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Explore the New Science of Sharks Exhibit Brian Skerry’s Love Affair with Sharks You Asked For It: New Membership Levels Revealed Members’ Magazine Volume 50, Number 2 Spring 2017 Photo: J. Hosman J. Photo: In This Issue

From the Director, Membership Let me start by saying, “THANK YOU!” You—our members—do so much for the Aquarium. Of course, you support our efforts to ensure a bright future for our oceans when you commit to your membership each year. But that’s only part of the story. Every time you visit Central Wharf, attend education programs, post your photos on social media, and share your Aquarium experiences and enthusiasm with family and friends, you’re helping us spread the word about our important mission to protect the blue planet. You also keep us on the right path. You let us know what we’re doing well and where we need to improve our efforts. One area that we felt we could use a little improvement was in our membership program itself. So through- out 2016, we engaged in an extensive research project to hear directly from you about what you expect from your membership. And, wow, 2 Cool Jobs 8 Aquarium Explorers the response! Thousands of members and Brian Skerry, New England Small but mighty cast in the donors provided feedback through one-on- one conversations, focus groups, and surveys. Aquarium Explorer-in-Residence, new Science of Sharks exhibit We were humbled to hear how passionate our National Geographic photographer members are about the Aquarium. 10 Members’ Notes In sifting through all of that information, we 4 Catalysts for Change New membership levels unveiled realized two key points. First, folks overall Inspiring work of three MCAF Fellows like their membership. Second, many, many members reported that what they’d 12 Calendar really like would be the invitation to get more 5 live blueTM The return of the Aquarium involved—learn more, do more, dig deeper. Awareness is the first step in Lecture Series, Whale Watches So, inspired by your feedback, we’re excited protecting sharks to now offer a new structure of membership that lets you decide how much of a member experience you want. Read on in this issue for 6 Future Ocean full details about these new options and what Protectors they mean for you. And please do continue to Fun facts about sharks provide your feedback by reaching out to us at [email protected]. On behalf of all of us here at the Aquarium, again, thank you! We hope you enjoy this enhanced membership program and look New England Aquarium Proudly Recognizes Our Lead Sponsors forward to continuing to serve you well.

Deborah Kulich Director, Membership At the Aquarium: Homegrown Babies The yellowhead jawfish in the If the eggs do hatch, the water Yawkey Coral Center are temperature, water circulation, lighting, captivating to watch. They use and tiny live food sources must be tailored their large mouths to excavate to meet the unique needs of each a burrow for safety. Then microscopic larval fish species. they go about constantly We’re thrilled to report rearranging , that our aquarists, in small rocks, and collaboration with shells around their researchers at Roger holes, sometimes Williams University, even stealing more have been quite attractive rubble from successful! In addition their neighbors. It’s not to raising the yellowhead only their industrious Striped burrfish larva jawfish (Opistognathus nature that makes them aurifrons), they have special additions to our reared lookdowns (Selene displays, these charismatic vomer), planehead reef dwellers also filefish (Stephanolepis epitomize the New hispidus), striped England Aquarium’s burrfish (Chilomycterus Larval Fish Program, schoepfi), smallmouth which strives to create grunts (Haemulon more sustainable exhibits chrysargyreum), and blue A blacktip reef shark hunts in the at through aquaculture. chromis (Chromis cyanea). Millennium in the Southern Line . For years, our aquarists Yellowhead In fact, raising blue Photo: Brian Skerry jawfish larva 8 Aquarium Explorers have been quietly working chromis—a vibrant blue reef Small but mighty cast in the behind the scenes to raise fish from fish popular in the aquarium trade—and new Science of Sharks exhibit @neaq.org eggs, through the larval stage, and planehead filefish is particularly exciting Dive into a sea of resources online at neaq.org. into adulthood. It’s a process that’s since the Aquarium is the first ever to 10 Members’ Notes Our website is full of conservation information, much harder than it seems. It means culture these species in captivity. carefully collecting fertilized eggs New membership levels unveiled animal facts, and details that will help you plan These aquaculture successes dovetail your next trip to the Aquarium. from the sand or water column nicely with our mission to protect the before they become someone’s dinner. blue planet. By sharing our findings, 12 Calendar On the cover: A whitespotted bamboo shark The eggs must then be incubated (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) Photo: Keith Ellenbogen others can also use these techniques to The return of the Aquarium under perfect conditions to ensure raise larvae and reduce the number of blue is a quarterly magazine exclusively for members of they hatch. Lecture Series, Whale Watches the New England Aquarium produced and published by fish collected from wild populations New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. for the ornamental fish trade. Publishing office located at 177 Milk St., Boston, MA 02109. blue and all materials within are property of the So take a moment to watch jawfish New England Aquarium. Reproduction of any materials is possible only through written permission. © blue 2017 excavate in the Center. Editor: Jon Kinson Look for the lookdowns and grunts Designer: Cathy LeBlanc schooling in the Giant Ocean Tank. Contributors: Emily Bauernfeind, Jon Kinson, Deb Kulich, These homegrown close encounters Amy MacKinnon, and Gina Parente are possible thanks to our hardworking General Information: 617-973-5200 aquarists diligently working to raise Marine Animal Stranding Hotline: 617-973-5247 the next generation of reef fishes at the Membership: 617-973-6555, [email protected] Aquarium—and hopefully at aquariums Navigator and Conservation Societies: 617-226-2622, [email protected] around the world. In addition, thank you to Aquarium Trustee Raymond Mui for his generous This mature yellowhead jawfish was gift to support this program. raised by the Aquarium. Look for it in the Yawkey Coral Reef Center. — Emily Bauernfeind 1 S

