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Seattle Aquarium Annual Report 2013 PDF

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Seattle Aquarium 2013 Annual Report LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY As of December 31, 2013 Seattle Aquarium Administration Robert W. Davidson, President & CEO C.J. Casson, Director of Life Sciences Ryan Dean, Director of Finance & Administration Tim Kuniholm, Director of Public Affairs Alan Maxey, Director of Facilities & Operations Lori Montoya, Director of Development Marsha Savery, Marketing & Creative Director Veronica Smolen, Director of Human Resources Jim Wharton, Director of Conservation & Education Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment Board of Directors Chairman Lesley Canfield, Community Volunteer Kenneth F. Collins, Microsoft *James C. Gurke, retired, Getty Images David D. Dicks, University of Washington, College of the Environment Immediate Past Chair Patricia J. Dill, Laird Norton Wealth Management Bob Donegan, Ivar’s J. Terry McLaughlin, retired, The Professional Basketball Club, LLC William T. Einstein, Puget Sound Energy, Inc. Chair Elect Dennis Forsyth, SRG Partnership, Inc. Susan L. Gates, American West Bank Randy J. Tinseth, The Boeing Company Pam Guinn, Clear Channel Outdoor Treasurer J. Brian Hill, Sound Leasing Corporation Neal Holland, Union Bank Kevin L. Blair, Washington Trust Bank Linda K. Johnson, retired, Visio Secretary Stephanie Kornblum, retired, Microsoft Mark E. Kramer, F5 Networks Gary T. Smith, Smith and Stark Katherine A. Krogslund, University of Washington, School of Oceanography President & CEO Erin J. Letey, Riddell Williams P.S. Lisa C. Luther, Nordstrom *Robert W. Davidson Melissa Mager, Law Offices of Cynthia B. Whitaker Past Chairs Karissa Marker, KPMG Greg Massey, Seattle Mariners Ted Ackerley, Ackerley Partners Steve Moore, Contour, Inc. Don Audleman, Capstone Partners LLC Gregory P. Owens, Washington Trust Bank John C. Blackman, retired, Argosy Cruises Robert W. Power, SEA CON LLC Dan M. Guy III, Columbia Pacific Casey J. Schuchart, Schuchart Stuart T. Rolfe, Wright Hotels, Inc. Gary S. Smith, Lease Crutcher Lewis George V. Willoughby Jr., retired, King Broadcasting Amy Sprangers, Seahawks & Seattle Sounders FC Directors Linda Springmann, Holland America Line Eric V. Steinwinder, Avanade, Inc. *William C. Arntz, retired, Seattle Aquarium Scott C. Trethewey, Callisons, Inc. Mary L. Bass, Wells Fargo Alex Washburn, Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC Gini Beck, Community Volunteer Thomas J. Weiland, Amazon Dianne L. Bell, Verizon Business Christopher Williams, Seattle Parks & Recreation *John R. Braden, retired, Seattle Aquarium *Ex-Officio The Seattle Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution owned by the City of Seattle. Donations to the Seattle Aquarium are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. Donations can be made by calling (206) 838-3907 or visiting SeattleAquarium.org. SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 2 Dear Friend of the Seattle Aquarium, The highlight of 2013 for harbor seals Barney, Q and Siku—as well as our visitors, staff and volunteers—was the opening on June 1 of our new harbor seal exhibit, representing your hugely important investment to match that of the City of Seattle. This $7 million project replaced a dated exhibit with one that introduces Puget Sound’s most ubiquitous marine mammal to visitors in a way that highlights their wonder and the importance of a healthy Sound. This was the first major exhibit added since the $42.5 million New Currents expansion of the Aquarium. We had several independent affirmations in 2013 that we are making progress on a variety of key metrics. