Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 Pre-Registration and Pre-Payment Required on All Programs Unless Noted

Spring 2009 | volume 12 | number 3

member magazine of the aquarium of the pacific

It’s Feeding Time! Find out what and how the Aquarium feeds its marine mammals, birds, invertebrates, and fishes. Focus on Sustainability

Reducing Ocean Litter California may implement a fee for plastic bags and eliminate polystyrene food packaging in a plan to help prevent litter from entering the Pacific Ocean. a Andrew R eitsm

Grass trimmings and litter travel through the storm drains of many coastal cities and empty into the Pacific Ocean.

cean litter has been shown to affect more than 265 solution to keeping our beaches litter free and to prevent incidental species worldwide, including sea turtles, seabirds, damage from cleanup efforts. O whales, and other marine mammals. Entanglement, Also to be considered in new legislation as a result of the OPC plan ingesting, and drowning are just some of the ways that is the mandate that disposable take-out food packages be made from plastics in the ocean harm and kill marine life. In addition, floating something other than expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), commonly plastic marine debris transports invasive species. For all these referred to as Styrofoam©. And for many products, manufacturers reasons, in November 2008 the California Ocean Protection Council would need to redesign their packaging to reduce litter. For example, (OPC) came up with a comprehensive marine debris action plan that bottle caps, lids, and straws could be tethered to the bottle. included recommendations for preventing plastic bags, cigarette The OPC, which does not make laws or pass regulations, is tasked butts, and other litter from entering the Pacific Ocean. Bills have been with several responsibilities. The group coordinates the activities of introduced in the California Legislature to implement some of the ocean-related state agencies to improve the effectiveness of state OPC recommendations. Further action on the bills is expected in the efforts to protect ocean resources within existing fiscal limitations. 2009 session. OPC members establish policies to coordinate the collection and More than 19 billion plastic bags are passed out in California each sharing of scientific data related to coastal and ocean resources year, and fewer than five percent are recycled. These bags have an among agencies. They identify and recommend changes in state and ecological footprint that often starts with shipment from overseas federal law and policy. and most likely ends in a landfill or the environment. To reduce our The entire OPC implementation strategy can be found online at dependence on such disposables, the marine debris action plan http://www.resources.ca.gov/copc/docs/opc_ocean_litter_final_ recommends charging consumers for the use of single-use plastic strategy.pdf. While much of the action plan can be implemented bags. San Francisco and Oakland already ban plastic bags. Bills working within the existing agency structure and regulations, the parts introduced into the legislature would make this a statewide initiative. that need new legislation include the statewide ban on polystyrene Regardless of what happens, consumers are encouraged to shift to take-out food containers and charging a fee for plastic bags as well as using reusable bags that are now widely available in supermarkets and imposing smoking restrictions on beaches. other stores. To support this, the Aquarium sells reusable shopping Bills to keep an eye on include Assembly Member Julia Brownley's bags in its gift store. Assembly Bill 68, Senator Jenny Oropeza’s Senate Bill 4, and Senator The state’s OPC plan would ban smoking on all state beaches and Joe Simitian's Senate Bill 21. As the marine debris action plan comes up install cigarette butt receptacles at transition points. Research has for consideration in the 2009-2010 legislative session, it is important shown that the ecological impacts of mechanized beach grooming to that you let your elected representatives know how you feel about this rid our shores of such litter have detrimental effects on these coastal effort to reduce marine debris and the impending legislation. ecosystems. Not allowing cigarettes on the beach would be part of the

2 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 Pre-registration and pre-payment required on all programs unless noted. Call (562) 951-1630. All prices subject to change.v TableTable of of Contents Contents

In this Issue Letter from the CEO Dear Members, 4 Animal Updates | Our giant spined sea s we begin 2009 we are still in the full swing of stars show off their stomachs in a new component celebrating our tenth anniversary at the Aquarium of the Tidepool Treasures Discovery Lab. Also take of the Pacific. As most of you know, in addition to a look at the elaborate ribboned seadragon! A celebrating ten successful years, our anniversary provides an opportunity to explore the top ten ocean issues in 6 Feeding the Aquarium’s Animals | our Ocean on the Edge exhibit. In conjunction with this exhibit, What do the animals eat? Find out how our the Aquarium will host a major national conference in May. In husbandry staff prepares and delivers the food and cooperation with the National Academies’ Marine Board and some of the ways they use food for enrichment. Ocean Studies Board and with NOAA, we are organizing and hosting the conference in response to an urgent need to create more and better tools to educate the public about these ocean issues. We as a nation must continue tackling ocean issues 23 The Iliff Infectious Enthusiasm Fund | with increasing vigor. So, the goal of the national Ocean on the A legacy of conservation lives on through a local Edge conference is to make ocean issues come alive for our teacher who became the first recipient of the fund 1.5 million annual visitors as well as to audiences elsewhere. created in memory of the Aquarium’s Founding Our conference will bring together leading marine scientists, President Warren Iliff. social scientists, policy-makers, filmmakers, exhibit designers, environmental journalists, and other creative communicators to develop a portfolio of informational products. These | There are many things we can 27 The Green Pet products will be used to convey key messages regarding major do as pet owners that could help the environment ocean issues to the general public through a strong network and our pets to be healthier. The choices you make of science centers, aquariums, zoos, technology centers, regarding food, flea control, and water treatment and other informal learning institutions nationwide, and for aquariums make a difference. perhaps worldwide. Our challenge will be to create products that engage the public to raise awareness about the urgency of these ocean issues, to deepen their understanding of 2 Focus on Sustainability 12 Aquarium Programs & Events the causes and consequences of these issues, and to pro- 3 Letter from the CEO 20 Kids Corner vide them with personal tools to become better stewards. In addition, there are many more important happenings 4 Animal Updates 23 Aquarium News at the Aquarium this year. I invite you to join us for a variety 6 Feature 27 Conservation Corner of festivals, such as the upcoming African Heritage Festival, Sustainable Seafood Day, and our Earth Day Celebration. Join us in our annual community outreach to clean up the streets and prevent ocean pollution. Attend one of our Pacific Currents is published quarterly for Phone Numbers (562 area code) lectures and learn about a variety of compelling marine members of the Aquarium of the Pacific.I f you have General Information...... 590-3100 topics. And please take advantage of the member events comments about this magazine, please send an email FAX...... 951-1629 created exclusively for you. to our editorial staff at [email protected]. Membership...... 437-FISH (3474) Beginning in May we will celebrate Shark Summer, which Development...... 951-1605 will highlight these remarkable and often misunderstood Our Mission | To instill a sense of wonder, Pacific Circle...... 951-1664 top predators. With many elasmobranch populations at respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its Lost & Found...... 951-1733 perilously low levels around the world, we must develop a inhabitants, and ecosystems Private Event Info...... 951-1663 more humane attitude towards these animals. We look for- Education Programs...... 951-1630 ward to showing you the innate value of these animals, their Pacific Currents Staff | Editor/Writer: Alexi Gift Store...... 951-1SEA (1732) special adaptations, how they benefit the ecosystem, and Holford | Copy Editor: Cecile Fisher | Designer: Job Hotline...... 951-1674 their vulnerabilities due to climate change and other threats. Andrew Reitsma Volunteer Hotline...... 951-1659 We as a nation have many challenges to face in the year Advanced Ticket Sales....590-3100, ext. 0 ahead. But with those challenges come opportunities. On Hours | Open daily from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. except (Note: $2 service charge per ticket, up to $10.) behalf of everyone at the Aquarium, we wish you and your Dec. 25 and during the Grand Prix of Long Beach Group Reservations...... 951-1695 family a 2009 filled with opportunities and hope. Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you many times Membership Office Hours Cover | Aquarium diver Ken Kurtis hand throughout the year. 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily feeds Southern stingrays. Photo: Andrew Reitsma Sincerely, 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, Jerry R. Schubel foundations, and corporations. Aquarium Founding Sponsor spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 3 AquariumAnimal Updates Updates

See the Stars

of the Tidepool T erri H a ines Alexi Holford

ou won’t want to miss the new sea star display in the the star’s stomach can stretch to reach around the whorls Tidepool Treasures Discovery Lab between the Seal inside. Sometimes sea stars even swallow their prey whole. A Y and Sea Lion outdoor viewing area and the Ray giant sea star can take in an entire sea urchin. While the urchin Touchpool. Aquarist John Roesgen has created a is inside, the star still sticks its stomach into the urchin to eat special cylindrical exhibit to show how sea stars push out their it. Then it “spits out” the empty urchin shell. Crown-of-thorn stomachs during feeding. For this particular display, Roesgen sea stars are known for eating coral, killing vast areas of reefs. uses the giant spined sea star (Pisaster giganteus). Other sea stars subsist on detritus matter and microorganisms. Sea stars, commonly called starfish, primarily feed on mussels, clams, sea urchins, snails, and oysters. They have strong tubefeet, which are small tubular projections with a suction cup In the new exhibit, slices of on the end, lining the under side of their arms. A sea star uses plexiglass pipe are mounted to the the collective power of these little tubefeet and its endurance to pry open the shell of its prey. Nonetheless, tubefeet are delicate display walls to allow guests to see and can be torn off if a sea star is pulled off a rock. Wrapping its body around a clam, a sea star attaches its sea stars as they eat their prey. tubefeet to both sides of the shell. As soon as the sea star creates an opening of as little as a tenth of a millimeter, the star In the new exhibit at the Aquarium, slices of plexiglass pipe extrudes its stomach into the clam. The sea star has two parts are mounted to the display walls to allow guests to see sea stars to its stomach, the cardiac and the pyloric. Protruding into the as they eat their prey. In each piece of pipe is a stake, upon which clam shell, the cardiac stomach secretes enzymes to break the sea star’s favorite food is mounted. Unable to grab the food down the bivalve’s flesh. The dissolved tissue is then absorbed and slink off, the sea star has to move over the pipe and eat into the stomach lining over a few hours. The pyloric stomach the clam there. Thanks to this idea by Aquarist Kari Olson and receives the partially digested food and finishes the job. Roesgen's realization of that idea, guests are now able to see this Sea stars have other methods of eating their prey as well. often mysterious process out in the open. They can chip away at the shell. In the spiral shells of snails,

4 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 AquariumAnimal Updates

Ribboned Seadragons

Tito knows how to sit up, go to a scale to be weighed, follow when someone points, and other such husbandry behaviors. T erri H a ines a Andrew R eitsm

id you know that in addition to the weedy and leafy seadragons, the Aquarium also has ribboned D seadragons (Haliichthys taeniophorus)? While they are not true seadragons, the ribboned seadragon is clearly related, with frilly little knobs above the eyes and on its body. They grow to a maximum length of 12 inches (30 cm).