cool jobs

—Amy MacKinnon Brian Skerry New England Aquarium Explorer-in-Residence and National Geographic photographer

For more than 30 years, Aquarium had both read and actions aren’t taken to Trustee Brian Skerry has had a love affair watched “Jaws” and, protect them globally. with sharks. It’s one the New England unlike so many left "As we delve more into Aquarium’s Explorer-in-Residence and terrified by Hollywood’s the science of sharks, National Geographic photographer misguided treatment of sharks, was we realize there are huge gaps in our says has evolved the way most love smitten. “Yet as a photographer, knowledge base," said Skerry. "When affairs do—from a simple appreciation these animals are the perfect blend of we learn more, truths are revealed that for their sleek design to a deep and elegance and power. I became obsessed we couldn’t previously have imagined." abiding respect for what they are and with their hydrodynamic form.” their greater value to the world. For Skerry, studying large sharks requires Thirty years later, the world-renowned not only reserves of courage, but patience It started in 1982 when the then fledgling and multiple-award-winning underwater and skill. Imagine donning scuba gear photographer went on a dive in the photojournalist says what began or even basic snorkeling gear and waters off Rhode with his mentor, as a titillating lark has evolved into plunging into bracing ocean currents, famed shark biologist Wes Pratt. They a quest to help save a species with low visibility, low light, while carrying chummed the waters, took refuge in deserving of the world’s awe. cumbersome camera gear in a habitat a cage, and waited. And waited. Skerry said sharks weighing 100 pounds that is not your natural environment. In Hours of patient drifting in the chilly or more were the most abundant large the brief time his air tanks allow—or a Atlantic finally paid off when a lone female animals on the planet in the 1970s. pull of air when snorkeling—Skerry must blue shark swam through the gauzy Now, however, with the advent of photograph a subject that is often elusive, film of chum toward them. That was technological advancements in fishing sometimes capricious, and occasionally the moment Skerry, only 20, fell hard. practices, their numbers are dwindling at dangerous. Even more challenging, “I just wanted to see sharks because a precipitous rate—and some species’ he must get up close and personal. they’re predators,” said Skerry, who survival may soon be unsustainable if

Juvenile blacktip reef sharks swim in the of Millennium Atoll. Photo: Brian Skerry