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) granted its five-year accreditation, calling out 17 areas of excellence for specific mention. Independent survey research conducted by a national firm found that the Aquarium raises interest in marine conservation and ranks second in overall satisfaction among eight national aquariums. We also received high and balanced overall satisfaction ratings for both education and entertainment. The City started construction on the Elliott Bay seawall replacement in November, which will assure the safety of tens of thousands of people travelling to, working along and visiting the waterfront each day, as well as protect key city utilities, transportation links and buildings like the Aquarium. The Aquarium will remain open and easily accessible to our visitors during a three-year construction period. As a symbolic and practical step to educate the public about ocean acidification and curb the Aquarium’s carbon energy usage, Seattle City Light installed the largest solar array of any aquarium on the West Coast on the roof of Pier 59. This complements our ocean acidification research efforts with Dr. Richard Feely of NOAA and the U.W. College of the Environment, which includes instruments on Pier 59 measuring Puget Sound ocean acidification levels. Finally, as a key part of planning for the new Seattle “Waterfront for All,” we completed the concept program for the future Aquarium expansion. This will be the basis for the conceptual architectural design for future expansion, which will be completed and submitted for City Council review and approval in early 2015. Funding for the concept design is provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the City of Seattle, and in-kind services from Dennis Forsyth/SRG Partnership. We are grateful for your support of the Seattle Aquarium and its mission: Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. On behalf of the board of directors, staff and over 1,000 volunteers, we thank you! Sincerely, James C. Gurke Chairman, Board of Directors Robert W. Davidson President & CEO 3 SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 HARBOR SEAL EXHIBIT OPENS HARBOR SEAL EXHIBIT OPENS: A BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME FOR BARNEY, Q AND SIKU! After months of hard work and Our marine science interpreters preparation, our new harbor seal quickly noticed that visitors were exhibit opened to the public on lingering longer at the harbor seal June 1 with a celebration sponsored exhibit than in any other area of by Safeco. Nearly 5,500 visitors joined the Aquarium, which created more us during the opening weekend to opportunities for them to help make welcome Barney, Q and Siku to their the connection between harbor new home. seals and preserving Puget Sound. The harbor seals quickly settled The new exhibit also provided some into their surroundings. Their new, unexpected opportunities to inspire six-foot-deep pool is nearly two feet conservation action. Because of deeper than their previous pool— its outdoor location and view of and they definitely seemed to enjoy Elliott Bay, visitors were easily able the extra swimming space. They also to see litter in the water near the now have more room to rest on dry Aquarium’s pier—and many wanted land: their haul-out space more than doubled in size to do something about it. Says Visitor Engagement to 210 square feet (previously 94). The new exhibit also Manager Andrea DosSantos, “When the harbor seal features a wet resting area, underwater rock formations, exhibit opened, we knew everyone was going to love and an underwater “bubble curtain” that can be turned seeing the animals underwater; we didn’t expect that on and off. we’d have so many conversations about debris in the Sound. But when people started bringing it up, we took The exhibit experience improved for humans, as well. the opportunity to help them make the connection With acrylic panels on three sides—two of which dip between the harbor seals in the exhibit and harbor seals below the water’s surface—the view of Barney, Q and in the wild.” Siku is better than ever before. Seating for up to 100 people (or three classrooms of school children) By summer’s end, over 120,000 people had visited means that visitors can get comfortable the new exhibit—with many, many more to come in and stay a while during the daily talks the years ahead. and activities held at the exhibit. THE NEXT STEP IN THE AQUARIUM OF THE FUTURE Constructed in just five short months, our new harbor seal exhibit represents the