The ribboned seadragons are Syngnathids, which is a family of Sharks—Coming Soon! a Andrew R eitsm fish that includes the seadragons,

sea horses, and pipefish. n anticipation of our upcoming Shark Summer, the Aquarium has begun to acquire some new animals. The ribboned seadragons are Syngnathids, which is a I You may have already seen one of three bonnethead family of fish that includes the seadragons, sea horses, and sharks (Sphyrna tiburo), who is at home in the Soft pipefish. Considered members of the pipehorse group of Coral Garden side of the Tropical Tunnel. Our other two fishes, the ribboned seadragons live in the shallow tropical bonnetheads have been behind-the-scenes getting ready to go seas of Australia and Indonesia. Ours were bred at the Dallas on exhibit. Bonnetheads are the smallest of the ten species of World Aquarium. The ribboned seadragon is similar to the hammerhead sharks. We have also introduced a female Rainbow Serpent depicted in ancient Australian Aboriginal bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) to Shark Lagoon. drawings that date back to 5,000 years ago. She is five feet long and 100 pounds. Her favorite food is rock crab. We look forward to more elasmobranch residents gracing our waters over the next few months.

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 5 6 | Pacific Currents

| Spring2009

Andrew Reitsma It’s Feeding Time! There is a lot to consider when feeding a family of 12,500.

f you have attended any of the Aquarium tube, much like a flexible garden hose, is filled with a frozen food of the Pacific’s presentations or tours, you treat. The otters pound the tube to break up the treat and get it may have seen our husbandry staff or divers out of the tube. I feeding the animals. Perhaps you saw the sharks being fed with a pole. Or maybe the divers in Blue Gourmet Meals Cavern were target feeding the giant sea bass in one of their daily All of our animals are fed restaurant quality food—literally the shows. Perhaps you even fed a California sea lion on an Animal same quality of food that you would be able to order in a restau- Encounter. No matter what you have seen or heard, there are rant. All of the food is weighed and logged before each animal is probably a few things you did not know about how we feed fed. Most of the animals eat all of their food, but there are some our animals. picky eaters too. If any food is uneaten, the leftovers are weighed The Aquarium has the methods of preparing food and serving it and documented as a record. A lack of an appetite could indicate to our hungry residents down to a science. To ensure the animals an animal is ill or simply that they do not need as much food in the are getting adequate nutrition, our curators do calculations to next feeding. determine the number of calories for each according to its body The aquarists, aviculturists (bird staff), and the mammalogists weight. For instance, Charlie the sea otter weighs 68 pounds (people who work with the seals, sea lions, and sea otters) all (31.4 kg). Because otters have high metabolisms, Charlie needs use frozen fish in the animals’ diets. The Aquarium uses about 14.6 percent of his body weight in nutritious food each day. So, 10 140,000 pounds of frozen fish per year or about 385 pounds per pounds (4.6 kg) of shrimp, clam, and squid are prepared for him day. Our Curator of Mammals and Birds Dudley Wigdahl orders daily. The otters also get supplements of clams and mussels in the the frozen food for the Aquarium each week. He places an order shell and crab legs. As a fun enrichment, a section of clear plastic for herring, capelin, squid, sardines, clams, crabs, hoki, superba a Andrew R eitsm

The Aquarium of the Pacific takes pride in ensuring its animals get the best care. The kind of dedication that goes into making sure our animals have proper veterinary care and well maintained habitats also goes into providing them their food.

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 7 a Andrew R eitsm

krill, Pacifica krill, lake smelt, mackerel, mahi, mullet, mussels, omnivore, or carnivore. They can make gels for all these feeding shrimp, and silversides. One to two weeks’ worth of fish is kept on requirements. There is even a crustacean gel for the crab eaters. hand in the Aquarium freezer at all times. The bowmouth guitarfish, in the pool for big sharks in Shark In addition to the frozen food, other food is ordered by Lagoon, is pole fed a mixture of whole crab, squid, clam, and mahi husbandry staff for the mammals, birds, fishes, and invertebrates. mahi. Crab legs are her favorite. Using a pole with pinchers on Curator Sandy Trautwein explains that when new fishes are the end to hold the food, an Aquarium husbandry staff member introduced to the Aquarium, they are started off on a diet of live lures the guitarfish over to her feeding station away from the other food. Brine shrimp, mysid shrimp, worms, and feeder fish are fed animals. Naturally a bottom feeder, she is being trained to eat at to the new residents to stimulate their appetites as they adjust the surface. This ensures she does not come into contact with the to their new environments. Gradually, they are introduced to sawfish, for example. prepared diets of shrimp and other food. Negotiating where animals are in Shark Lagoon is part of the Aquarists also feed the fishes romaine lettuce, nori seaweed, skill in feeding these animals. Occasionally, two or three sharks and nutritious gels made from powder mixes. Most tropical fishes may look for their food in the same area as the pelagic ray and are herbivores, so the special gels are made to supplement the guitarfish. Having all these animals on top of each other in search algae that these fishes graze off of rocks. When the gels are being of food can be a little risky so it is important to orient them to made, the powder is mixed with hot water and can be poured into feeding stations, areas of the exhibit where they know they will molds or used as a dip. Artificial corals are dunked in the liquid be fed. Because some species of sharks, like the nurse sharks, can mixture, leaving a film of the gel behind, to create mock algae for become overweight very easily, it is important to make sure that the fishes to graze upon. This gel can be made into flat brownie all of the sharks get only their own weighed out portions of food. type pieces that are cut up to accommodate the size of the The larger sharks are fed a little less than one percent of their various fishes’ mouths. body weight each day at the 2:00 p.m. feeding. In the smaller exhibits, there are some fishes that are suspension Special Delivery feeders, or plankton eating animals. The Redondo Canyon exhibit In general, the Aquarium’s fishes are fed in two ways: scatter in the Southern California/Baja Gallery displays sand dollars that feeding and target feeding. Two divers must work together when rely on water filled with plankton in the form of baby brine and assigned the job of feeding the fishes in big exhibits such as Blue copepods. This and other exhibits have a timer that releases the Cavern and Tropical Reef. One diver will focus on scatter feeding food into the exhibit at regular intervals to enable the animals to while the other works on target feeding. Scatter feeding is chal- grab food passing by. Most of the food gets eaten, and the leftovers lenging because the diver has to be sure the less aggressive fishes are filtered out by the exhibit machinery. In cases such as this, the are getting their fair share. Much like dogs, the dominant fishes animals are fed multiple times a day in small volumes. beg for food while others take the back seat. The diver scatters big handfuls of food around the exhibit, trying to evenly distribute the Nourishing Enrichment food to all the fishes. Angelfishes, damselfishes, wrasses, butterflyfishes, surgeonfishes, Meanwhile, the other diver does the target feeding. This and triggerfishes eat algae, mollusks, worms, and small crusta- means that he or she swims towards the nooks and crannies of ceans. Parrotfish are also grazers, but they are a little different. Their the exhibit and uses a squirt bottle to inject various concoctions large teeth are fused together to form a sort of chisel that enables of worms, mysid shrimp, copepods, and other little critters into them to scrape and grind up coral to eat the algae that is growing crevices for the more timid animals that stay closer to the reef or on it. Because their beak-like teeth are designed for this and need rocks. The divers have food for all the animals, whether herbivore, the friction to keep the teeth filed down, the Aquarium makes some

8 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 In general, the Aquarium’s fish are fed in two ways: scatter feeding and target feeding. Two divers must work together when assigned the job of feeding the fish in big exhibits. of their food into hard blocks by mixing nori, vitamin supplements, Every feeding time for our seals and sea lions is also a training and pellet food with plaster of Paris. Giving the parrotfish this block session. There are four regular feedings a day. Their diet of herring, helps to file their teeth and keep them healthy and in shape. capelin, sardine, and squid is used to reinforce many important Triggerfishes are very smart animals that appreciate a chal- behaviors that allow the caregivers to perform routine checks daily lenge. In order to allow them a chance to exercise their curiosity, for any injuries or health issues. Being able to have the seals and sea Senior Aquarist Amy Adams provides them some enrichment. lions participate in these exams because they are looking forward She took a clear pipe, drilled some holes into it, filled it with to the reward of food makes this a win-win situation. brine shrimp, and placed it in the exhibit. The triggerfishes must Nearby in Lorikeet Forest, guests can feed the birds a drink of patiently keep an eye out for the moment a brine shrimp escapes nectar. A special adaptation of their tongues allows lorikeets to from the pipe. To learn about another invention that was designed easily lap up their favorite meal. Tiny projections called papillae by an Aquarium staff member, see page 4 to read about an exhibit increase the surface area of the tongue and help the birds soak up that shows how sea stars expel their stomachs to eat. large amounts of nectar. The nectar that our guests feed the lori- Assistant Curator Danny Muñoz feeds our giant pacific octopus keets supplements their diets, which includes fruit, vegetables, and "Gary" every other day. He hand feeds Gary squid, mussels, a daily hand-made smoothie. These fruit smoothies are made with clams, shrimp, and pieces of fish as well as an occasional live crab. ingredients like berries and melons, and the birds flock to them. Octopuses, known for their intelligence, enjoy toys and puzzles. For There are many more examples of the unique approaches to enrichment, Gary is offered several challenges. Muñoz puts food in- feeding our animals. Much of what determines how and what we side of a plastic jar (with holes in it so that it sinks and also releases feed the Aquarium animals comes from looking at how they survive the scent of the food), and Gary has to figure out which way to turn in nature, the animals’ physical attributes, and the environment the loosely screwed-on top to open it. Another way to make feeding they live in. While numerous factors come into play, their objective interesting for Gary is to put the food at the bottom of a two-foot is always the same: to get the next meal. Just like their counterparts long cylinder that is closed on one end. The cephalopod sticks one in nature, our animals are not much different, except they get a little arm in and reaches all the way down to get the food. Another toy help from a hardworking team of employees and volunteers. that engages Gary’s attention is a hollow rubber ball that is filled with food. A Mr. Potato Head is another favorite. The open back of the versatile model is filled with food, and when Gary is done eating, he likes to take apart the toy, removing eyes, arms, mouth, and so on. a Andrew R eitsm a Andrew R eitsm

Triggerfishes anticipate brine shrimp escaping from a new addition to their exhibit. The Southern stingray receives a helping hand when diver Ken Kurtis target feeds in Blue Cavern.

