seattle aquarium report

24 Pages·2011·1.64 MB·English

SEATTLE
AQUARIUM
REPORT:
recent achievements
and 2010 financials
Seattle Aquarium Leadership Directory
as of July 15, 2011
On July 1, 2010, the Seattle Aquarium became a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization under a long term agreement with the City of Seattle.
The Aquarium is governed by an independent Board of Directors.
Board of Directors Catherine Irby Arnold, Union Bank of California Seattle Aquarium Executive Team
Chairman Scott Balsam, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Robert W. Davidson, Chief Executive Officer
Ted Ackerley, Ackerley Partners, LLC GDiinani Bneec Lk., BCoemllm, uVneirtiyz oVno lBuunstieneers s RCo.Jb. Cerats Asonnd,e Drirseoctonr ,o fD Liirfeec Stocire onfc Feas cilities & Operations
President William H. Bromfield, Fenwick & West LLP Ryan Dean, Director of Finance & Administration
Dan M. Guy III, Parker, Smith & Feek William J. Chapin, Seattle Seahawks & Seattle Sounders FC Tim Kuniholm, Director of Public Affairs
TKerevians Lu. rBelar i r, Washington Trust Bank DWCaairlvlmiiadem Dn . T ED. sEipcinakrsszt, eaUi,n nEivs,ep raPsuritzgyae o +tf S BWouuasnsinhdei nEsgns teCorognmy ,m Inucn. ication LMKoaartrih sMyh aSo inSdtaeovry,e aDri,yr eD,c Ditroeirrce otcoft roE ord fou Dfc aMetvaieorlnkoe ptminegn, tM embership & Guest Impression
Secretary Susan L. Gates, First Sound Bank Veronica Smolen, Director of Human Resources Support:
James C. Gurke, Getty Images Karen Gates Hildt, Hildt & Reid, Inc. PS Rebekah Crowley, Executive Assistant to CEO
Past Presidents & Chairs SLienadna C K.H. Joowhanrsdo,n T,h ere Wtiruendd,e Vrmisiaon Network Susan Mueller, Strategic Planning/Transition Analyst
Don Audleman, Capstone Partners, LLC Stephanie V. Kornblum, Microsoft
John C. Blackman, retired, Argosy Cruises Mark E. Kramer, F5 Networks Seattle Aquarium Medal
Stuart T. Rolfe, Wright Hotels, Inc. Katherine A. Krogslund, University of Washington William D. Ruckelshaus 2004
George V. Willoughby Jr., retired, King Broadcasting Erin J. Letey, Riddell Williams P.S. William C. Arntz 2005
Vice Presidents Lisa C. Luther, Nordstrom G. Ross Heath, Ph.D. 2006
Don Audleman, Capstone Partners, LLC Greg Massey, Seattle Mariners Sylvia A. Earle, Ph.D. 2007
Mary L. Bass, Wells Fargo Steve Moore, Contour, Inc. Julie Packard 2008
Lesley Canfield, Community Volunteer Jeffrey A. Nomura, Ports America Kathy Fletcher 2009
BJ.o Bbr iDano nHeilgl,a Snou,n Idv aLresa sing Corporation GUS.hSr. eaTrgruosot,n Bra yKn kP. o.P f OAhmwielpreicoan Ptsrti,v, a BtDe WO eSaeiltdhm Maann, LaLgPe ment GBiollvye Frrnaonrk C Jhr.r 2is01 1Gregoire 2010
J. Terry McLaughlin, retired, The Professional Basketball Club, LLC Robert W. Power, Sea Con, LLC
Gary T. Smith, Smith & Stark John M. Sharp, Law Office of John M. Sharp, PLLC Seattle Aquarium Conservation
Research Award
Linda Springmann, Holland America Line
Eric V. Steinwinder, Avanade Shawn E. Larson, Ph.D. 2004
Randy J. Tinseth, The Boeing Company Angela D. Smith 2005
Scott C. Trethewey, Callisons, Inc. Kenneth C. Balcomb III 2006
Christopher Williams, Phillip S. Levin, Ph.D. 2007
Acting Superintendent, Seattle Department of Parks & Recreation
Julia K. Parrish, Ph.D. 2008
Jan A. Newton, Ph.D. 2009
Ex-Officio Joel E. Baker, Ph.D. 2010
Robert W. Davidson Usha Varanasi, Ph.D. 2011
John R. Braden*
William C. Arntz*
Scott S. Patrick Inspirational Award
*Directors Emeritus
John C. Blackman 2009
Katherine A. Krogslund 2010
Paul J. Kundtz 2011
Donations to the Seattle Aquarium are tax deductible
under the Internal Revenue Code 501 (c)(3). Donations
can be made by calling [phone] or visiting
www.seattleaquarium.org.