latest in an exciting series of transformations that began with our New Currents Capital Campaign and subsequent expansion in 2005–2007. We’re in the planning stages of our biggest expansion yet—to coincide with and take advantage of the revitalization of Seattle’s central waterfront. We look forward to sharing details of this plan with you, and to leveraging our position as the centerpiece of the new “waterfront for all” to inspire countless new visitors about the wonders of our marine environment—and educate them about the critical role we all play in caring for it. SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 4 HARBOR SEAL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP PROJECT COMPLETED The Harbor Seal Capital Project was chaired by Stephanie Kornblum, who THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS joined the Seattle Aquarium board of In early 2014, the Aquarium successfully completed directors in 2010. She has served on another capital campaign: the renovation of our largest our Executive Committee since 2011 outdoor attraction, the harbor seal exhibit. We surpassed and also serves as co-chair of our our goal of $6 million with a public contribution by the Development Committee. City of Seattle of $3.5 million for piling replacement, and Stephanie led our board of directors in $2.56 million in private contributions. this effort and was supported by veteran Launched in October 2011, the Harbor Seal Capital Project fundraisers Ted Ackerley, Jim Gurke, officially came to a close in February of 2014, when the Dan Guy, J. Brian Hill, Stuart Rolfe, Amy Aquarium surpassed its goal and triggered a top-off grant Sprangers and George Willoughby. of $250,000 by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. We are Thanks to all for their outstanding tremendously grateful for the incentive of this award. efforts toward realizing the vision of the Aquarium’s new harbor seal exhibit! 5 SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 HARBOR SEAL CAPITAL PROJECT DONORS $3,500,000 Katharyn Alvord Gerlich $1,000–$4,999 Stanley Gent & Susan Morrow James & Christina Gurke David & Lisa Goldberg City of Seattle Bender Family Trust Neal & Danielle Holland Rod & Renee Gowdy Kai & Asher Bergman $350,000 and above Ivar’s Restaurants & Seafood Bars Robert & Allison Grayson Lora Brown James & Leslie Kerr Duncan Haas & Birgit Walbaum The Norcliffe Foundation Ken & Amy Collins Nordstrom Patricia Hall $250,000–$349,999 Edward & Susan Palmer Ford Davidson John Hogan William & Brooke Einstein Safeco Insurance Chris Holloway Linda & Ted Johnson Jose & Carmen Esparza Randy & Ellen Tinseth Renee Hopkins M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Jan Forbes Bender & Robert Bender Satterberg Foundation Ken Johnsen $100,000–$249,999 Dennis Forsyth & Elaine Spencer Snoqualmie Tribe Michael Koppel David & Deborah Grant The Ginger & Barry Ackerley William & Susan Vititoe Alden & Meghan Kroll J. Brian Hill Foundation H.S. Wright III & Kate Janeway Gary & Marcia Lagerloef Douglas & Susan Jewett C. Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust Martha Wyckoff & Jerry Tone C. Alan Maxey & Sabrina Ford Vernon & Vera Johnson Grousemont Foundation Anonymous Joy Okazaki & Mike Johnson Scott & Shirley Kimmel Mark & Andria Pinkowski $50,000–$99,999 $5,000–$9,999 Brian & Diane Langstraat David Pollock Erin & Tyler Letey Joshua Green Foundation Tom Alberg & Judi Beck Pyramid Communications Mortenson Construction D.V. and Ida J. McEachern Charitable Don & Carol Audleman Douglass & Katherine Raff Trust James & Lisa Nordstrom Mary L. Bass Daniel Ryder John Deininger & Carol-Ann O’Mack Jim & Gaye Pigott Dianne Bell William Savoy Puget Sound Energy $25,000–$49,999 Kevin & Katy Blair Stuart & Mary Silk Seattle Mariners The Boeing Company Veronica Smolen The Baty Family Gary Smith & Karen Smith Ekblad John Braden & Kristin Johnsen Ethan Stiles & Yumi Huh Dan Guy III & Wendy Ershig-Guy Frank & Linda Springmann Linda Breneman & Eric Strand Turner Construction Company John C. & Karyl Kay Hughes Alex & Courtney Tucker Foundation John & Adrienne Brown University Mechanical Robert & Molly Davidson