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 9 Aquarium Programs and Events

Great Aquarium Activities! 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. a Andrew R eitsm

member events member events member events

Please join us for one of these select events just M Blue Cavern Lounge for our members and their guests. Friday, April 3 | 7:00–10:00 p.m. Steward-level and Pacific Circle members M Behind-the-Scenes Night are invited to enjoy a relaxing evening in Sunday, March 15 (family night) Monday, March 16 (adult night, 21+ only) the Aquarium of the Pacific's exclusive Blue 6:30–9:30 p.m. Cavern Lounge. The Aquarium galleries will Members are invited to learn the secrets of transform into a series of lounges where we the Aquarium during one of our Behind-the- will be serving desserts and coffee. A cash bar Scenes Nights. Explore areas not open to the will be open as well. Listen to live music in the public, such as the Tropical Reef Habitat from Tropical and Northern Pacific galleries and in

above the water line. Visit with our marine front of the Blue Cavern exhibit. Upgrade your h ild h sc ot g R

biologists and life support specialists. Your membership today for your invitation to our Gre family will be able to enjoy children’s crafts Blue Cavern Lounge. (on the family night) and musical entertain- COST | Free for Steward-level and Pacific Circle M Member Previews ment. Café Scuba will present a special members | free for guests of Pacific Circle members | Sunday, May 17 (family night) dinner menu. Note: there will be a mini guests of Steward-level members may attend at Monday, May 18 (adult night, 21+ only) behind-the-scenes tour for all ages; children 20% off regular admission 6:30–9:00 p.m. must be at least 7 years of age to go on the RSVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) required by March 31 Members will be among the first to experience full behind-the-scenes tours. a summer-long celebration of sharks and rays. M New Member Night Get a look at new Aquarium animals, watch COST | Free for members | members’ guests receive Sunday, May 3 | 6:30–9:00 p.m. a new film, and get up close to a shark egg to 20% off regular admission see the growing pup. Kids can make their own RSVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) required by March 12 As new members of the Aquarium family, you are invited to a special evening set aside shark craft to take home, touch shark teeth and M Pirate and Mermaid Kids for exploring the Aquarium. Take the time to jaws, and meet the Aquarium’s shark and ray Activity Morning learn about our animals, programs, and other mascots. Shark Lagoon will also highlight over Saturday, March 28 | 7:00–9:00 a.m. opportunities on this night for new members. 150 sharks you can touch. Dive into the world Ahoy, member kids! Arrr you ready to wake up Feel free to poke around our galleries, labs, and of sharks, and learn how you can help protect for an early morning of fun? On this pirate- and classrooms. There will be special activities and these often misunderstood animals and their mermaid-themed Kids Activity Morning, you entertainment for both children and adults. ocean home. will have the opportunity to take your picture COST | Free to new members | members’ guests COST | Free for members | members’ guests receive with a pirate, create pirate crafts, and get your receive 20% off regular admission 20% off regular admission face painted. You will also be able to watch the RSVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) required by April 30 RSVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) required by May 14 Aquarium animals eat their breakfast. Café Scuba will be open with a special breakfast menu. This will be a morning young bucca- neers and mermaids won’t want to miss! COST | $5.00/child, free for adults | members’ guests receive 20% off regular admission AGES | 3-12 years old, plus adult chaperone RSVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474) required by March 25

10 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 Aquarium Programs and Events

SAVE THE DATE Alexi Holford

festivals

F Earth Day Festival Sat.–Sun., April 25–26 | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. What we do in our daily lives affects our world. In the Aquarium’s annual celebration Saturday, June 13, 6:30 P.M. of the ocean planet, learn what you can do $600 per seat for the environment during a weekend of Tables and sponsorship opportunities are also available family fun. Children will enjoy face painting and other activities. Guests will have the Rsvp: (562) 951-1606 opportunity to visit 20 educational booths by “green” organizations. Representatives from favorites like the Marine Mammal Care Center, American Cetacean Society, California festivals Coastal Commission, the Sierra Club, Heal festivals the Bay, and others will share information and answer questions about their mission F To honor the rich diversity of Southern California, Divers Day and environmentally conscientious products Sunday, March 29 | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts cultural and family and services. festivals throughout the year. Check our website for Explore the recent advancements in diving more details and additional family festivals. at the Aquarium’s annual Divers Day. F DÍa Del NiÑo F Sustainable Seafood Day The Aquarium will host a large range of Saturday–Sunday, May 2–3 | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7 | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. organizations that are related to the sport Día del Niño is the Aquarium’s celebration Our Sustainable Seafood Day is an event and science of diving. The Historical Diving of all children. This multicultural festival devoted to teaching Aquarium visitors about Society will display decades of vintage includes dance and music performances by the issues surrounding sustainable seafood. diving equipment, including masks, helmets, children from Asian, African American, and This will be an opportunity to gain an under- regulators, and full lead-weighted diving Hispanic cultures. This special festival for kids standing of the challenges and successes in dress. The diving community is invited to find also will include interactive storytelling, arts the industry’s quest to satisfy the demand out about volunteer diving at the Aquarium and crafts, and a special awards program. for seafood. At this festival, you will be and other opportunities for involvement The Aquarium will present its Heroe Juvenil able to watch sustainable seafood cooking with dive-related organizations in Southern (Young Hero) Award to a new recipient. This demonstrations, try samples, take home new California. Divers who present valid proof of honor will recognize an exceptional young recipes, and purchase sustainable seafood certification with their photo I.D. will receive environmental steward of our day. Children cookbooks in our gift store. Booths hosted by free admission on Divers Day. are invited to participate in a Fish Fashion sustainable seafood organizations will provide Show. For a schedule of performers, please information on what makes some seafood check our website a few days before the event. choices, fishing practices, and farming techniques more healthy for our ocean than COST | Free for members | members’ guests receive others. As always, sustainable seafood will be 20% off regular admission available for purchase in Café Scuba. INFO | (562) 437-FISH (3474)

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 11 Aquarium Programs and Events ose Armin R

guest speakers guest speakers guest speakers

The Aquarium hosts guest lectures on a variety of GS Rick Aster | Roaring Oceans and GS Jeffrey Yang | An Aquarium topics from experts across the country. Singing Icebergs: Taking Earth’s Pulse and Thursday, April 9 | 7:00 p.m. Temperature Using Seismology Jeffrey Yang’s debut GS Jeremy Jackson | Brave New Ocean Monday, March 23 | 7:00 p.m. book of poems, An Tuesday, March 10 | 7:00 p.m. Buried in the back- Aquarium, takes its Today’s population is looking at the possibility ground of continuous readers on a journey of mass extinction on the level of the greatest seismic recordings, through the ocean’s ever known. Such extinctions have unknown designed to detect inhabitants, going ecological consequences. Overfishing, invasive earthquakes are clues from “Abalone” to species, global warming, ocean acidification, about the Earth’s N in a S ubin "Zooxanthellae." toxins, and massive runoff of nutrients climate. From over 35 Capturing scientific observations in both are destroying the ocean. Once complex years of high-quality his words and in the structure of the poems ecosystems like coral reefs and kelp forests worldwide seismic recordings, Dr. Rick Aster and book, he creates evidence of symbiosis are becoming monotonous level bottoms. and his colleagues have been able to recon- and history. Productive coastal seas are transformed struct a unique record reflecting past patterns Yang is an editor at New Directions into anoxic dead zones. Rates of change are of ocean-storm intensity. This work includes Publishing. He has published translations increasingly fast. Turning these problems evidence suggesting that violent ocean storms from the classical Chinese, including East around will require fundamentally difficult, have been increasing in their frequency of Slope by Song Dynasty poet Su Shi; and a costly, and rapid changes in the ways humanity occurrence during the past three decades. Tang-Song Dynasty collection of poems grows food, manufactures commodities, and Seismometers sited on the great ice sheets called Rhythm 226. obtains energy for everything we do. Hear and icebergs of Antarctica are also revealing Dr. Jeremy Jackson, the William E. and Mary signals due to waves from extreme ocean B. Ritter professor of oceanography and storms and from regional iceberg calving. Find director of the Center for Marine Biodiversity out about potential linkages between climate, and Conservation at the Scripps Institution oceanography, seismology, and glaciology in of Oceanography, discuss these issues and this lecture by Aster, professor of geophysics more. Jackson is a senior scientist emeritus at and chair of the Department of Earth and the Smithsonian Institution. Environmental Science at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

