium entrance will display
the layers of the ocean from the surface to the Several of the most noteworthy ocean
deepest depths, demonstrating the amount of explorers will be giving presentations at the
sunlight as well as changes in temperature and Aquarium beginning this summer as part of
explorers day
pressure at various depths. the Ocean Exploration programming. Visit
At the Ocean Exploration Hub, guests will aquariumofpacific.org/events for more details.
On Sunday, July 21, the Aquarium will host
have the chance to see live video feeds from
SyLVIA EARLE...............................................June 18 a special day where guests will have the
the deep ocean, as the Aquarium becomes
DON WALSH.......................................................July 9 opportunity to meet and hear from modern day
an official satellite Ocean Command Center
DAWN WRIGHT ................................................July 16 explorers, including Don Walsh and Sylvia Earle,
of the Inner Space Center. NOAA's exploration
JESUS RIVAS ...................................................July 25 see demonstrations of ROV under water tech-
vessel Okeanos Explorer and the Sea Research
LARRy MAyER ..............................................August 8 nology, watch live feeds from three deep sea
Foundation's exploration vessel Nautilus will
BRUCE ROBISON ......................................August 13 exploration vessels, visit booths by NOAA, NASA,
deliver live video transmissions as they explore
EDITH WIDDER ..........................................August 27 and other agencies and organizations engaged
deep waters around the world to a flatscreen
MICHAEL LATz ..................................September 11 in ocean exploration, as well as children’s activi-
array in the Aquarium’s Tropical Pacific gallery.
SHIRLEy POMPONI...........................September 24 ties. On Saturday, July 20, the Aquarium will
Aquarium visitors will be able to interact with
JOHN DELANEy..........................................October 3 host a national forum of explorers and scientists
ocean scientists and explorers live periodically
ROBERT BALLARD .................................October 16 to discuss the future of ocean exploration that
throughout the day. A mural depicting the
LARRy MADIN .....................................November 12 will be broadcast live on the web.
United States’ exclusive economic zone, the
JESSE AUSUBEL ..................................December 5
largest in the world, will be installed on the wall
opposite the Tropical Reef Habitat. A nearby
video monitor will display three-dimensional
images of the seafloor.
Visitors will also learn about scientific Summer Sponsor: Charter
discoveries being made by the Aquarium’s own
staff members. Information about research the oceanauts:
conducted by Curator Sandy Trautwein will be
living the dream
posted in the Tropical Gallery near the coral
exhibits. Trautwein received a Ph.D. from the of the sea
University of California, Los Angeles, for her
research on crabs. She has even discovered and Mixed-media portraits of contempo-
named new crab species. rary ocean explorers, including Jacques
Finally, Aquarium visitors will be able to em- Cousteau, Sylvia Earle, and Robert
bark on a mission of discovery using a new app Ballard, will hang in the Great Hall. This
for both iPhone and Android smartphones. The exhibit by artist zofia Kostyrko is called
app uses augmented reality to bring exhibits to The Oceanauts: Living the Dream of
life as visitors tour the Aquarium. the Sea.
glossary
Bathymetry: the fathom: a unit of depth remotely seamount: an eleva- trench: a long, narrow,
study of underwater depth measurement; one fathom is operated vehicle tion rising 500 fathoms or deep depression of the sea
of lake or ocean floors equivalent to six feet (rov): these highly 1,000 meters or more from floor, with relatively steep
continental maneuverable robots help the seafloor with a small sides
shelf: a zone adjacent explorers access the deep summit
to a continent and extend- ocean from vessels at the sounding: a measure-
surface—most are equipped
ing from the low water ment of the depth of a given
with a camera and lights
line to usually a marked point in a body of water
drop-off.
Aquarium Programs and Events
The Aquarium of the Pacific offers programs and events for all ages and interests.
With exclusive events for our members, cultural festivals, a guest speaker series, and
educational classes for families and children, there is something for everyone.
greAt AQuArium Activities!
member events member events member events
Please join us for one of these select events just for MEMbEr hArbOr CrUiSE SENiOr MEMbEr AFtErNOON
our members and their guests. Fri., JULy 26 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 12:30 –1:30 p.m. tUESDAy, SEPtEMbEr 17 | 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Aquarium members are invited to tour the Senior members will get the inside scoop on
MEMbEr DiSCOvEry NiGht
Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbors on how aquarists spend their days caring for
WED., MAy 15 & tUES., JULy 9 | 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. board a forty-five-minute narrated cruise fish and invertebrates at the Aquarium. Learn
This members-only event will include crafts for around one of the most active ports in the about daily feeding and care for our animals,
kids, and adults will enjoy The Wonderful World world. See the downtown shoreline, ocean how new sea life is acquired, the quarantine
of Penguins, a free film in the Ocean Theater. vistas, ships from around the world, and even process, and more.