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Seattle Aquarium Board of Directors
Dear Friend of the Seattle Aquarium, Sincerely,
On July 1, 2011, the Seattle Aquarium completed its first year of nonprofit operation Ted Ackerley,
under a long-term agreement with the City of Seattle. We are pleased to report a Chairman
successful 12 months. Attendance and revenue are ahead of the prior year period, the
Dan M. Guy III,
animal collection continues in robust condition and we have had strong results in
President
education and public programs and conservation field research.
Robert W. Davidson,
 In June 2011 the Board of Directors adopted a new Strategic Plan for the Aquarium CEO
after input from hundreds of stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, donors,
neighbors and civic, environmental and educational leaders. The plan lays out
bold objectives as called for by our Mission: Inspiring conservation of our marine
environment. You will find the objectives on page 5 of this report.
 In mid-August Seattle voters endorsed moving forward with construction of a deep
bore tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This action, which we strongly
support, reflects a “hundred year” outlook, as an environmental leader observed on
election night. The Aquarium, Waterfront and region now have a green light to focus
fully on plans for the new Viaduct-free Waterfront.
 On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers we offer continuing
appreciation to the community for its generous support of the Seattle Aquarium
during this historic and exciting time.
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OFF TO A
RUNNING
START
Early success and
critical need as the
Seattle Aquarium Society
assumes management
and operation of the
Seattle Aquarium
On July 1, 2010 the Aquarium became
a nonprofit organization under a long-
term agreement with the City of Seattle.
This momentous shift heralded the dawn
Visitors enjoying a diver show with interpreter.
of a new era at the Seattle Aquarium –
one that is filled with new energy and It was a remarkable year, though only the The vision of the new Seattle Aquarium
a refreshed, deepened commitment beginning of the future Seattle Aquarium. addresses those needs from a variety of
to our Mission, “Inspiring Conservation The timing of the transition and the unified angles: “The Seattle Aquarium aspires,
of our Marine Environment.” commitment that resulted from it couldn’t through its example, to help define the
have been better. Our world’s oceans are role of a great aquarium in the 21st century
By all accounts, the transition has been
in peril. Urgent, drastic changes must be as a catalyst for public engagement in the
a successful one. In the 12 months
made to restore their health. Educating wonder, science and future vitality of the
following the transition, the Seattle
and inspiring the public is where many oceans and Puget Sound. We intend to be
Aquarium Society and Seattle Aquarium
of those changes begin. That’s what a leader in each component: life sciences,
combined into a single organization,
makes the Seattle Aquarium, and similar interpretive exhibits, educational outreach,
with a staff of 92, pro forma operating
institutions around the world, more vital research, public policy and economic
revenues of $13.2 million, and 792,000
than ever. As William D. Ruckelshaus, past impact.” Through the fulfillment of our
visitors – making it the eighth largest
member of the U.S. Commission on Ocean vision, we can help restore our world’s
aquarium by attendance in the United
Policy and former co-chair, Puget Sound oceans – and our local waters – to health,
States. This major organizational change
Partnership, notes: abundance and majesty.
was achieved while performing to or
“The U.S. Commission
above goal on all the ongoing functions
on Ocean Policy cited
of the organization – from animal
aquariums as a key
management to admissions, school
focal point to increase
classes to beach education, our yearly
ocean awareness and
fundraising gala to annual giving and
action. The Seattle
program grants. In addition we moved
Aquarium is stepping
our agenda forward in a variety of
up to its responsibility
critical areas, which are detailed in
in exemplary fashion.
this summary.
The Puget Sound need
is urgent.”
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MOVING
In the months following the Aquarium’s transition to
nonprofit operation and management, the organization’s
leaders undertook the important process of developing a INTO THE
strategic plan, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
and The Norcliffe Foundation. The plan, adopted in May of this
year, details eight goals and 52 objectives that illuminate the path
FUTURE
forward, through the year 2030, moving the organization into its
future while it redoubles its efforts to promote understanding and
stewardship of marine environment:
Developing a strategic plan;
building our role as the
centerpiece of the city’s
revitalized waterfront
Seattle Aquarium Plaza as conceptualized in the waterfront redevelopment plan by City of Seattle/james corner field operations
Strategic Goals
1 Energize each visitor’s 3 Connect people to the life- 6 Build our role as an authentic have the right people in place
experience with the power and sustaining oceans through a and uniquely Seattle aquarium with the requisite workplace
impact of the Aquarium’s marine focus on Puget Sound and the at the center of the City’s great skills, attitudes and behaviors
animals in all their natural awe Pacific Ocean. new Waterfront, serving the and who are motivated and
and magic. entire Puget Sound region. committed to the mission.