12 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 Aquarium Programs and Events

guest speakers

GS Jane Lubchenco | A Mutiny for the Bounty: Pathways to Healthy Ocean Ecosystems Tuesday, April 14 | 7:00 p.m. We live on an ocean planet. While we may not think about it often, we depend upon the ocean's cycles, enjoy its bounty and beauty, and learn to cope with its fury. Over half of the world's population lives in coastal zones, and much of the other half goes there to play, be inspired, or be rejuvenated. Yet many of us

are ignorant of changes beneath the waves. a Andrew R eitsm Scientific evidence suggests that healthy seafood, clean beaches, abundant wildlife, stable fisheries, and vibrant coastal communities are all currently at risk, but could be recovered guest speaker with greater awareness, increased public and political will, and effective action. Dr. Jane GS James Fawcett | Global Trade and Lubchenco will summarize the state of the Southern California oceans today, highlighting major changes, Wednesday, April 29 | 7:00 p.m. and presenting some possible solutions. Her Waterborne trade, especially in the Pacific, talk will draw on recent scientific information has been instrumental in the growth and about changes and options for recovering the development of the Southern California bounty of ocean ecosystems. Lubchenco is economy. Our ports handle more marine the new administrator of the National Oceanic freight than any in the nation and, indeed, and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). are critical to the U.S. economy. Almost one million workers in our region are dependent GS Stephan Faris | The Consequences of upon that trade for their jobs, and the industry Climate Change could double in volume over the next decade. Tuesday, April 21 | 7:00 p.m. Linking us to our international trading partners, Stephan Faris joins us to this trade has made Southern California one speak about his new of the nation’s most cosmopolitan urban book, Forecast: The regions, as well. Certainly, there are problems Consequences of Climate associated with our mammoth ports, Change, from the Amazon including air pollution and congestion on our Did you know to the Arctic, from Darfur freeways. But our ports are simultaneously to Napa Valley. In this working hard to clean our air while moving that each year thousands of velyn Hockstein E velyn book, Faris explores the cargo even more efficiently. Clearly, we are students take field trips to political, economic, and strategic impacts of one of the “big boys” of ocean trade in the the Aquarium of the Pacific? climate change. Faris notes that there is a Pacific along with Singapore, Hong Kong, growing consensus that climate change is Shanghai, Busan, and Kaohsiung and our linked to an increase in violence in the world, influence is felt not only there but throughout such as in the case of conflict in Darfur. Island the U.S. and Europe. Dr. James Fawcett, There are many opportunities for nations such as Kiribati, drought-stricken adjunct professor of public policy with the teachers and their students at the communities, and hurricane-prone areas are University of Southern California, specializes Aquarium, including classes that meet all facing an uphill climb to ensure survival in in research on our ocean logistics industry. California science standards. the face of rising sea level and more frequent He will share some of his insights about and more intense storms. As a journalist who the marine transportation industry and its We offer discounted admission for specializes in writing about the environment contribution to our local economy and culture school groups, and there are scholarship and the developing world, he has covered as we look toward the next decade and the opportunities for Title One funded Africa, the Middle East, and China for publica- influence this critical industry will have upon schools. tions including Time, Fortune, The Atlantic our lives in Southern California. Monthly, The New York Times Magazine, and Learn more about our educational Salon. He has lived in Rome, Nigeria, Kenya, COST | Free for Pacific Circle Guest speaker sponsors: programs by visiting us at Turkey, and China. members | $4/members aquariumofpacific.org/education. $8/non-members RSVP | (562) 437-FISH (3474)

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 13 tHRee MOntH caLendaR

March 2009 shark lagoon SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy wEDNESDAy ThURSDAy FRIDAy SATURDAy sAve nights tHe dAte 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 shark Lagoon aqua tots, sounds shark lagoon night sustainable is open on of the sea, p18 seaFood daY, p11 divers day friday evenings March 29 Job shadow, aquarist, p18 until 9:00 p.m. admission is free after 6:00 p.m. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 touch a shark and Guest speaker, Jeremy aquatic academy, the Ocean shark lagoon night Junior biologist, invertebrates enjoy live music closed on Jackson, p11 and california’s future, p16 (ages 7-10), p18 on select evenings. cHristmAs the galleries and the aquarium 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Lorikeet forest will will be closed nature by kayak, p17 behind-the-scenes night aquatic academy, the Ocean shark lagoon night Junior biologist, invertebrates be closed. on thursday, behind-the-scenes night (adult night, 21+ only), p10 and california’s future, p16 (ages 10-12), p18 December 25 (family night), p10 and will resume normal operating 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 hours on friday, Guest speaker, rick aster, p12 aqua tots, colors of Preschool Programs, shark lagoon night kids activity morning, the Ocean, p18 Little snappers, p19 Pirate and Mermaid, p10 December 26. there will be a aquatic academy, the Ocean saturday Family Fun, and california’s future, p16 shark sleuths, p18 special Member Late night on 29 30 31 December 26. divers day, p11

April 2009

SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy wEDNESDAy ThURSDAy FRIDAy SATURDAy

1 2 3 4 aqua tots, shoreline blue Cavern lounge, p10 Junior biologist, fish shapes, p18 shark lagoon night (ages 7-10), p18 aquatic academy, the Ocean Job shadow, and california’s future, p16 Mammalogist, p18 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Guest speaker, shark lagoon night nature by kayak, p17 Jeff rey Yang, p12 Junior biologist, fish (ages 10-12), p18

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Guest speaker, Jane shark lagoon night Lubchenco, p12

Closed For the Grand PriX 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 aqua tots, Movin’ and Preschool Programs, shark lagoon night earth daY Festival, p11 Groovin’ Beneath the sea, p18 colorful corals, p19 saturday Family Fun, Guest speaker, Magnifi cent Marine Closed For the Grand PriX stephan faris, p12 Mammals, p18 26 27 28 29 30 earth daY Festival, p11 Guest speaker, James fawcett, p13 sea life stroll, p19

May 2009

SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy wEDNESDAy ThURSDAy FRIDAy SATURDAy

1 2 shark lagoon night dÍa del niÑo, p11 Job shadow, aviculturist, p18

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 dÍa del niÑo, p11 aqua tots, slippery shark lagoon night Junior biologist, Birds and new member night, p10 to Prickly, p18 reptiles (ages 7-10), p18

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 shark lagoon night nature by kayak, p17 Junior biologist, Birds and reptiles (ages 10-12), p18

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 shark summer member shark summer member Preschool Program, aqua tots, super senses shark lagoon night Preview (family night), p10 Preview (adult night Pool Party, p19 of the sea, p18 21+ only), p10

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 saturday Family Fun, sea Jellies and Other invertebrates, p18

31 summer sundays, see website tHRee MOntH caLendaR

April 2009

SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy wEDNESDAy ThURSDAy FRIDAy SATURDAy

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Guest speaker, Jane shark lagoon night Lubchenco, p12

May 2009

SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy wEDNESDAy ThURSDAy FRIDAy SATURDAy

1 2 shark lagoon night dÍa del niÑo, p11 Job shadow, aviculturist, p18

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 dÍa del niÑo, p11 aqua tots, slippery shark lagoon night Junior biologist, Birds and new member night, p10 to Prickly, p18 reptiles (ages 7-10), p18

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 shark lagoon night nature by kayak, p17 Junior biologist, Birds and reptiles (ages 10-12), p18

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 saturday Family Fun, sea Jellies and Other invertebrates, p18

31 summer sundays, see website Aquarium Programs and Events

Aquatic Academy

AA The Ocean and California’s Future Wednesdays, March 11, 18, & 25 and April 1 7:00–9:30 p.m. California’s ocean economy is the largest of any state in the nation. Recreation and tour- ism are the largest drivers statewide, and in Southern California shipping and global trade are the largest single driver. But well before the end of this century, California’s coastal ocean will be very different from that of today. The ocean will continue to play vitally important roles in California’s economy and quality of life, but it will likely require changes in our policy and regulatory frameworks. We have many ocean issues to address today to prevent the worst from happening

in the future. Many of us have heard the bad a Andrew R eitsm news. We may lose up to 25 percent of the ocean biodiversity we have today. The ocean will be more acidic and sea level will rise. The aquarium tours aquarium tours Earth and the upper ocean will be warmer. Tropical storms may be more frequent and These programs are opportunities to see the AT Animal Encounters more intense. Droughts in the Southwest may Aquarium and its animals in a different light. Saturdays and Sundays | see below be more frequent, more intense, and more AT Behind-the-Scenes Tours prolonged. Coastal erosion will be intensified, Join us for a very special experience to learn daily | times vary and coastal wetlands will be lost. Southern about feeding and caring for some of our California’s imported fresh water supplies will View the largest exhibit at the Aquarium from marine animals. Roll up your sleeves, prepare probably be reduced as a result of climate the top, and help feed the fish! Join us on a some food, and get ready to be up close and change. What can we do about it? Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Aquarium of personal for a feeding with a seal, sea lion, Many questions will be explored in this the Pacific and learn what it takes to run a sea otter, or even a shark. There are lots of class. We will look for desirable changes. Can world-class aquarium. How do we keep the surprises along the way, so be prepared to get California be a player in the development of exhibits looking so good? How do we feed your hands wet! and care for the animals? Prepare to get your offshore renewable energy? Will California Themes | Seals & Sea Lions 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Sharks feet wet and learn about... develop an offshore sustainable aquaculture 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Sea Otters 12:30–2:30 p.m. industry? Might we have a new regime of • the largest animal on Earth Cost | $80/member | $90/non-member spatial allocation of uses of our coastal • food preparation for our animals includes Aquarium admission ocean? As coastal residents, do we need to • our veterinary department Ages | 10+ years | Seals & Sea Lions | Sea Otters retreat from the shoreline or protect it, or • our animals in quarantine 13+ years | Sharks both, depending upon the area? Join some • our life support systems some height restrictions apply, participants under of California’s leading scientists and ocean • educational opportunities 16 years must be accompanied by an adult policy makers in exploring these issues. • different jobs at the Aquarium RSVP | (562) 951-1630 CEU credit offered in conjunction with CSULB • volunteering opportunities Adult Extensions Services. Cost | $11/member | $15/non-member COST | $45 members | $55 public | $10 extra fee for does not include Aquarium admission CEU credit Ages | 7+ years WHERE | Watershed Classroom Length | one hour Aquarium of the Pacific Group size | maximum 10 participants 100 Aquarium Way RSVP | (562) 951-1630, online, or sign up on day of visit Long Beach, CA 90802