2 S

“Unlike my terrestrial colleagues, Perhaps his most exciting shark I can’t use telephoto lenses,” said adventure came when he was Retiring Skerry. “I have to get within a meter snapping oceanic whitetips off or two at most. You put yourself Cat Island in the Bahamas. After close to these potentially dangerous 16 days of wandering the waters, the Wet Suit animals, and if you chum the waters, he and his crew finally spotted Longtime Aquarium diver shares that could be more dangerous.” one. He immediately donned his recollections about Myrtle Skerry said, depending on the dive gear and took to the water. Myrtle had been there for and the species he’s targeting that “A 9-foot female whitetip bounced every one of Sherrie Floyd’s day, he may use a chainmail suit or a her nose off my camera,” said 5,000-plus dives in the dive cage for protection. Even so, he Skerry. “After about 15 to 20 prefers to snorkel rather than scuba dive minutes, I got into the shark cage Giant Ocean Tank (GOT). from a boat with a crew of only one. and she circled us for about two And when the retiring Aquarium hours. This legendary diver began her last official predator that could descent into the GOT last December, eat anything in the the Aquarium’s most famous resident slowly swam water, was frisky, up to Sherrie once again, welcoming her to the but polite. It was a glass-encased, 200,000-gallon, Caribbean coral magical experience.” reef environment. What brought him “I know it sounds silly, but I really believe we have on assignment to a very special relationship,” said Sherrie, who made photograph whitetips, her last dive during a regularly scheduled diver’s talk however, was anything before an audience of visitors and a large gathering of but magical. The fellow Aquarium staffers. “Over the years I’ve grown National Oceanic attached to Myrtle. She’s a very special creature.” and Atmospheric Administration During Sherrie’s dives, Myrtle would sometimes put her recommends this head in the diver’s lap and always enjoyed a good back An ecotourism dive operator with tiger sharks in the species’ status be or head scratch. “She would rock back and forth while Bahamas. Photo: Brian Skerry considered threatened I scratched her with my fingers, a shell, or even the due to the Asian sand from the bottom of the tank.” shark fin trade and global bycatch deaths Sherrie, who began at the Aquarium in 1994, has Said Skerry, “If my work can convey in fishing gear. lugged thousands of scuba tanks, transported hundreds of fish, fed several tons of seafood to one message to people, I hope it’s There is hope, thousands of fishes and suffered many a knuckle however. Skerry nick from a territorial damselfish during her 22 years that sharks are deserving of our said research diving in the GOT. Her contributions to the Aquarium being conducted are too many to count. Now, as she is retiring to spend by scientists at the empathy—and awe.” more time with Aquarium’s Anderson her family— Cabot Center for Ocean Life and the including her While shark attacks against humans Massachusetts Shark Research dogs—her are extremely rare, he acknowledges Program led by Dr. Greg Skomal is colleagues say he’s in their environment and the larger important to informing researchers’ they will miss shark species are apex predators, base of knowledge. And his own the knowledge deserving of our respect. Yet he work, documenting various species and laughter wouldn’t have it any other way. of large pelagic sharks, including the she brought to the job. Diving in some of the most beautiful whitetip for National Geographic, places in the world, whether a has greatly contributed to the However, kaleidoscope of tropical waters breadth of scientific literature. she plans or a murky underworld, Skerry Said Skerry, “If my work can to continue counts himself fortunate. “Every convey one message to people, I indulging day I go off on assignment, it’s the hope it’s that sharks are deserving her favorite greatest day of my life,” he said. or our empathy—and awe.” animals with a well-placed scratch. But next time, it likely will be for a dog, as she hopes to work See a collection of Skerry's with them on some level during her retirement. incredible photographs in the — Jon Kinson new Science of Sharks exhibit.

3 catalysts for change

—Emily Bauernfeind Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life

Since the 2016 launch of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, our researchers and partners have achieved many notable accomplishments. Here’s a sampling of how our science-based solutions to human-made threats to the oceans are already making a difference for our blue planet.

Asha de Vos speaks to visitors about blue Bringing Science Home whales from the top of the Giant Ocean Tank.