4 Ensure that we are inclusive and
2 Provide leadership across our welcoming to all segments of 7 Support the Aquarium’s goals 8 Generate expanded financial
community as the region’s community. and strategies by investing resources to support our
premier platform for marine in our people to build a strategic goals and manage the
5 Be the best at marine
conservation education and superior staff and volunteer Aquarium more efficiently as a
conservation education.
ecosystem understanding. work force that ensures we nonprofit organization.
The sixth goal is particularly timely: construction of the tunnel on August 16.
proposed improvements to Seattle’s And on August 23, the Federal Highway
Central Waterfront represent a Administration signed a record of
tremendous opportunity for the decision allowing the Washington State SSR 99 Tunnel
Aquarium. The new space, attractions Department of Transportation to begin
and energy wrought by such final design and construction of the
••AApppprrooxxiimmaatteellyy ttwwoo mmiilleess lloonngg.
improvements would also bring more tunnel, which could open as early as
people to the area than ever before, the end of 2015. •Tunnel designed to 2,500 year earthquake
increasing our chances to inspire more standard (in the range of a 9.0 earthquake).
of the public with our critical mission. For the Seattle Aquarium, this is
•State-of-the-art safety systems. Design
welcome news. Constructing the concept.
The Aquarium’s leaders have been tunnel and removing the viaduct
deeply involved in the public will transform Seattle’s waterfront SSeeaattttllee
Center
participation and planning for the into the new civic heart of Seattle,
Elliott Bay Seawall and Central reorienting our city toward Elliott Bay
Waterfront redevelopment, articulating and reclaiming a vital, beautiful, historic
and advocating for the Aquarium’s area. At its center will be the Aquarium,
operating needs, regional public access reaching out to an ever-increasing
and future action. On July 5th of this number of individuals and taking full
year, the Board of Directors released advantage of every opportunity to
a statement strongly supporting the educate the public about how to care
tunnel option as vital to the Aquarium’s for our local waters and the oceans
future ability to fulfill its mission. beyond.
Seattle citizens voted to support the
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IT ALL
The Aquarium exists to inspire people,
both young and old, to conserve our
BEGINS
marine environment by imparting new
knowledge in every visitor about the life
dwelling within Puget Sound and the
WITH
oceans beyond, as what can be done to
help preserve it. The animals we exhibit are
ANIMALS the conduits for this inspiration. They link
our visitors to our husbandry, our research
– and ultimately, to a deepened awareness
and understanding of our marine
Husbandry and research
environment, and action on its behalf.
highlights – and how they
relate to our Mission
Commander, one of our three northern fur seals
To help our visitors understand the lives of rotating inhabitants that include the lens of a playful sea otter, a graceful
tremendous diversity of life within Puget juvenile rockfish, gooseneck barnacles, octopus or a tufted puffin that has taken
Sound – from microscopic to mammoth skeleton shrimp, Puget Sound king crab, flight underwater. Our animals are the
– we present our collection via exhibits sea stars and plankton – the tiniest drifters starting place, where we begin to create
that move nimbly from grand and awe- of the sea. These exhibits work in tandem the connection between individual action
inspiring to intimate and close up. Window to demonstrate the interdependence, and the needs of Puget Sound, as well as
on Washington Waters, the first exhibit and importance, of the myriad creatures the world’s oceans.
visitors encounter as they enter our dwelling in our local waters.
Caring for and understanding our animals
facility, is a colossal, 120,000-gallon coastal
It is the wondrous animals in our exhibits – as well as those in the wild – is a critical
habitat filled with more than 800 fish and
that allow us to transport our visitors element of that connection. Recent months
invertebrates indigenous to the Pacific
from simple observation to new ways of have seen many accomplishments and
Northwest’s local waters. The breathtaking
thinking, new ways of caring for and about developments, detailed on the next page,
breadth of life showcased within the
our marine environment. What seems related to animal husbandry and research
20’x40’ viewing window is beautifully
complex and impersonal becomes clear efforts at the Seattle Aquarium. Your
contrasted by another nearby exhibit, A
and emotional when viewed through support makes this work possible.