Peter & Shannon van Oppen Contractors, Inc. Jones Family Foundation Bob & Lisa Donegan Verizon Foundation Randolph Urmston & Pavel & Yelena Kadach Washington Trust Bank Eliza Davidson Susan Gates & Jack Paauw Ana Bella Kipman and parents Sally & David Wright John & Marilyn Warner Hamilton & Nancy Harris Aaron & Stephanie Kornblum Anonymous (2) Russell Young Holland America Line, Inc. Keith & Mary Kay McCaw Anonymous (4) Family Foundation Martha Kongsgaard & Peter Goldman $500–$999 Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Karen Koon & Brad Edwards $100–$499 Diane Adams & Krista Ayers Glen & Alison Milliman Mark & Kimberly Kramer Doug Alder & Eric Middleton 206inc Steven & Angie Moore Katherine Krogslund Wendy Alexander & Randy Ogata William & Michelle Armour Sujal & Meera Patel Lisa & Ron Luther AnM Facility Services Laura Austin Peach Foundation Greg Massey & Omid Ighani David & Scotta Ashcraft Pamela Baade Stuart & Lee Rolfe J. Terry & Kathleen McLaughlin Doug & Linda Barnes Laura A. Bachman Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Scheumann Jeff & Phyllis Nomura Dorothy Bayley Thatcher Bailey & Phil Kovacevich The Seattle Foundation Greg & Barbara Owens Cory & Katherine Bergman William Bannecker David & Maryanne Tagney Jones Sharon Philpott & Stephen Finn Miguel & Jacklyn Bezos Douglas Barker & Elizabeth Sicktich Scott Trethewey Robert Power & Michelle Raymond Janet Boguch/Non-Profit Works Steve & Stella Bass Doug & Maggie Walker William & Jill Ruckelshaus William Bryant II & Barbara Feasey Dennus Baum & Denise Kraft Ann P. Wyckoff Janet & Bob Rudolph Howard & Kay Burton David & Diane Beck Wyman Youth Trust Seattle Seahawks Michelle Buzzoni Traci Belting & Gary Maples Anonymous Gary & Ann Smith Copper River Consulting Peter & Margaret Bentley Seattle Sounders FC $10,000–$24,999 John Creighton III & Katrina Bettis Todd & Amy Sprangers Hannelore Daniel Carl & Carol Binder Amazon.com, Inc Union Bank Wright & Sandy Dickinson BIOS, LLC Harrell & Gini Beck Alex & Erika Washburn Don & Patti Dill Claire Bishop John C. Blackman Thomas & NanC Weiland Paul Donohue Andrew & Lillian Bleiman Robert & Sara Blair George & Colleen Willoughby Buck & Mary Ferguson Terri Boehm T. Bradford & Lesley Canfield Paul Wyckoff Howard & Carolyn Ferguson Axel W. Brems D.A. Davidson & Co. Susan Wyckoff Susan Fitzgerald David & Madeleine Brenner Craig Davison & Glenn Maarse SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 6 Timothy Brown Ted & Kris Johnson Annie Spalding Thomas Winston Dustin & Kristi Brumbaugh William & Sandy Justen Amy Sparks Margarite Hargrave Susan Bullerdick James & Julie Keller Heather Spence & Gregory Noel Steven Harris & Patricia Zaknich The Bullitt Foundation William & Marie Kent Starbucks Coffee Company Katie Hart & Joming Lau Steve Camasi KeyBank Carlyn Steiner Caroline Hempstead Robert & Ann Campbell Dmitry Khvol Eric & Samantha Steinwinder Andree Herbert Samuel Cangemi James & Aimee Kinney In Honor of Cy & Case Stewart Kelly Hines & Dale Kuehn David & Karen Carratt Louis Klusmeyer John Swanson Donna Howard & Dina Stoianova C.J. & Teresa Casson Fred & Wendy Koontz John Sykes Ajna & Victoria Hoyt Barry & Chouyaw Chen Christopher & Kerry Kozlowski Philip & Dawn Takeuchi Carol Jackson Andrew Clapham Lawrence Kuracina & Lloyd & Theresa Tamura Dwayne & Kimberly Jones Rex & JoAnn Clark Heidi Houghton Duncan & Elizabeth Thieme Nikki Joyner Clausen Law Firm, PLLC Richard & Raquel Lackey Sarah Tompkins & Bryan Ruttkay Patrick Kennedy Mark Clausen Michael & Mary Lee Richard Tschetter James Kirchhoffer Kim Ackerley Cleworth & Janice Lengenfelder Nicolai & Jeanny Vinogradov Jodi Kunz Peter Cleworth Martin Lijanto David & Sarah Warner Christa & Robert Lafayette John & Patricia Coffey Brock & Karin Loen Michael & Nicolette Warner Monica Lake & Ngon Kim Pham Martin Connor Carolyn Madsen & Eugene Duvernoy Richard Williams Darcie Larson Copacino + Fujikado Melissa Mager & Richard Butler Ann Wilson Sarah Lipnik Ana Corado Bernard Mansavage Kyle Winslow Laura Lockard Priscilla Corielle Andrew & Tiffany Mark Charlotte Wollheim Vivian MacKay Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. Karissa