MCAF Fellows Visit the Aquarium

Some of the world’s last the world will each spend remaining sawfish are in one week at the Aquarium Africa. Ruth Leeney, Ph.D., exchanging ideas with our founder and director of researchers and educators, Protect Africa’s Sawfishes, and engaging in educational has dedicated her talents programs that reach visitors, and passion to studying staff, and youth. these strange and critically In short, the program fosters endangered fish. By traipsing the long-term success of our through fishing villages fellows as effective advocates to search curio shops and for oceans, not only through speaking to fishermen, Leeney their own work but by is piecing together a greater inspiring and empowering understanding of where these others to follow their lead. rare relatives of sharks and rays still live. Highlights from previous Her work is among the many fellows’ visits include: grassroots scientific projects Asha de Vos, Ph.D., being supported in part by Marine Biologist, Pew the Anderson Cabot Center Fellow, and TED Fellow for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium through Even as an internationally the Marine Conservation known whale biologist, Asha Action Fund (MCAF). Now appreciated the opportunity thanks to the MCAF Fellows to connect with new audiences Program, which started in at the Aquarium. She spoke 2015, Aquarium visitors are about her journey to become a able to meet scientists and marine biologist, her fieldwork hear about their work in studying blue whales, and distant ecosystems, bringing answered questions from important research to life for young audience members the next generation of ocean about how they can follow in stewards. her footsteps. Over three years, nine Ruth Leeney interacts with Aquarium campers while MCAF grantees from around holding a sawfish biofact. 4 TM Kerstin Forsberg, live blue Marine Biologist, Planeta —Amy MacKinnon Océano Founder, and Rolex Laureate IDENTIFYING SHARKS IS KEY TO PROTECTING THEM Kerstin spoke to students in East Boston, many of them Spanish speakers, about her work protecting Do You Know New England Sharks? manta rays through ecotourism and It’s estimated that each year humans kill Of particular concern, said Chisholm, is community engagement in Peru. For 100 million to 200 million sharks globally. the sand tiger shark, a prohibited species some of the students, it was the first Considering the role sharks play in marine in Massachusetts. Juveniles can be found time they had met a scientist who ecosystems, as both predator and prey, throughout coastal waters, with known was female or could speak with them sharks are vital to healthy oceans. nurseries off the of Duxbury, Quincy, in their native language! Here at the New England Aquarium, and other parts of Greater Boston. we believe awareness is a critical step “The sand tiger is the perfect example of toward protecting vulnerable shark sharks that are unintentionally taken,” said species. Recreational fishermen are Chisholm. “When the juveniles are small, prohibited from taking some of the 40 they’re often confused with spiny dogfish.” local shark species. John Chisholm, If a fisherman were to catch a sand tiger marine fisheries biologist with the shark, s/he should simply release it and Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Shark then notify the state where it was caught. Research Program, said the public can help simply by knowing their local sharks. Said Chisholm, “We encourage fishermen Kerstin Forsberg received many heartfelt to report unusual areas where prohibited “Be aware that we have a lot of species letters of thanks from students. species like sand tigers were caught so that share similar characteristics,” said we have a better idea of where they are Chisholm. “It is the responsibility of Shah Selbe, Engineer and and how we can better protect them. They the fishermen to know what they’re National Geographic Explorer won’t get into trouble. That way, too, we catching and how to identify it.” After explaining how he implements can do outreach to educate the public.” technology—like drones—to address Here are some of the most common species found off the of Massachusetts. the problem of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, Shah challenged students to consider ways conservation technology can help protect the blue planet. The students in the Everett, MA, classroom said the presentation changed the way they viewed engineering in the natural world. Photo: Mark Colin Blue shark (Prionace glauca) Shortfin mako shark(Isurus oxyrinchus) Check our blog for information about the next MCAF Fellow, John Flynn, founder and director of Wildseas in Ghana. His work seeks to reduce sea turtles as bycatch, and has saved 800 turtles so far. andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/blog

Learn More Common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) Sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) Stay tuned! In the months ahead Anderson Cabot Center researchers will share yet more exciting science-based solutions to problems facing our oceans. Please visit andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org to learn more about our work or to make a donation. Photo: Andy Murch Andy Photo: Spiny dogfish(Squalus acanthias) Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) 5 future ocean protectors Ocean animal fun facts for young readers

No Sliver of Liver Nature Sharks have large livers, which can make up more than a quarter of their body mass. Their large, oil-filled livers make sharks more is sooo buoyant in the water. weird. Did you know?