16 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 Pre-registration and pre-payment required on all programs unless noted. Call (562) 951-1630. All prices subject to change. Aquarium Programs and Events

a q u a r i u m s l e e p o v e r s special programs

Pack your sleeping bag and toothbrush for a night SP of adventure at the Aquarium of the Pacific. These Birthday Parties programs include a pizza dinner, snack, craft, Available by reservation only cereal breakfast, and t-shirt. Let us make your child's next birthday celebration special. The Aquarium will supply SL Birthday Party Sleepovers all the ingredients for an unforgettable party, based on availability | 5:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. including a themed one-hour classroom Join us for an all-night celebration with a program featuring animal touch time, special birthday party sleepover featuring biofact discovery, and a take home souvenir animal touch time, a feeding opportunity, craft project. The party concludes with an presentations, a behind-the-scenes tour, and additional half hour in the classroom for the crafts. Bring your own birthday cake or order birthday celebration. Bring your own birthday a personalized one through us (additional cake or order a personalized one through charge applies). us (additional charge applies). Aquarium COST | $60/member | $70/non-member admission is included. All you need to do is AGES | 5+ years | one adult required per 10 children call us a least two weeks prior to reserve a Themes | Sharks, Marine Mammals, or Turtles date (subject availability), and then invite your GROUP SIZE | 20–50 participants guests. We also offer birthday sleepovers. RSVP | (562) 951-1630 COST | $33/member | $39/non-member | 15 person minimum, includes Aquarium admission SL Adult Sleepovers AGES | all ages, one adult required per 10 children based on availability | 6:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m. THEMES | Sharks, Marine Mammals, or Turtles Enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the GROUP SIZE | 15–45 participants a Andrew R eitsm Aquarium at night. Unwind with yoga and INFO | (562) 951-1630 meditation before meeting an animal, hearing an informal lecture by a marine outdoor adventures educator, taking guided tours, seeing special presentations, and sleeping next to one of Go beyond the Aquarium to participate in one of our large exhibits. Included are a gourmet these offsite classes in the great outdoors. pizza dinner with wine, beer, or soda and a OA continental breakfast. Nature by Kayak Sunday, March 15 and Saturdays, April 11 COST | $60/member | $70/non-member and May 16 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon AGES | 18+ years Join us for a morning of gentle paddling in the GROUP SIZE | maximum 50 participants SP Aquarium on Wheels Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve for an RSVP | (562) 951-1630 Available by reservation only up-close view of nature. After an introductory The Aquarium on Wheels is dedicated to lesson, you will be led on a naturalist-guided SL Family Sleepovers developing children’s appreciation for the kayak expedition. Both double and single based on availability | 5:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. wonders of the ocean environment. Along kayaks are available in this off-site class. Bring your whole family and spend an evening with an educational presentation, hands-on Cost | $53/member | $58/non-member exploring the Aquarium after dark. Discover activities, and environmental message, our Ages | 11+ years, plus adult chaperone if under age 16 the unique relationships and habitats of our outreach educational program provides WHERE | meets offsite | map included in confirmation ocean critters through hands-on activities and children the chance to touch sharks, sea materials gallery observations. stars, anemones, urchins, and other marine RSVP | (562) 951-1630 inhabitants. This mobile tidepool exhibit COST/PERSON | $50/member | $60/non-member Ages | 5+ years, plus adult chaperone is not just for schools—it is also great for Group size | 20–60 participants display at festivals, fairs, and even birthday RSVP | (562) 951-1630 parties. Aquarium on Wheels will deliver a memorable experience for all!

SL Youth Group Sleepovers Info | (562) 951-1630 Mondays or Wednesdays by reservation | based on availability | 5:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. Anchors aweigh as we become sailors in search of the missing treasures of the sea. Investigate the fascinating aquatic food web and follow a treasure map in search of ocean knowledge! COST/PERSON | $50/member | $60/non-member Ages | 5+ years, plus adult chaperone Group size | 20–60 participants RSVP | (562) 951-1630

Pre-registration and pre-payment required on all programs unless noted. Call (562) 951-1630. All prices subject to change. spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 17 Aquarium Programs and Events

aqua tots

Toddlers team up with their parent or chaperone for a first look into ocean life. Each of the Aqua Tots programs focuses and expands on a particular concept while encouraging adult and child interaction.

AQ Sounds of the Sea Wednesday, March 4 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. Shake, rattle, and roll as we listen to the sounds of the ocean. Experience the wonder- ful world of sea sounds, from the songs of a big blue whale to the barking of a sea lion.

AQ Colors of the Ocean Tuesday, March 24 | 2:30–4:00 p.m. Below the surface of the blue ocean are animals with amazing colors. Some are bright and flashy while others blend into the ocean bottom. Discover some of these colorful animals, a Andrew R eitsm and search for those that may be hiding.

AQ Shoreline Shapes youth programs Saturday family fun programs Wednesday, April 1 | 2:30–4:00 p.m.

Children, along with a parent or adult chaperone, Did you know a sea jelly is shaped a lot YP Junior Biologist Program will investigate the ocean world in a structured like a bell or that some fishes are as flat as Saturdays | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | topics vary, see below classroom program that includes interactive pancakes? In the Aquarium, there are eels so Participants will independently investigate and hands-on activities. These programs foster skinny they look like shoestrings! Explore the marine life during this exploratory program. the students’ discovery as well as interaction in relationships. exciting shapes of ocean life through a craft, This class offers hands-on animal touch time, songs, and hands-on activities. Aquarium animal observation, and activities FP Shark Sleuths relating to each topic. Select the topic that Saturday, March 28 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. AQ Movin’ & Groovin’ Beneath the Sea Tuesday, April 21 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. is most interesting, or take all the classes to Discover how sharks’ amazing adaptations learn about the variety of animals found at make them excellent predators. Get an up- Roll like an otter and slide like a snail as we the Aquarium. close view of these creatures and others as discover animals through movement. Explore TOPIC | Invertebrates March 14 (ages 7-10) March 21 we learn all about sharks! the world of sea creatures by taking a closer look at the way they move. Join us as we move (ages 10-12) | Fish April 4 (ages 7-10) FP Magnificent Marine Mammals and groove like the animals beneath the sea! April 11 (ages 10-12) | Birds and Reptiles Saturday, April 25 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. May 9 (ages 7-10) May 16 (ages 10-12) What animals are warm blooded, hairy, AQ Cost | $19/member | $24/non-member Slippery to Prickly breathe air, and live in the ocean? Marine due to the popularity of this program, all Tuesday, May 5 | 2:30–4:00 p.m. mammals! Join us as we learn the special participants must RSVP and pre-pay; does not Whether it’s a slippery sea cucumber, soft include Aquarium admission ways sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales, and and velvety bat ray, prickly sea urchin, or RSVP | (562) 951-1630 other marine mammals survive in the sea. simply the smooth shell of a hermit crab, FP Sea Jellies and other Incredible discover the many lovable and touchable YP Job Shadow Invertebrates creatures that live in the ocean. Learn what Saturdays | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. can be explored safely as we use our sense of topics vary, see below They may be spineless, but they are the touch on a journey through the Pacific Ocean. This program is for students who are inter- backbone of nature. Join us as we learn all ested in animal husbandry or marine biology about jellies and their invertebrate relatives AQ Super Senses of the Sea careers. Students will learn what it takes to that inhabit the ocean. Wednesday, May 20 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. run a world-class aquarium and get a hands- Smell the salty air and feel the cool breeze as Cost | adult-child pair: $24/member on opportunity to participate in everyday we use our senses to explore how ocean ani- activities that help maintain the Aquarium. $36/non-member extra person: $10/person mals use their sight, taste, touch, and hearing Students will go behind the scenes, shadow- includes Aquarium admission in their watery home. Immerse yourself in ing education and husbandry staff. Ages | 4–6 years, plus adult chaperone the wonder and discovery of this interactive TOPIC | Aquarist, March 7 | Mammalogist, April 4 | RSVP | (562) 951-1630 program. Aviculturist, May 2 Cost | adult-child pair: $24/member, Cost | $24/member | $29/non-member $30/non-member | additional person: does not include Aquarium admission $10/person, includes Aquarium admission Ages | grades 7–12 Ages | 2–3 years, plus adult chaperone RSVP | (562) 951-1630 RSVP | (562) 951-1630

18 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 Pre-registration and pre-payment required on all programs unless noted. Call (562) 951-1630. All prices subject to change. AquariumAquarium ProgramsPrograms andand EventsEvents a Andrew R eitsm

preschool programs other classes Summer Camps Designed for young children to independently OC explore marine life, each Preschool Program class Under the Sea Shapes offers hands-on animal touch time, a craft project, Available by reservation only are Coming! story time, time to explore the Aquarium, a snack, The ocean is full of incredible animals and and activities relating to the project. vibrant colors. In this interactive educator- and video-led program, children will match ocean PP Little Snappers Wednesday, March 25 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. animals, such as sharks and sea anemones, to their shapes. This exciting program is designed Turtles, turtles, turtles! Did you know that especially for preschool and daycare groups. some turtles live on land and some live in the ocean? Dive into the world of turtles as Cost | $9/member or non-member (March–June) we explore the many types and adaptations $7.50/member or non-member (July– of each. February) Ages | 4–5 years | plus one free adult chaperone per 10 PP Colorful Corals children Wednesday, April 22 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. Length | 45 minutes Join us as we discover the undersea city of the Group size | 20 student minimum coral reef. Learn about the busy residents that RSVP | (562) 951-1630 make their home in the cracks and crevices of the reef. And see how colorful both a reef and OC Sea Life Stroll its inhabitants can be. Wednesday, April 29 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. PP Pool Party View the Aquarium before it opens! Bring Tuesday, May 19 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. your child in a stroller for a close-up Make plans for your child for an It is time to party with the crazy creatures look at our exhibits. This class features exciting summer day camp adventure that call the tidepool their home! Whether we a personalized Aquarium tour and craft designed with your toddler in mind. at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The are exploring a hermit crab or a sea snail, we Summer Camps are an awesome will learn about their changing homes and the Cost | adult-child pair: $14/member ways they survive in and out of the tidepool. $20/non-member opportunity for preschoolers to 9th Cost | $19/member | $24/non-member extra person: $10/person, includes graders. These affordable camps does not include Aquarium admission Aquarium admission include games, hands-on activities, Ages | 4–5 years Ages | toddler, plus adult chaperone RSVP | (562) 951-1630 behind-the-scenes tours, animal RSVP | (562) 951-1630 interactions, crafts, and more! Registration begins Monday, March 16. Reserve your spot early! More details to follow in the next issue.