Closer Look, where visitors can explore the
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Tufted Puffin
To “energize each visitor’s experience with
the power and impact of the Aquarium’s
marine animals in all their natural awe and
magic,” as outlined in our Strategic Plan,
we must collect and manage our marine
animal collection under the most stringent
industry standards of ethics and care. This
commitment was reflected in many of the
activities of 2010 and early 2011: River otters
HIGHLIGHTS:
Animal Husbandry
Ÿ To help assure the genetic diversity of were bred at the Seattle Aquarium in captive northern fur seal population via
captive populations, the Aquarium’s life 1994 and 1999. To replace these birds, a breeding exchange program resulted
science staff managed three Association the Aquarium will receive seabirds in our northern fur seal successfully
of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) studbooks: that were hatched at other aquariums impregnating a female at the New
sea otters, puffins and the lined and are genetically unrelated to our England Aquarium.
seahorse. collection.
Ÿ We currently have four females and two
Ÿ Dr. Tom Sullivan of the Animal Eye Clinic, Ÿ In 2010, we transferred nine species of male dwarf cuttlefish on exhibit; they
in collaboration with Seattle Aquarium Seattle Aquarium captive-reared coral are breeding and laying eggs.
veterinarians, successfully completed to five different aquariums. In all, eleven
Ÿ Through our membership in the
the first bilateral cataract surgery ever facilities have now received our rare
American Academy of Underwater
performed on a northern fur seal. coral. We solidified a position on the
Sciences (AAUS), we have attended
short list for U.S. Fish and Wildlife coral
Ÿ As a participant and leader in captive annual conferences and improved our
seizures, and have been the recipient of
seabird sustainability, we transferred in-house dive program to become
many coral specimens confiscated by
two of our tufted puffins to the compliant with and begin to lead
federal authorities.
Monterey Bay Aquarium to be part of AAUS regulations and the aquarium
their new seabird exhibit. These puffins Ÿ Our efforts to encourage growth of the community.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Research
Ÿ Completed years six and seven of our health assessments. unique and separate populations
Washington State reef fish surveys. exist between Puget Sound, the
Ÿ Participated in the annual
Adult rockfish numbers in these outer Washington Coast and Oregon.
Washington State Sea otter census
areas were stable, with no significant The Aquarium will also use these
with a consortium of federal and
change in these populations from markers to determine the parentage
state agencies and Point Defiance
year to year. of a single female octopuses several
Zoo & Aquarium. In 2010 1,004 otters
hundred eggs to see if she fertilizes
Ÿ Completed years two and three of were counted. Overall, the long-term
her brood with the sperm of more
our Hawaii reef fish research surveys, increase for Washington sea otters
than one male.
funded by the Foley/Frischkorn since 1989 has been 8.1%.
Wildlife and Conservation Fund, Ÿ Since 1999 the Aquarium has hosted
Ÿ Continued study of sixgill and
monitoring reef fish abundance a biannual international sea otter
sevengill shark population genetics.
off the Northwest coast of the Big workshop. The past workshop was
The Aquarium has developed
Island. We are searching for shifting attended by over 100 sea otter
several variable microsatellite
baselines, an ecological indicator biologists from the United States,
genetic markers for population
of changes in fish abundance and Europe, Canada and Russia. There
studies in these sharks. We found a
diversity that may correlate with were 56 talks and two evening social
high degree of genetic variability
local environmental changes or other events during which every aspect of
within each species as well as a high
factors such as changes in human sea otter biology and ecology were
degree of relatedness among sharks
use activities. discussed.
sampled at the same time and place
Ÿ Partnered with U.S. Geological suggesting that sibling groups Ÿ Since 2004 the Aquarium has been
Survey on observations of wild sea remain in related groups when they hosting international meetings of
otter activity as part of "Coastal are young. We also found multiple cowshark (sixgill) biologists every
ecosystem responses to influences paternity in sixgills with at least 8 other year to share knowledge about
from land and sea" – a three males contributing to the genetics of these little-known species. Over the
year study of sea otters and their a single females brood of 71 pups. years the meeting has increased
changing environment. in size and scope of the workshop
Ÿ The Aquarium is currently
to include more biologists and
Ÿ Participated with Washington developing variable genetic markers
information relative to deep-water
Department of Fish and Wildlife in for population analysis of giant
sharks.
the annual Puget Sound harbor seal Pacific octopuses to determine if
The goals of research conducted by the
Seattle Aquarium Research Center for
Conservation and Husbandry (SEARCCH)
are many: to increase our knowledge
of the animals we exhibit; contribute to
conservation efforts in the wild; contribute
to an understanding of, and restoration
of the health of Puget Sound; contribute
to the creation/expansion of educational
programs and exhibits; support the public
interest in research; encourage young
people to learn more about the world
around them; and reinforce the credibility
and accreditation of the Seattle Aquarium.
Research is also an integral element in
another of the goals described in our
Strategic Plan: to “connect people to the
life-sustaining oceans through a focus
on Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean.”
Your support of the Aquarium helped us
fulfill this objective in a variety of ways
throughout 2010 and early 2011: Seattle Aquarium divers conducting a reef survey
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Future Goals
As outlined in our Strategic Plan, in the future we will and tropical exhibits to reflect the connections of Puget
continue to strengthen the animal experience for our Sound to the Pacific Ocean and to global ocean issues and
guests by upgrading our older exhibitry; taking advantage health; supporting the health of wild populations and
of opportunities to “re-face” exhibits with current habitats through field conservation and the management
graphics, technology, story lines and amenities; building of sustainable captive populations; and aligning our
new exhibits that present animals in exciting natural research efforts with the Puget Sound and Pacific Ocean
habitats with opportunities for visitor engagement; and focus and stories.
use a variety of new, flexible technologies to change how
Our goals are large and comprehensive – but our
we interact with and educate guests. We will also continue
motivation is as great as the need for change.
integrating the stories and messaging of our Northwest
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Education
As stated in our Strategic Plan, we want to be “the best at they know. Throughout 2010 and 2011, we continued our work
conservation education.” That doesn’t mean simply teaching to create compelling, engaging, entertaining and educational
individuals about marine conservation – it means motivating programming for all: children to adults, students to teachers,
people to think, to act, to take responsibility for caring for our community to community.
local waters and the oceans beyond, and to teach others what
Increasing Our Impact
Conservation education – now and in the future
Over 21 million visitors have grow in population, we need to be recognized globally for
passed through the Aquarium’s to grow to be able to reach leadership in marine education.
doors since it opened, including and inspire more people. If the Again, a large goal. But again,
almost 1.5 million school Aquarium does not grow, it mandated by need. And with
children. We are in the top will actually have less impact our existing programs and
10 aquariums in the nation in than it does now, even as endeavors, we are already on
attendance while emerging as adverse pressures on the marine our way there. Throughout 2010
a leader in marine conservation environment increase. and early 2011, we continued
education, especially as a to upgrade and expand
The purpose of our Strategic Plan
window on Puget Sound itself. our conservation education
is to dramatically increase the
To become truly effective at programming and community
reach of our mission – especially
our mission, however, we must outreach. With your continued
the number of people who
dramatically increase our impact. support, we will build on those
love, understand, and support
The Seattle Aquarium currently successes for many years to come
conservation of our marine
reaches and teaches 800,000 – working to restore our oceans
environment. Toward that end,
children and adults each year. to their former health for the
and according to one of the goals
With our region expected to generations that follow ours.
of our Strategic Plan, we intend
Ÿ Secured a multi-year grant from NASA to Ÿ Reached 300 students in 13 high schools Ÿ 81 Cedar River Salmon Journey volunteers
display and present ocean data collected by with field-based inquiry science through reached over 7,300 local citizens with salmon
satellites. the Citizen Science program including an conservation field experiences.
ocean acidification project in collaboration
Ÿ Expanded ocean science education Ÿ Mentored students from diverse ethnic
with Suquamish Early College High School
programming to five additional regional backgrounds through the Summer High
and Coastal America, funded by The Boeing
school districts and one additional tribal School Intern/Mentor Program funded by
Company, The Russell Family Foundation and
school in Western Washington. NASA.
Wells Fargo.
Ÿ Provided an enhanced Educator Open House Ÿ Ocean change: Established strong national
Ÿ Provided informal science education to
to over 300 teachers. leadership role in building capacity
the public on 10 Puget Sound beaches with
for climate change/ocean acidification
Ÿ Expanded programs for young families 180 Beach Naturalist volunteers making
awareness in staff and visitors. Developed,
(Toddler Time), reaching 2,600 adults/ 34,944 contacts with beachgoers, funded by
piloted and evaluated climate change
children. Amgen, The Boeing Company, King County
messaging to the public in our exhibits.
Conservation District, Islands Fund, and Peg
Ÿ Provided Marine Summer Camp experiences
and Rick Young Foundation.
for over 2,000 children.
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