Purrrrrfectly Adorable Catsharks Catsharks may have gotten their name from the way they sleep; they sometimes curl their tail around their body, just like a sleeping (land) cat.

6 Older Than Dinosaurs 54” Sharks have been in the oceans for around 450 million years, before the time of dinosaurs. 53”

52”

51”

50” By the Skin of Its Teeth A shark's skin is essentially covered in millions of small teeth More of Less 49” called dermal denticles, which Eighty percent of the minimize drag as the approximately 500 shark shark swims. species are 4 feet or less in length. 48”

Tooth Fairy Needs a Loan 47” Some species can lose thousands of teeth in their lifetime.

46”

45”

Get schooled @neaq Visit neaq.org/blogs to learn more about the strange and amazing creatures that live in the ocean and what Aquarium scientists are learning about them. 7 Aquarium explorers

—Emily Bauernfeind Science of Sharks Stars of New Exhibit Are Small But Mighty

So you think you know about remarkable adaptations that can sense electrical currents Through face time with sharks. What comes to mind make them perfectly suited in the water and how sharks’ these small and mighty shark when you think about sharks? to life in the ocean. In short, skin gives them an edge while species, exploring shark A gaping mouth bristling sharks are even more amazing swimming. Discover what anatomy with a hands-on, with rows of sharp teeth? A than you can imagine and you adaptations make sharks life-size model, watching menacing fin cutting through need to know about them— suited to their unique marine some of our scientists in the surf at the ? There all of them. ecosystems and the many action, and more, your shark know-how is about to swim certainly are several large, Starting April 14, come ex- ways different shark species powerful shark species. plore our new exhibit devoted reproduce. off the charts. But in reality, the vast majority to the Science of Sharks, Of course, get ready for You don’t know sharks of the world’s sharks are where we will introduce some up-close views at some of until you’ve explored the 4 feet long or less. Some of the world’s lesser-known, those small and mighty shark Science of Sharks here at don’t have sharp, pointy teeth. smaller sharks, and show you species, too! Here are just a the Aquarium! And all sharks what makes them immensely few of the sharks you’ll meet have some extraordinary. Learn how they at the Aquarium this spring.

Epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatus) The pair of black blotches on the sides of these Western Pacific residents may confuse predators into thinking they are large eyes belonging to a larger animal!

To 42 inches

8 To

30 Photo: Keith Ellenbogen inches Halmahera walking shark (Hemiscyllium halmahera) This species wasn’t discovered until 2013 in Stars of New Exhibit Are Small But Mighty Indonesia! As their name suggests, they often use their pectoral fins to “walk” around the reef.

To 28 inches Photo: Andy Murch

Coral catshark (Atelomyceterus marmoratus) A slender shark from the Indo-West Pacific that grows to be nearly 2 feet long, this species lays eggs. Yes, sharks can lay eggs.

To 39 inches Photo: Andy Murch

Striped pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum) It’s only fitting that these pajama-striped sharks from South Africa hunt for crustaceans and small bony fish at night. To 43 inches Photo: Andy Murch Don’t miss out on... California swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) These sharks can inflate their stomachs with water or air in order to appear larger to predators, like seals.

9 members’ notes The New Membership Levels You Requested Are Here!