Pre-registration and pre-payment required on all programs unless noted. Call (562) 951-1630. All prices subject to change. spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 19 KIDS CORNER You Are What You Eat! PERIPHERAL

cientists can study the design of an animal’s body to discover what it eats. By looking at an S animal’s mouth, teeth, and eyes, it is possible to draw conclusions about how and what an animal eats. For instance, the placement of the eyes on the head explains a lot. An animal whose eyes sit on the front of its face is able to see directly ahead extremely well, giving them binocular vision. This makes these animals better predators since it is much easier for them to see and chase their prey. BINOCULAR Animals that have binocular vision include sea otters, sea lions, seals, crabs, and lobsters. An animal with eyes on the sides of its head has peripheral vision. While not able to see directly in front of them, these animals see their surroundings better and can watch for animals approaching them. Animals with peripheral vision typically eat plants. They also tend to be eaten by predators. Examples of these animals are clown- fish, sunfish, sea horses, groupers, eels, and sea turtles. Some animals’ eyes are able to do both binocular and peripheral vision, such as the human eye. Would you like ? to look through the eyes of a meat-eating predator and its ? plant-eating prey? Create two masks and try each on. One ? allows you to see as a prey animal with peripheral vision ? to eat plants; and the other allows you to see as a predator with binocular vision to eat meat. BINOCULAR

The Eyes have it! Binocular Peripheral Vision Vision Sea Otters Sea Horses Sea Lions Groupers Seals Eels Squid Shrimp Crabs Sea Kraits PERIPHERAL Lobsters Sea Turtles Lions Zebras Tigers Mice Wolves Squirrels Dogs Sheep Cats Bony Fishes Owls Horses Eagles Rabbits Directions: Textile Cone Snail 1. Copy the mask outline onto two peripheral and binocular vision Conus textile sheets of white paper using a pen before moving on to step six. or pencil. For one mask, you will copy circles for peripheral vision. 6. Tie pieces of string to each For the other mask, you will copy hole. Make sure the string circles for binocular vision. is long enough to tie the mask around your head. 2. Cut the masks out of the paper. 7. Put on one mask. Notice how you 3. Then cut out the circles, for can see through the mask. How your eyes to look through. well could you find your food as the animal you have drawn? 4. Punch holes on the sides of each mask, near the edge. 8. Put on the other mask. Compare to the other mask. How well could Tropical Pacific Gallery 5. Decorate your mask to look you find your food as this animal? like your favorite animals with

Materials:

❏❏ white paper ❏❏ hole puncher ❏❏ pen/pencil ❏❏ string/yarn ❏❏ scissors ❏❏ crayons/markers/colored pencils Puffball Sponge Tethya aurantia

Fishing for ? ti Knowledge! ?

? ? breen a Ka sb Sa

so cal/baja gallery

1. Scientists can determine what an animal eats by studying its mouth and its ______inside the mouth. 2. Typically animals with ______on the side of their heads tend to be prey animals, whereas animals with these on the front of their Basket Star heads tend to make good predators. Gorgonocephalus eucnemis 3. Studying a bird’s ______can tell you a lot about what it eats.

Last Issue’s Questions and Answers: 1. A watershed is an area of land that catches rain or snow that drains into the same lower point. 2. Kingsnakes eat many small animals including venomous snakes that are smaller than them. ti 3. The majority of the time non-point source pollution is the cause of pollution in watersheds, when litter or runoff from an unknown source makes its way into the waterways. breen a Ka sb Sa

Northern Pacific Gallery

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 21 Member Specials Textile Cone Snail Conus textile

Physical Characteristics White and golden brown triangles and wavy 10th Anniversary Member Specials black lines decorate the shell of these cone snails. These snails can grow up to eight inches (200 mm) long. Our special 10th anniversary members-only privileges continue this spring. Habitat Each month through May 2009 we will feature a different members-only Fun Fact Textile cones are found throughout the Indo- special. Enjoy the coupons below for extra member discounts! Pacific, Australia, and the Indian Ocean from Textile cone eastern Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. snails are one of the most Diet venomous They capture their prey, mainly fish, by means creatures on of harpoon-like hollow teeth (radula) that serve MEMBERS-ONLY Earth.Their sting to inject a toxic venom. March SPECIAL has been known 10th Anniversary to kill people. Special Offer Purchase one member guest ticket and receive one member guest ticket FREE! Present your Aquarium membership card and this coupon at the ticket window or information desk to receive this offer. Member’s guests must be present at the time of ticket purchase.

Puffball Sponge This coupon is valid March 1-31, 2009. Valid as a one-time offer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Restrictions may apply. Tethya aurantia

MEMBERS-ONLY April SPECIAL Physical Characteristics 10th Anniversary The puffball sponge is an orange or yellow Special Offer ball with a flat bottom. They can grow up Buy one general admission ticket to to eight inches (200 mm) in diameter. The Queen Mary and receive a second ticket FREE! Habitat Present this coupon at The Queen Mary box office, along with your membership card, to These sponges are found in the tidal areas Fun Fact as deep as 1,460 feet (440 m) from receive this special offer. southeastern Alaska to Baja California. Ever wonder This coupon is valid April 1-30, 2009. Valid as a one-time offer. Not valid on holidays or special events. Distribution of this coupon on Queen Mary property is prohibited. what the real Diet Cannot be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Restrictions may apply. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 435-3511 Spongebob Square Puffball sponges eat bacteria and other www.queenmary.com Pants looks like? tiny critters. They eat by absorbing the This is the real food through their skin! Their body is MEMBERS-ONLY thing! These are covered with small pores (tiny holes) MAY SPECIAL the only animals where the food enters. that can put 10th Anniversary themselves back Special Offer One FREE kids meal with the purchase of together again if an adult entrée in Café Scuba during the Member they are broken down into small Preview on Sunday, May 17 (family night). pieces. Present this coupon at the time of purchase, along with your membership card, to receive this offer. This coupon is valid only on Sunday, May 17, 2009 during the Members Preview Family Night from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Kids ages 3-11, kids meals only. No Substitutions. Beverage is not included. Valid as a one-time offer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Restrictions may apply. Basket Star Gorgonocephalus eucnemis MEMBERS-ONLY SPECIAL

Physical Characteristics Save 10% on your next food purchase! Basket stars are a type of brittle star with many branching arms. The central Present this coupon at Café Scuba or the Bamboo Bistro, along with your membership card, and save on a body can be white, light or dark brown, mouth-watering assortment of flavors and refreshments. light red-orange, or pink, which is darker than the arms. They can reach up to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long. This coupon is valid through 05/31/09 inside Café Scuba and Bamboo Bistro food areas. Valid as a one-time offer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. No cash Fun Fact value. Restrictions may apply. N-0509-A Habitat While basket These sea stars are most commonly stars have tube found in Northern Pacific cold waters on MEMBERS-ONLY feet, they do rocky bottom ocean floors 50-500 feet SPECIAL not have suction (15-150 m) deep. cups at the tips of their tube Diet Save 20% this spring on all merchandise! feet like other Basket stars feed on plankton in the sea stars. water, using the little hooks on their arms Present your membership card along with this coupon to receive an additional 10% discount in conjunction to grab food. The tips of the arms wrap with your member discount, for a total of 20% off merchandise in Pacific Collections and the Shark Shack. around the food and slowly move the food toward the mouth 22 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 This coupon is valid through 05/31/09 inside Pacific Collections and the Shark Shack. Valid as a one-time offer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Restrictions may apply. N-0509-A AquariumAquarium Programs News and Highlight Events

(l) Sophak Kong, the 2008 recipient of the Iliff Infectious Enthusiasm Fund, on g visited Miller during an Animal Encounter at the Aquarium. (r) Kong with his fifth grade class at James Monroe Elementary. op ha k K S A Legacy of Conservation Lives On Teacher Becomes First Recipient of the Iliff Infectious Enthusiasm Fund