Marker Conrad Wouters & Glenna Olson Dennis & Krista Marceron Christie & Logan Cotterill Paul Martini & Seanna Browder Ann Yoo Michelle Mauro Rebekah Crowley Charles & Jan Mayes Rick Zieve & Kelly Van Gelder Linda Maxson Charles & Julia Cutting Keith McClintock Suzanne & Robert Zonneveld Joshua Menne In Memory Of Margaret Dam Joely Meighan Anonymous (47) John Meyer Jennifer Deans Lori Montoya & Sam Houghtaling Jennifer Minich $1–$99 Mike DeLeo & Jodi McDougall Bill Moore Katy & Li-Hua Moretz Dino & Carin DeVita Susan Morrow & Stanley Gent Nancy Adams Philip S. Morse & Sarah Terkildsen David Dicks & Antonia Jindrich Jordan Niles Greg Ambrose Susan Mueller Nataleah Dietzmann Gregory Noel & Heather Spence In Honor of Bunnie Bailey Donna Naruo & Rachel Fleischman Patrick Doody Jeff Norris Beata Baker Shari Okada John & Laura Dresel Northern Trust Bank of Seattle Reid Bakkar & family Paul & Tiina Oker Edge Concrete Specialty Services Christopher & Christina O’Claire Marjorie Balsham & Gary MacIver Stacy Osmond Robert Edwards Ross Ondersma Gayle Bellows & David Teel Louise Pathe Tawn Endres Mary Orvis Rodger & Karla Benson Dan & Kathryn Pecha James & Cathy England Megan Owen Mark Blitzer Shana Pennington-Baird & Cecilia & Andrew Erickson Virginia Park & Betsy Johnson Randolph & Harvey Bopp Benjamin Baird Expedia, Inc. Michael & Elise Piraino Annette Bowen Katie Phelps F5 Networks, Inc. Andra Pletz Pamela Cardone Meredith & Frank Radella Sally Fisher Andrew & Dinah Prather Alexandra Chalk Pamela Reaville & Ethan Mutoli Mr. & Mrs. John Flower Llewelyn & Jonie Pritchard Jennifer Coffin Natalie Ross Stephen Forman Robert Reller Gabriella Crooks & John Clarke Miriam & Eric Ruthford Jordan Gaynes Mario & Elizabeth Ribera Edward & Peter D’Agostino Darrell Sanders In Honor of Jordan Gaynes Robert Richardson Brian Dague Yes & Allie Serious Julie & Nedim Genjac Ron & Susan Runyon Michael & Lisa De Luca Arthur & Alice Siegal Chris Glasgow Robin Russell Paul & Sandra Dehmer Amanda Simantov Michael & Lucy Glenn Preston Sargent Judith Donovan Audrey Spaeth Dan & Wendy Gottesman Erik & Debra Sather Amanda Drewniak Sripresanna Sriram Ronald Gregush & Michael & Joanne Sato James Edwards Penelope St. John Erica Brandling-Bennett Brian Saunders Michael Edwards Jay & Kimberly Steffensmeier Denise & James Griffing David Schaefer & Patricia Moriarty Cecyl Fabano Gail Swedish Matthew & Kathryn Griffith Ann Schnitz Jeanne Fulcher Jennifer Tenlen Robert & Pamela Guinn Casey & Allison Schuchart Timothy Gacula Sarah Terkildsen Jamie Gunn Seattle Steam Company Jenny Glatt George & Tamsyn Theo Greg & Linda Harris Brandon & Sue Sewell Dave Glenn Jen Uhrich Leah Hausman Laurence Shapero & Sarah Thomas Leslie Gouker Tyler Urbigkit Bob & Christy Hentges Matthew & Jaimie Shea Lisa Graumlich & Linda Simonsen Jim & Cherie Williams Mark & Joni Herwick David & Erika Sigmon Terence & Anke Gray Annie & Janet Worcester Seattle University Athletics Yara Silva Tiffany Green Desiree Yuzawa W. Scott Horner Ron and Barb Sim Christina Hannan & Anonymous (66) Carmen Jacobs 7 SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SEATTLE AQUARIUM AZA ACCREDITATION RENEWED After submitting a lengthy application for accreditation The Seattle Aquarium has by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) in late been accredited by the 2012, the Aquarium completed the accreditation process AZA since the early 1980s but must re-apply every in early 2013 with site visits by an inspection team five years to stay current. “It’s more challenging every and an appearance hearing before the organization’s time,” noted Director of Life Sciences C.J. Casson in accreditation commission. the midst of the application process. “As the bar keeps getting raised, we too improve our programs of animal The AZA, a nonprofit organization founded in 1924, care, safety, conservation research, is dedicated to the advancement of and customer service.” zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science and “It’s more challenging The Aquarium’s efforts were rewarded recreation. AZA accreditation indicates every time,” noted in April of 2013, when the