We have teased and teased it, and now it’s here: an expanded Tours, advance registration the number of admissions membership structure that allows you to decide how involved for ticketed member events, you need) and the depth of you want to be in the Aquarium. Whether you are happy with and invitations to new your engagement with the your current level or are looking to enhance your member Premium-exclusive events, Aquarium through your experience, our new membership offerings let you better such as early weekend hours benefits options (Standard personalize your membership to fit your needs and wants. and a new holiday breakfast. or Premium). We are very excited about these changes and think you will be, too. To help guide you through this transition, here are Will I need new Why are the prices answers to a few questions we thought you might have. membership cards? going up? No! Your current cards Anyone with an animal as your benefits and admission When does the new will still work through part of their family knows options. All your other structure take effect? the remainder of this how expensive it can be to benefits remain unchanged. We are officially launching membership year. When keep them fed and healthy. your new membership options However, if you would like you renew or if you choose Now, imagine multiplying on April 3. to enhance your membership to upgrade, new cards will that by 35,000! Revenue we experience, then you will want be sent to you showing your raise through membership What’s different? to look at our new Premium new membership level. helps fund the Aquarium’s tier. In addition to all the daily operations as well If you like your current great perks you receive with as important education, membership, nothing will How did these the Standard levels, you will research, and conservation change for you except the name changes come about? also enjoy greater discounts efforts. As a 501(c)(3) of your membership level. on Simons IMAX® Theatre They came from you! Last nonprofit organization, we Our former Associate, Patron, films and Behind-the-Scenes year we embarked on a rely on member support to Ambassador, and Ocean long journey to speak with help keep it all going. It has Explorer levels are now more members and donors about been a couple of years since intuitively named Standard what you like about your we adjusted our rates, but 2, Standard 4, Standard 6, member experience and you will still find that your and Standard 8 to describe That’s what you would like to membership can pay for see done differently. We itself in as few as two visits. A-Moray culled through thousands Friday, February 10, 2017 of responses and found that lots of members like things I’m a member of the exactly the way they are, Aquarium’s Donor but many people wanted to Societies. What does have more opportunities this mean for me? to explore everything we’re Our esteemed Donor doing here on Central Society members will begin Wharf. So rather than receiving the benefits of the turning our program on Premium 8 membership its ear, we determined that in addition to the perks the best way we could meet afforded with their levels everyone’s needs would be of giving. to simply build onto the existing structure. Now you If you have any questions, can choose both the size of please call our Individual A group gathers at the Shark and Ray Touch Tank during our Giving line at 617-226-2622. That's A-Moray Valentine's members-only event. your membership (based on

10 The New Membership Levels You Requested Are Here!

Do I need to wait All Members Enjoy: until my current • FREE express Aquarium admission membership expires to for a full year* Enhance your experience • FREE member magazine and e-newsletter get Premium benefits? with Premium benefits: Not at all! Current members • DISCOUNTED Aquarium admission for can upgrade to the Premium additional guests* • EXCLUSIVE September Sundays level simply by paying • FREE members-only Dive In! open houses early morning Aquarium hours the difference between throughout the year • INVITATION to our year-end Holiday your comparable Standard • EXCLUSIVE invitations to our Fish, Fun, and Breakfast* membership level and the Fright Halloween party, and adults-only Premium level you desire. evenings Fin & Tonic and That’s A-Moray • SAVE even more on Behind-the- Scenes Tours* So, for instance, if you are • DISCOUNTS on dining, gift shop purchases, currently a Patron level and birthday parties • PRIORITY registration for ticketed member and would like to • DISCOUNTED parking at several nearby member events start enjoying the benefits of facilities a Premium 4 membership, • DISCOUNTED Aquarium Whale Watch Plus the satisfaction of knowing you’re you just need to pay the tickets* supporting our pioneering work to difference between the protect marine life and save our comparable new level • DISCOUNTS on educational programs and oceans. (Standard 4) and the summer camps Premium 4. If you upgrade, • DISCOUNTS on Animal Encounters and * Limited to the number of admissions your membership expiration Behind-the-Scenes Tours permitted with your membership level date will not change. If you’re nearing your membership expiration date, simply renew at your new chosen level to enjoy a full Premium 2 Premium 4 Premium 6 Premium 8 year of membership with $135 $195 $255 $305 your new benefits. Admits 2 every day Admits 4 every day Admits 6 every day Admits 8 every day Either way, please don’t (1 member + 1 guest) (1 member + 3 guests) (1 member + 5 guests) (1 member + 7 guests) hesitate to contact us at • 2 free one-time • 4 free one-time • 6 free one-time • 8 free one-time [email protected] or by IMAX passes IMAX passes IMAX passes IMAX passes phone at 617-973-6555 • Additional IMAX • Additional IMAX • Additional IMAX • Additional IMAX (Monday – Saturday, tickets $5* tickets $5* tickets $5* tickets $5* 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and we will be happy to talk Standard 2 Standard 4 Standard 6 Standard 8 through your options and answer any other questions $109 $159 $209 $259 you may have. Admits 2 every day Admits 4 every day Admits 6 every day Admits 8 every day (1 member + 1 guest) (1 member + 3 guests) (1 member + 5 guests) (1 member + 7 guests) • 2 free one-time • 4 free one-time • 6 free one-time IMAX passes IMAX passes IMAX passes • 10% off additional • 10% off additional • 10% off additional IMAX tickets* IMAX tickets* IMAX tickets*