The evening will also feature special visits from sea lions.
CosT | Free for senior members. Member guests
animals like Lola the Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo.
CosT | $ 10/adult member (12+); $5/member child receive 20% off regular admission.
Drinks will be available for purchase from the
(3-11). Reservations are required as space is Reservations are required as space is limited.
cash bar.
limited. Due to boat capacity, we are unable to RsVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) by September 14.
CosT | Free for members. Member guests receive provide tickets for member guests at this event.
20% off regular admission. Reservations are RsVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) by July 23. Special Events
required as space is limited.
RsVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) by May 12. MEMbEr SUMMEr CELEbrAtiON The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a variety of
SUNDAy, AUGUSt 18 | 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. fundraisers, lunches, and other events throughout
15th ANNivErSAry MEMbEr PArtiES Join us for a Member Summer Celebration the year. Check our website for more details and
thU., JUNE 27 (Charter Member Night*) | Fri., JUNE as the Aquarium’s front lawn transforms additional events.
28 & tUES., JULy 2 (All Members Welcome) | 7:00
into a summer tropical party complete with
p.m.–10:00 p.m.
entertainment, hula hoop and limbo contests, ShArK LAGOON NiGhtS
We look forward to celebrating our fifteenth games, and activities for members of all ages. FriDAyS, MAy 10–31 & SEPt. 6–OCt. 25 | 6:00
anniversary and hope you join us on this p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Delicious tropical fare will be available for
special occasion. These events will feature purchase. The Aquarium will be open until Shark Lagoon is open for everyone for free after
live music and the new Ocean Exploration 9:00 p.m. for Summer Late Nights. Visit 6:00 p.m. Guests can touch and learn about
programming. *Charter Member Night is by the Aquarium website for more information sharks and enjoy live music on select nights.
special invitation only.
coming soon.
CosT | Free for everyone
CosT | Free for members. This event is for members CosT | $5/adult member (12+); FREE/member child INFo | [phone], ext. 0
only; guest tickets will not be available.
(3-11). Reservations are required as space
RsVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) by June 23. MOthEr’S DAy brUNCh
is limited. Due to capacity, we are unable to
SUNDAy, MAy 12 | 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
provide tickets for member guests at this
MEMbEr UrbAN OCEAN
event. Join the Aquarium for its annual brunch
DiNNEr CrUiSE
RsVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) by August 15. celebrating moms. After brunch, explore the
FriDAy, JULy 19 | 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
wonders of the Pacific Ocean.
Join us for a members-only dinner cruise on ADULt MEMbEr LAtE NiGht
a double-decker boat, and experience the tUESDAy, AUGUSt 20 | 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. CosT | Members: $38/adult (12+), $28/child; non-
wonders of the Southern California urban members: $48/adult, $38/child (includes
Adult members are invited to take advantage
ocean while enjoying a gorgeous sunset admission). Tickets on sale May 1.
of the beauty and serenity of the Aquarium
and gourmet dinner. The cruise is guided by INFo | (562) 590- 3100, ext. 0
after hours. Tour galleries with a cocktail from
commentary from an informed Aquarium
the cash bar, listen to live music performed DiSCOUNtED LAtE NiGhtS
educator and an experienced boat captain.
at Honda Blue Cavern, or shop in the Pacific SUNDAyS, JUNE 9-SEPt. 1 | 5:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Collections gift store.
CosT | $57.50 per member. Reservations are required Enjoy special extended hours on Sundays this
as space is limited. Due to boat capacity, CosT | Free for adult members (ages 21+ only). summer. The entire Aquarium will be open,
we are unable to provide tickets for member Member guests receive 20% off regular except Lorikeet Forest, until 8:30 p.m. The
guests at this event. admission. Reservations are required as space Aquarium's short films will be shown in the
RsVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) by July 16. is limited. Ocean Theater throughout the evening.
RsVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) by August 17.
CosT | Free for members; $14.95 for guests
INFo | [phone], ext. 0
10 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2013