commission official recognition and approval of a Director of Life Sciences voted to grant formal accreditation zoo or aquarium by a group of experts; to the institution through 2018. “This C.J. Casson in the midst of the it is the gold standard for organizations vote, coupled with the highly favorable application process. “As the such as ours. Accreditation has many findings of the inspection team, benefits beyond recognition: it also bar keeps getting raised, we represents a strong endorsement provides access to a network of too improve our programs of the Aquarium’s fidelity to AZA professionals who share the latest professional standards in conservation, of animal care, safety, information on what’s happening in education, animal husbandry, research conservation research, and the wild, in the industry, and in facilities and visitor and community impact,” customer service.” across the country for the benefit of said President & CEO Robert W. all members. Davidson. CONSERVATION IN THE WILD: PARTNERING TO PROTECT GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUSES IN PUGET SOUND The harvest of a giant Pacific octopus (GPO) at a popular public workshop; Aquarium biologists Tim Carpenter dive spot in West Seattle sparked much discussion across and Kathryn Kegel shared research about the species the Puget Sound region and in the dive community developed by Aquarium staff as well. worldwide in late 2012 and early 2013. Many were In August, the WDFW Commission extended protections surprised that recreational harvesting of GPOs was for giant Pacific octopuses in Puget Sound by prohibiting legal; in fact, regulations stated that anyone with a valid the recreational harvest of the species at seven popular fishing license could take one per day from most areas diving sites in locations from Whidbey Island to Tacoma. of the Sound. Combined, the sites amount to over 1,300 acres of In response, the Aquarium agreed with State agencies subtidal waters and represent a 65 percent increase in that it was time to review GPO management options. nearshore marine protected areas. The effort to determine the best management approach Giant Pacific octopuses are the largest species of octopus was led by the State of Washington; partners included in the world. While they’re found along the U.S. coastline the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife from California to Alaska, the Sound’s shallower waters (WDFW), the state Department of Natural Resources, allow them to be seen more easily by divers. Giant Pacific the Seattle Aquarium and other community entities. octopuses are one of the main diving attractions in the Seattle Aquarium Conservation Manager Mark Plunkett Sound. Preserving their populations at popular dive sites served on a 12-person advisory group for six months to helps ensure that people can continue to closely observe provide input to the WDFW Commission. The Aquarium and appreciate them for years to come. served as a host for advisory group meetings and a SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 8 2013 Seattle Aquarium animal husbandry highlights • Received donations of live corals that had been confiscated by the RATFISH REARING MILESTONE U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife. • Accepted and placed on exhibit a The Seattle Aquarium hatched a captive-bred ratfish in 2013, resulting in rehabilitated black-bellied plover. a longevity record for the captive propagation of this species. • Planned and implemented local Spotted ratfish, Hydrolagus colliei, are cartilaginous fishes (meaning their and tropical collecting and animal skeletons are composed of cartilage) related to sharks, rays, and skates. acquisitions. Little is known about the early years of this species because, in the wild, • Increased the Seattle Aquarium they hatch 200–300 feet below the surface. veterinary position to full-time and Notes Director of Life Sciences C.J. Casson, “This was a significant milestone developed a more comprehensive in the captive rearing community. Many skates and rays are reared in veterinary program. captivity and serve as educational ambassadors at institutions across the • Worked with a variety of outside country with little to no impact on the environment. Continuing these veterinarians to build a team of efforts will help the Aquarium move closer to being able to display our local specialists to offer assistance to ratfish in a similar way.” He adds, “We were excited to learn more about this Aquarium animals. animal’s developmental stages so we can accurately interpret its natural • Provided veterinary medical history to our guests and add to the scientific understanding of this species.” assistance for a large research project to assess the declining and endangered population of Steller sea lions in the western Aleutian Islands by the National Marine Mammal Laboratory and NOAA. • Maintained six leadership positions in AZA or like-minded conservation organizations. 9 SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 EDUCATION & CONSERVATION SOLAR ELECTRICITY COMES TO THE AQUARIUM In partnership with Seattle City Light, the Seattle Aquarium completed installation of a 49-kilowatt-hour photovoltaic array on the roof of Pier 59 in the summer of 2013. The array became operational in December. The Seattle Aquarium is among approximately a dozen U.S. zoos and aquariums that are adopting solar power. At 247 panels, our array is one of the largest in country. “Reducing carbon emissions is the most important thing we can do to mitigate the effects of climate change, and the Aquarium aims to do its part,” comments the Aquarium’s Director of Conservation & Education Jim Wharton. “Using clean, green energy supports healthy marine ecosystems by reducing our carbon footprint. bill credits correlated to the electricity generated by It also supports one of our key messages: that people are the project. All 1,850 units sold in six weeks. A small working together to preserve Puget Sound through both portion of the system is funded by City Light’s “Green individual actions and community initiatives.” Up” program that provides direct usage of the electricity Most of the panels produce electricity for City Light’s for the Aquarium. In 2020, when the Community Solar “Community Solar” participants. In the fall of 2013, City program ends, the Aquarium will receive 100 percent of Light customers were offered the chance to pay for the electricity generated. units in the array in exchange for seven years of annual ENGAGING YOUTH IN OUR MISSION VIA THE “CREATIVITY INSPIRING CONSERVATION” PROGRAM In August of 2013, a group of ambitious high school students completed the inaugural session of the Aquarium’s Creativity Inspiring Conservation program, which aims to empower youth to create awareness of environmental topics through artistic media including sculpture, videography, collage/mixed media, creative writing, screen printing, digital photography, drawing and acrylic painting. Miguel Monserate, Shells and Cans, acrylic painting, 2013 Once accepted to the program, the youth artists were we feel and think about a subject. By teaching young educated by environmental experts and mentored by artists about conservation issues and providing them professional artists as they participated in a series of professional mentorship, the Creativity Inspiring classes over a period of three weeks. The finished art Conservation program works to help young artists find pieces were displayed at an evening reception at the their voices as advocates for the ocean,” notes Youth Aquarium. Participation in the program was free to Engagement Coordinator Dave Glenn. “Programs like this students and all materials were provided. show that nearly anyone can use their time, talent and “Artists have an incredible potential to influence how energy to make a difference for our ocean.” SEATTLE AQUARIUM 2013 10

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Dan M. Guy III, Columbia Pacific .. U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center also became involved . is a founding member of the C3 program, which recruits businesses large and small to commit to calculating, reducing .. The Peg & Rick Young Foundation Jean & Bill Boothby.
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