11 April May

4/18 5/7 Citizen Science on the Harbor New England Right Whale Festival 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rain or Shine Harborside Learning Lab Harbor Terrace Tent As part of the Cambridge The fourth annual New England

Photo: Keith Ellenbogen Keith Photo: Science Festival, participants Right Whale Festival, hosted by the can turn their smartphone photos into Aquarium and co-sponsored by a group citizen science. Discover and document of seventh- and eighth-graders from the what is living in Boston Harbor. Students Adams School in Castine, Maine, brings must be accompanied by an adult. together organizations involved in right neaq.org/cambridgescience whale research and education. There will 4/6 – 4/9 be hands-on, family-friendly activities Member preview of new and the opportunity to speak with right Science of Sharks exhibit; 4/19 whale scientists. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Dive In! A Member-Exclusive Evening Dive deep into the Science of Sharks 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. — our ocean’s most captivating fish. The crowds have gone for the day, and 5/19 Get up close to some small but mighty the Aquarium is open just for you, our Members-Only Sunset species in our new exhibit during these members. Explore the Science of Sharks, Whale Watch (21+) special members-only hours. our new exhibit, and all your favorites at 5 p.m., from Central Wharf neaq.org/memberevents your leisure. No reservations are required As the sun sets, your spirits will lift as for this event, but admission is strictly you join fellow members on a whale limited to the number permitted with watch and a chance to see humpbacks your membership level. and all manner of local marine life. neaq.org/memberevents Join us and our partner, Boston Harbor Cruises, for our first members-only, adults-only sunset cruise to Stellwagen Bank. Complete the experience with complimentary snacks and a cash bar neaq.org/memberevents Set Your June Photo: Boston Harbor Cruises Harbor Boston Photo: Watch 6/4 Hop aboard a high-speed catamaran and be transported to a world of whales. World Oceans Day Our Whale Watch partner, Boston Harbor Cruises, ferries passengers to Stell- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. wagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the world’s best feeding areas Aquarium’s Front Plaza and for marine animals, where New England Aquarium-trained naturalists will share Harbor View Terrace Tent their knowledge of these beautiful behemoths. presented by This fun, family-friendly festival features Visit neaq.org/whale-watch to buy tickets, learn more about the trips, hands-on activities for children and and read blog posts noting what has been spotted on recent trips. opportunities to learn about the efforts of the Aquarium and other local nonprofit Don’t Forget! Members get a discount on New England Aquarium organizations to protect the blue planet Whale Watch trips, so bring your membership card when you come to Central Wharf. neaq.org/oceansday