n honor of Warren for them. He said, “We began the three-day Kong was given an educational kit to Iliff, the Aquarium seminar sharing ideas together on how to enhance his classroom upon returning. I of the Pacific’s implement more marine education in the Designed to help create an atmosphere of founding president, the classroom and how to get families more enthusiasm and interest, the kit contains an Iliff Infectious Enthusiasm connected to the Aquarium community. We assortment of biofacts designed for display Fund was created in 2006. finally ended the seminar sitting down and and student handling, a book of lessons, and Thanks to the support of planning a watershed unit for my classroom. materials for specific lessons. The kit can donors, the Aquarium We shared constructive ideas and made also turn his students into “Warren Rangers” established an endowment to pass on Iliff’s connections between my school, the district, for active learning experiences. Iliff enjoyed passion for education and conservation to and the Long Beach community.” decorating his office with unusual artifacts, inspire future generations. The endowment is Aquarium educators led Kong on several and a well-decorated classroom similarly being used to fund a program in which nature day trips, including to Upper Newport sparks questions from students. teachers spend three to five days at the Bay to kayak through the bay and to the Bolsa The Warren Ranger program will tie Aquarium learning about marine science, Chica wetlands. While kayaking at the bay, he together the classroom biofacts and materials ocean literacy, and conservation issues. learned about local marine species as well as from the kit, fieldtrips arranged by the teacher In 2008 Lakewood teacher Sophak Kong conservation issues facing the ecosystem. At to local ecosystems, and a visit to the became the first recipient of the Warren Iliff Bolsa Chica wetlands, he learned that about 95 Aquarium by the class. In addition, this helps Infectious Enthusiasm Fund Award. Kong is a percent of our coastal wetlands in California Warren Iliff’s name live on in this project. teacher at James Monroe Elementary, a K-8 have been destroyed and replaced by develop- The students will email their progress and school in Long Beach Unified School District. ment. They took a hike along a trail at the Bolsa adventures in marine science to the Warren The current school year is Kong’s ninth year Chica Conservancy to examine the nesting Ranger Center (an email address at the as a fifth grade teacher. A self-proclaimed site of many species of birds, other creatures, Aquarium). As future teachers go through student of life, Kong strives to be a role model and plants that are native to our state. this program, each Warren Ranger classroom to his students. His outgoing and energetic Commenting on this experience, Kong said: can participate in email exchanges with the demeanor makes him comfortable sharing others. Applications for teachers interested How can I now see an egret walking on about his classroom as well as personal in becoming a recipient of the 2009 Iliff different kinds of grasses (pickleweed, experiences. Having grown up as a refugee Infectious Enthusiasm Fund Award will be cord grass, etc.) and then in between from Cambodia and having lived in chal- available online. Check our website soon for grasslands in water on its long thin legs, lenging neighborhoods provides him with details. understanding and insight into the lives of the curling its long neck all around searching diverse students at Monroe Elementary. One for food in the shallow waters and soil, important lesson that he teaches his students using its long narrow beak to pick quickly is that we must overcome our fears to do through soft muddy soil, and think that amazing things in life. this is just a place that needs to be filled Kong spent a day at the Aquarium going in and covered by dirt and cement for behind the scenes with educators to learn future development and construction? about our many animals and how we care My eyes are opened… now I see!

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 23 Aquarium News

Fundraising Highlights

■■ Annenberg Foundation Funds ■■ Norris Foundation Provides Grant to Operations Education Fund The Annenberg Foundation supported the The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Aquarium’s general operating needs with a built on its history of Aquarium support with a $150,000 unrestricted grant in November. $30,000 grant to the Aquarium Education Fund in These funds will offset the Aquarium’s day-to- October. The Fund helps underwrite the work of the executive officers day expenses, helping to extend resources for Aquarium’s professional education staff and all the Dr. Jerry R. Schubel environmental, educational, and conservation programming that is the basis of the Aquarium’s president and ceo projects and programs. Unrestricted support is mission—including on- and off-site classroom Mr. David Kane critical to the Aquarium’s ability to maintain its activities, Aquarium on Wheels visits, standards- cfo position as one of the major free-choice learning based curricula development, teacher training, Ms. Barbara Long institutions and most-popular visitor destinations in and other public outreach efforts. This is the 11th corporate secretary Southern California. consecutive year that the Norris Foundation has funded the Aquarium’s programs. ■■ Pacific Life Supports New Sustainable board of directors ■■ Bank of America Funds Student Mr. James M. Breslauer Seafood Initiative In November Pacific Life Foundation made a Scholarships Mr. Howard Chambers $142,000 payment on a three-year commitment In October Bank of America made a $25,000 gift Mr. Stephen Conley to found and support the Seafood for the Future to the Aquarium Scholarship Fund to help students Mr. Craig Cooning Program. This new Aquarium project will reach out from Title 1 schools in Los Angeles County visit the to restaurants, seafood suppliers, and retailers in Aquarium and experience an education program. Mr. Edwin Feo the greater Los Angeles metro area (where seafood Nearly 1,400 children in grades K-12 will benefit Mr. John Fielder consumption is over twice the national average and from Bank of America’s funding. The gift will not 80 percent of that amount is imported) to educate only pay for the students’ Aquarium visit and a Ms. Jennifer Hagle board secretary them about sustainable seafood sourcing and professionally led education activity, but will also encourage them to provide fish from documented cover transportation costs for the students, their Mr. Roy Hearrean origins to their customers and clients. This effort teachers, and chaperones. By including all these costs Mr. Russell T. Hill will not only discourage harmful fishing practices within the grant, Bank of America ensures that even Mr. Samuel King that will protect wild fish stocks and the marine the most underprivileged children can participate in environment, but also reduce the carbon footprint of the program and learn from an Aquarium visit. This is Mr. Bert Levy seafood consumption. the second year that Bank of America has supported Mr. Steven Mayer the Aquarium Scholarship Fund. ■ Ms. Janice Mazyck ■ Capital Group Increases Support for Aquarium Education ■■ Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation Mr. John Molina In November the Capital Group Companies, The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation pledged Dr. Mario Molina headquartered in Los Angeles, contributed to the $25,000 towards the Aquarium Scholarship Fund chairman Aquarium Education Fund, bringing there 2008 total in December. This multi-year grant is especially Mr. Stephen Olson to $35,000—a significant increase over their past important now as schools continue to cut budgets and cancel field trips during challenging economic Mr. Douglas Otto support. This funding supports the entire range of educational opportunities and outreach programs times. The Aquarium applauds the Board of the Ms. Lynne M. Preslo, R.G. offered by the Aquarium and serves over 260,000 Foundation for providing guaranteed funding for the most needy of schools and students in the Greater Mr. Christopher Rommel students, teachers, and community members each year—including free programming to 20,000 at-risk Los Angeles area. Dr. Jerry R. Schubel youth. In addition to this grant, Capital Group Mr. Michael Sondermann associates inaugurated the Aquarium's Corporate Mr. Marvin J. Suomi Volunteer Program for donors in 2008 when

aquarium board of directors board aquarium approximately 60 of the firm’s interns and managers Mr. Thomas Turney assisted with the Aquarium’s onsite education Mr. Steve Young mission by engaging our visitors in crafts and learning activities. www.aquariumofpacific.org

24 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 Aquarium ProgramsAquarium and Events News

Sea Fare '08

Honda Raffle Winner cott S melzer cott S a Andrew R eitsm Aquarium Accolades The Aquarium recognizes outstanding citizens in our community, pays tribute to our Honda Dream Big Raffle winner, and celebrates recent achievements.

Congratulations to Raffle Winner well as through his service to the community. California Climate Action Registry The Aquarium of the Pacific is pleased to Yon is one of the founders of the Cambodian Having successfully completed its first year announce that Kathie Nash from Yorba Linda Association of America (CAA) and has served of reporting carbon dioxide emissions, the is the winner of the 2008 Honda Dream Big on its board for more than 30 years. Opening Aquarium of the Pacific has taken further Raffle. Because of the support of American in 1958, the CAA is the oldest and largest initiative by reporting its emissions for all six Honda Motor Co. Inc. and all those who Cambodian organization in the United States. Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gases (GHGs) in purchased tickets, the Aquarium raised CAA has been instrumental in establishing its second year of reporting to the California almost $70,000 towards its education and the Cambodian community in Long Beach Climate Action Registry. The Aquarium conservation programs. and promoting small businesses along the decided to begin reporting carbon dioxide, Anaheim and Atlantic corridors, an area methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, known to many as “Cambodia Town.” Sea Fare Success perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride in advance of what the Registry requires. The Aquarium’s 10th Anniversary Sea Fare By joining the Registry and exceeding its fundraising event was held on Saturday, FilAm ARTS | Heritage Award requirements, the Aquarium demonstrates its October 18. Approximately 580 guests During the Autumn Festival in November concern regarding global climate change and enjoyed culinary delights from over 20 food the Aquarium honored the Association for its commitment to being a leader in working and beverage providers while bidding on an the Advancement of Filipino American Arts on this threat to the ocean planet. The array of unique silent and live auction items & Culture, known as FilAm ARTS, with a Registry, created by the California legislature to benefit the Aquarium. Our “Go Fish” oppor- Heritage Award. For 17 years FilAm ARTS in 2000, is a private non-profit that helps tunity game was a hit and guests danced the has been a leader in the arts not only in companies and organizations throughout the night away to the live music of Ronny and the Southern California, but also throughout the United States to track, publicly report, and Classics. Thanks to event sponsors, auction nation. This multi-disciplinary community reduce their GHG emissions. In 2007 the donors, participating food and beverage arts organization works to achieve its mission Aquarium certified its GHG emissions inven- providers, and guests, the Aquarium raised to advance the understanding of the arts tory with the Registry to become the first over $146,000 (more than any previous year) and diverse cultural heritage of Filipinos. among museums, zoos, and aquariums in the for its education and conservation initiatives. The organization is recognized as a largest presenter of both traditional and emerging United States to earn the status of a Climate Filipino-American artists and art forms in Action Leader™ (see the Summer 2008 issue Pich Yon | Heritage Award Southern California. The Aquarium recog- of Pacific Currents, page 27). On Southeast Asia Day last October the nized the organization for their success in Aquarium honored Pich Yon with its Heritage honoring Filipino traditions that anchor their Award for his contributions to the Cambodian community. community. Yon is a steward of Cambodian culture through preserving Cambodian art as

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 25 Aquarium News

2008 Pacific Circle Members

he Aquarium of the Pacific proudly recognizes the following Pacific Circle members for their commitment to the ocean and generos- ity to the Aquarium. Members of the Pacific Circle contribute annual gifts that fund the Aquarium's annual operations. This institution T is truly grateful to have such committed and generous support. This listing does not include donations to our Education Fund, Scholarship Fund, Ocean Conservation Awards Gala, Capital Campaign, and other special projects.

Copper Graham and Mary Ellen Kilsby Councilmember Gary and Charles and Jill Maggs The Kleiner Cohen Foundation Dawna DeLong Peri Marek and Peg Urvoas Levels of Giving Stephen and Brenda Olson Trish and Don Lange Steve Dodge Gary and Gretchen Marlotte Edmund and Teresa Lohr Laura and Andria Dougherty Margie and Jon Masterson $100,000+ ...... Platinum Bronze Raul and Sabrina Martinez Adrianne DuMond Cindy L. Matsumoto and $50,000+ ...... Gold Gary Y. Matsumoto, Ed.D. Brek Manufacturing Company Margaret A. Maw Dr. Charles and Margaret Durnin $25,000+ ...... Silver Steven and Niko Mayer James and Elizabeth Breslauer Neil McClean and Hilary Garland Don and Gay Durward $15,000+ ...... Copper Mario and Therese Molina Steven L. and Karen M. Eakle Jan Mazyck Dr. Dominic and Jerry and Colleen McDonald $10,000+...... Bronze Margaret DeCristofaro Jeffrey Morgan and Kim Knepper Viktoria Engel Tyer and Nancy and Chas Merrill $5,000+ ...... Chairman Edwin and Maryann Feo Mona and Dr. Jeffrey W. Morris Emily Engel Norman and Suzanne Metcalfe Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg William and Kathleen Mudd Charles Z. and Meri L. Fedak $2,500+ ...... Director Cecile Fisher and Henry J. Meyer March Vision Care Marsha Naify $1,500+ ...... President Michael K. Nakashoji Isaias Castellanos David and Cynthia Mirsky Marvin and Mariclare Suomi Corinne and Bruce Monroe $1,000+ ...... Executive Wells Fargo Patrick V. Gough Co., Inc. Walt and Linda Florie Pennycollector.com Suzanne Forman David and Charlotte Morrison Dennis C. Poulsen and Adele W. Fortune and Steve Nash Carlotta Neri Chairman Suzanne M. Poulsen Russ and Karen Frerer Charles and Rennee Nicholas Debbie and Bob Fults Kathie Nirschl Anonymous Lynne M. Preslo R.G. and Alexandra and Terrence Sullivan Geof Garth and Jean Egan David and Tina Nishida Loraine Ackerman Dr. Wayne N. Sawka Takehiko Suzuki and Rocky and Deborah Gentner Alex and Margie Norman Kenneth and Jeanne Conklin Securitas Security Deborah May Douglas and Freda Hinsche Otto John and Joan Knight Services USA Inc. Sandra B. George David Thompson Richard and Donice Pancost Betty White Ludden Richard C. Smith and Gippy's Internet Solutions, LLC Janie Thompson Jack and Mary McFerran Patricia Frobes Jacky Glass Rosellen and Harry Papp William and Karen Timberlake Phyllis Miller Sony Pictures Entertainment Richard and Kathy Gomez Joan B. Pauloo Steve and Jamie Tisch Lindsey Philpott and Barbara H. Stevens Jim and Gail Gray John F. Penny Scott and Tracey Tozier Kim E. Moore Todd and Karen Stevens Gary Grimm and Nancy and Byron Pinckert Tuna Club Foundation Dr. Alan Robb and Richard and Barbara Stratton Linda Dakin-Grimm Lyn and John Pohlmann Tom Turney and Jill Boivin Dr. Guadalupe Padilla-Robb Scott Sweetow and James C. and Jorene Hankla Barbara A. Pollack and Union Bank Kurt Schulzman and Richard Neri Lisa Green-Sweetow Dr. Carl, Elise, and John A. Burkholder John and Judi Uphold Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund Susan A. Treen Shelby Hartman Charles and Deborah Reames John G. Uriostegui UBS Peter and Virginia Ueberroth Bucky Hazan Janet and Fred Riedman Chris and Peter Valli Mick and Louise Ukleja Ron Heiman and Jonathan and Barbara Roth Kenneth and Nancy Walker Steve and Marlene Young Janice Riley Heiman John and Susanne Rouse William Waterhouse and Director Otto and Shirley Henke Nicholas L. Saakvitne and Barbara Long Waterhouse Anonymous President Ann M. Herring Sharon L. Heritage Windes & McClaughry Dr. Mary Jane Adams Joseph Herron and Patricia Baird Jonathan and Jamie Saltman Jane Wright John and Corinne Bertrand Anonymous (2) Russell and Avalon Hill Tina and Brian Sarty Leah C. Young Yvonne M. Bogdanovich Tamara Achauer Valerie and Bob Hoffman Bob and Gail Schack Jeanne M. Brodeur David and Merryl Alpert Mark and Mary Hoover Jerry R. and Margaret H. Schubel Doug and Holly Carpenter Daniel and Theresa Aranda Muriel Horacek Russell S. Schwartz and Executive Stephen and Patricia Chazen Kam Babaoff Albert C. Hu and Susan D. Goland Anonymous Donald and Sally Clark Doug and Connie Baker Michele E. Brantner John T. Shadden, Smith Barney Dr. Lance and Mrs. Amy Adams Jose and Brigitte Collazo Mark and Joyce Barnett Dr. Masashi and Teruko Itano Kash and Theresa Sheikh Vince and Devon Cichoski Steve and Fran Conley Rob Bellevue and Q. Scott and Hiroe Kaye Cynthia K. Shelton Vito and Theresa Demonte Gordon and Susan DesCombes Agnes Mulhearn Joel Kessler Jenny and Dave Shlemmer Meera Deo and Manoj Kulkarni Dr. James and Sue Femino/ Barbara Bixby Blackwell Mary F. Kiddie Leonard and Myrna Simon Ryan Heiman Femino Foundation Phil and Charlene Bosl Michael and Catherine King Marilyn and Ron Sion Sarah Kaleel John Fielder and Donita Van Horik Carter and Barbara Boswell Jeanne and Ron Kipp Jeanne B. Sleeper Sam Lantinga and William A. Garlin, Jr. Richard Boucher and Patrick M. Kohler Jean Bixby Smith Lauren MacDonell Frederick and Leslie Gaylord Andrea Amram R. J. Kurtz Dr. Preston and Nancy Smith Thomas and Jae Lee Bob and Jennifer Hagle Bonnie Brae Richard and Linda Landes Richard and Luan Smith Virginia McCallum John and Elizabeth Hancock George and Judy Breshears Joseph C. LaPine and Kathy Baier Michael and Mildred Sondermann Charitable Trust David and Lindley Hasenauer Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Robert and Nancy Latimer Jeffrey Spofford Scott and Nicole Pearson Roy and Elda Hearrean John F. Cermak LBS Financial Credit Union Del and Carole Stagg Anthony Pichardo and Madeline and Donald Heimark Andrew and Diana Cohen Coral and Ron Levin Charles and Ellen Steinmetz Morgan Barrows Radm John and Nancy Higginson David Comer and Elsie Tucker Michael and Vanessa Lewis Paul and Marcia Stelling Ned and Irene Sasaki Matt and Lisa Humphreys Cindy and John Costello Harry Lewis Eiko and Floyd Stewart Richard and Amy Toyama Hans and Valerie Imhof Marjorie Countryman John and Linda Loftus Peter and Marian Stocking Mike and Lorri Whitney Michael and Diane Jensen John Crochet Mike and Georgie Lynch Hendricus Struijk and Douglas Yakich and Kim Ketterman and Art Rodriguez Dameron Family Foundation Ed and Deb Lyszczek Andrew Lopez Jacqueline Jordan

F or more information on how you can become a member of the Pacific Circle, please contact the Aquarium’s development office at (562) 951-1664. List as of 12/22/08.

26 | Pacific Currents | Spring 2009 Conservation Corner a Andrew R eitsm The Green Pet Have you ever wondered, “What’s the carbon footprint of that doggy in the window?” Well, perhaps not, but being a pet owner does present its own challenges of how to be green, as in every other aspect of our lives.

here are many things we can do as pet owners that could added to your pet’s food, making their blood unappealing to fleas. Be help the environment and our pets to be healthier. Let’s aware that fresh garlic and onion can be harmful to cats. Adding a little T start with feeding your pet. At the Aquarium, we use apple cider vinegar to your pet’s water can help to strengthen their sustainable options for the food we feed our animals immune system, which deters fleas as well. whenever possible. Even the shrimp, which is the most challenging For outdoor flea treatments, either diatomaceous earth or nematodes item to find from a sustainable source, has been thoroughly researched can be spread around homes and across yards. Diatomaceous earth to find the best option. Whether you have a cat, dog, bird, fish, reptile, is made up of the silicate shells of microscopic sea creatures called or other critter, a number of green choices for pet food are now diatoms. Their razor sharp edges kill and deter fleas, ticks, and slugs available. Look for organic and all natural foods. These products without the use of harmful poisons. Nematodes are microscopic generally contain fewer pesticides, hormones, and ingredients that are worms that eat flea larvae, providing a useful and safe method of usually common allergens, such as wheat or corn meal. For conscien- biological flea control. Unlike using chemicals, these methods of flea tious pet owners that have the time and inclination, making your pets’ control are not harmful to the environment or your pets. Inside the food yourself might be a way to ensure the quality of the food. Higher home, boric acid can be used on carpet to get rid of fleas. One caution, quality food can prevent illness and can mean a lower vet bill overall. however. If you have babies or young children, do not let them crawl Of course, what goes in, must come out. If you have a dog that around on the treated carpet. poops when you take walks, as opposed to going potty in your own For those with saltwater aquariums, choosing fishes, corals, and yard, we recommend that you pick it up with biodegradable poop bags. invertebrates that were collected in a responsible manner can be tricky. Plastic bags can take over 100 years to decompose, so a biodegradable The Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) is an international non-profit and compostable bag is a more responsible choice. For cats, use a that works to ensure standards to conserve reefs and other marine biodegradable litter liner. And as for the litter itself, avoid clay litter, ecosystems are practiced. They offer certification to retailers, collectors, which is the result of strip mining and can contain toxins. And cat litter and others. Their website (www.aquariumcouncil.org) offers educa- should never be flushed. Toss it out in the trash to avoid clogging your tional materials for aquarium keepers. toilet and sending harmful bacteria to the ocean. For aquariums, there Environmental awareness is an ever-broadening circle. No matter are environmentally friendly water additives as well as options such as where you are in the process of discovery, there is likely more to be adding snails to improve water quality. learned. There are many websites and books available on the topic of As for flea control on cats and dogs, there are a number of natural being a green pet owner for those who would like to delve deeper. solutions. A small amount of garlic powder and nutritional yeast can be

spring 2009 | Pacific Currents | 27 • • Exciting specialevents • NoBlackOutDates can come allyear for $110! Big Savings—an entire family

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