12 May Free Aquarium Evening Lecture Series Films All programs start at 7:00 p.m. in the Amazon Opens Aquarium’s Simons IMAX® Theatre unless otherwise noted. Adventure 3D April 14 40 minutes Thursday, April 6 Thursday, May 11 Escape to the lush forests of the Amazon, where A Clam’s-Eye View of Climate Amazing Aquatic Athletes parrots flit and jaguars Change: How Do Intertidal in the Anthropocene— stealthily stalk their prey in Organisms Experience Tracking Fishes Under the sun-dappled rainforest. Amazon Adventure takes Their Shifting World? Climate-Change Conditions you back in time to follow a curious scientist in Brian Helmuth, Ph.D., Professor, Northeastern Jodie Rummer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, his quest to document the birth of a species. University Marine Science Center Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre Thrash through thick jungles and float along of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, the sprawling Amazon River as you marvel at the incredible species that call this biodiversity Thursday, April 13 James Cook University hotspot home. You’ll encounter clumsy sloths swimming through flooded forests, bizarre bugs Sharks in Danger: scurrying on the rainforest floor, and colorful Silver Fins and Tuesday, May 16 butterflies mimicking their poisonous cousins Silver Lining? Diving Deep: How Do Seals Protect all in IMAX 3D, on the largest screen in New England. Mark Smith, Vice Their Hearts and Brains Without Oxygen? President of Animal Allyson Hindle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Galapagos 3D: Care, New England Aquarium; and Department of Anesthesia, Massachusetts General Nature’s John Mandelman, Ph.D., Vice President Hospital/Harvard Medical School, and Manu Wonderland Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at Buys, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Departments 39 minutes the New England Aquarium of Anesthesia and Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Take the trip of a lifetime General Hospital/Harvard Medical School with Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland. Thursday, April 20 Watch iguanas claw their Sharks in Our Backyard: Thursday, May 25 way along the seafloor. The Resurgence of Sand Tiger Seeing Deeper into the World Swim with tropical penguins. Wallow with grunting giant tortoises—all on New England’s Sharks in New England of the Great White Shark largest screen. Meet the animals that gave us a Jeff Kneebone, Ph.D., Associated Greg Skomal, Ph.D., Senior greater understanding of life on our blue planet. Research Scientist, Anderson Cabot Center Scientist, Massachusetts Division for Ocean Life at New England Aquarium of Marine Fisheries Great White Shark 3D 40 minutes Tuesday, April 25 Thursday, June 1 Get ready for a Beach Babies — White Shark Sharks — From Shadows shark’s-eye view as you Nurseries in the Northeast Pacific to Light plunge straight into the under-water world of Christopher G. Lowe, Ph.D., Brian Skerry, New England nature’s most renowned Professor of Marine Biology, Aquarium Explorer-in-Residence predator. Skip the shark cage; discover the California State University Long Beach and National Geographic photographer importance of this spectacular species and explore our blue planet.

Thursday, May 4 Thursday, June 8 Standard 4 members and above receive a select A Stroll through the New Northeast Canyons Robo-Shark: How High-Tech Tags Are number of one-time-use IMAX e-passes, and all Giving Society members receive discounts on and Seamounts Marine National Monument Revealing the Secret Lives of Sharks ticket prices! Peter Auster, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Nick Whitney, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Tickets Purchase member tickets at any Aquarium Mystic Aquarium, and Research Professor Emeritus Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at ticketing location or by phone at 617-973-5200. Films, of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut; and the New England Aquarium; in residence prices, and showtimes are subject to change. Scott Kraus, Ph.D., Vice President of Research, at Newport Aquarium, Newport, KY Rentals Private screening and facility rentals, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the call 617-720-5104. New England Aquarium Parties IMAX birthday parties, call 617-973-6508. Check neaq.org for a complete The Aquarium has been providing free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers, list of films and showtimes! photographers, and others since 1972 through the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Lectures are open to the public but registration is requested. Visit us online for the full schedule. neaq.org/aquariumlectures

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Join us for a member-exclusive, family-friendly Member Preview! evening at the Aquarium. Get a sneak peek of the new Science of Sharks exhibit during special members-only hours, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 6, 7, 8, and 9! Dive In! Details: neaq.org/memberevents

Wednesday, April 19

Photo: Keith Ellenbogen Keith Photo: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Bring your friends and family to discover the Aquarium and see our new exhibit, Science of Sharks after the vacation

crowds have left for the day. Details inside. Hosman J. Photo: