It’s time to live blue™

Why should kids have all the fun? Join Us for Our Summer Fin & Tonic An Adults-Only Evening at the Aquarium

Why Our Fur Seals Are Fabulous Making Your Visit Great Is Our Goal Summer Fun on Central Wharf Members’ Magazine Volume 51, Number 3 Summer 2018 At the Aquarium: New Lionfish Are Stunning

The sting of two of the Aquarium’s lionfish could newest residents has been described become the as a bee sting on steroids. most abundant So no wonder aquarists don puncture- fish species resistant gloves and work with a buddy on coral reefs, From the Chair displacing many of the Board of Trustees when putting their hands in the tank of the clearfin lionfish (Pterois radiata) other species At the New England Aquarium, our mission and Mombasa lionfish (Pterois that contribute to be effective advocates for vital and vibrant mombasae). to the reefs’ oceans informs everything we do, and here on health. Recently, Brianne Dent Central Wharf, we do a lot. But these stunning fish, which were a fishery for added in April to the Armored and Stroll around the Aquarium to the New lionfish and a demand from the fish- Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center Venomous exhibit in the Tropical eating public were created. The good overlooking Boston Harbor and you’ll be Gallery on Level 1, are worth the news is common lionfish, which are captivated as the frisky northern fur seals fly danger. great to eat, are now available at retail through the water. Stay for a training session With their vibrant red coloring and outlets such as Whole Foods. and you’ll learn about the seals’ habitat and how protruding white spines, the pair their fur—the second thickest in the animal At the Aquarium, the lionfish are stand out from the common lionfish, kingdom—is perfectly suited to help them fed shrimp and silversides. But in the scorpionfish, and pufferfish in the tank. stay warm in the chilly waters of the Northern ocean, lionfish are opportunistic eaters Pacific Ocean. This sort of exciting and “To my knowledge, we haven’t had and have nondiscriminatory appetites. enriching animal encounter is what you’ve these species before,” said Senior “They will eat anything that fits into come to expect from the Aquarium. Aquarist Brianne Dent. “This was their mouths. They have no off-switch,” What may surprise you, however, are the years one of the reasons why I wanted to said Brianne. of research and conservation efforts our staff, give them a home. The new fish add including our scientists in the Anderson Cabot a different look and some color to And fear not about their dangerous Center for Ocean Life at the New England the exhibit.” sting. Brianne said there have been no Aquarium, has undertaken to help protect these In This Issue incidents she is aware of involving any A young visitor touches a cownose ray in The two new lionfish came to the extraordinary marine mammals. Now with the The Trust Family Foundation Shark and of the lionfish at the Aquarium. launch of , you can Cool Jobs: Aquarium’s Visitor Experience team Aquarium in January from the Life According to Fur Seals 2 Ray Touch Tank. — Jon Kinson learn more about that important work too. Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, By uniting the resources of the Aquarium— 4 Catalysts for Change: MCAF Fellow studies @neaq.org which was looking for a new home engaging with the public as a cultural southern right whales Dive into a sea of resources online at neaq.org. for them. Our website is full of conservation information, animal institution, offering the extensive curriculum facts, and details that will help you plan your next trip In the wild, all these species of ™ Think blue when online shopping of the Education Department, and expanding 5 live blue : to the Aquarium. lionfish can be found in the the global reach of the Anderson Cabot Center Indian and Western Pacific for Ocean Life—we are having important Future Ocean Protectors: What makes fur seals so special On the cover: 6 oceans on rocky reefs, impacts on ocean health and inspiring others A clearfin lionfish(Pterois radiata) Photo: Keith Ellenbogen where they spend the day to be effective advocates as well. 8 Central Wharf Explorer: Summer fun at and blue is a quarterly magazine exclusively for members of the New England Aquarium produced and published by under overhangs and In 2017, 79 percent of Aquarium visitors around the Aquarium New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. ledges and come out surveyed said they were “very likely” to help Publishing office is located at 177 Milk St., Boston. at night to feed. the oceans after a visit to Central Wharf. In a 10 Members' Notes: Whale Watches and Liberty Fleet, blue and all materials within are property of the time of climate change, we can think of no New England Aquarium. Reproduction of any materials The Tide event, summer visiting tips is possible only through written permission. © blue 2018 Unfortunately, the more important achievement. Editor: Jon Kinson common lionfish is When you support the Aquarium, you support 12 Calendar: Spring lecture series continues, Designer: Cathy LeBlanc a voracious invasive the oceans. As a nonprofit organization, the upcoming events, new films Contributors: Emily Bauernfeind, Marissa Ghantous, species that has made Aquarium relies on the generosity of those Emily Greenhalgh, Kelli James, Jon Kinson, Deb Kulich, its way to the Caribbean and Amy MacKinnon who are as passionate about protecting the blue New England Aquarium Proudly Recognizes Our Lead Sponsors Sea and parts of the planet as we are. Thank you to each of our General Information: 617-973-5200 Atlantic Ocean and is now Marine Animal Stranding Hotline: 617-973-5247 members for joining us in our mission and one of the most important empowering us to do this important work. Membership: 617-973-6555, [email protected] Navigator and Conservation Societies: 617-226-2622, conservation issues in the world. [email protected] It lacks any natural predators and has an impressive appetite and The Mombasa lionfish adds a colorful splash to Donna K. Hazard reproductive skills. Common the Armored and Venomous exhibit on Level 1.

1 cool jobs “One of the major responsibilities of those —Amy MacKinnon at the Information Desk is to be familiar with everything having to do with the Aquarium,” said Patrick Beckles, who is proud of Where Visiting his friendly staff. “Our best moments are when a visitor walks away with a smile, and says, Is an Experience ‘Thank you, I had a great experience.’ ” Even before your visit to the From the moment you step foot onto parking validated, have extra guests, New England Aquarium, the Central Wharf, a member of the or have a question, they can make a Visitor Experience (VX) team is VX team is there to help guide you quick stop at the Information Desk Supervisor of Visitor Experience. planning how best to welcome you. where you need to go, whether it be to get the help they need. They’re A 28-year veteran of the Aquarium, he “Our focus is both logistical and the Aquarium Whale Watch booth, actively supporting the important work knows every square inch of the building experiential,” said Deb Bobek, Simons IMAX® Theatre ticket of the Aquarium, so we want to do and beyond, and is eager to share any Associate Vice President for Visitor counter, or into the Aquarium itself. everything we can to support them.” helpful hints with those interested in Operations and Engagement. “We’re “We’re especially excited to welcome During that quick stop at the learning more. Patrick and his team start excited to welcome our members and our members here,” said Deb. “They Information Desk, you may come the day by reviewing the Aquarium’s visitors here, and share our passion for and their guests can bypass the line face to face with Patrick Beckles, daily schedule, while coordinating with “We’re not here because the Visitor Education team to give the Aquarium’s mission with them.” and head straight in. If they need their it’s a job,” Deb Bobek the extra curious visitor an enhanced said. “We’re here because experience. we’re passionate about “One of the major responsibilities of our mission and we’re going those at the Information Desk is to be to share that passion with “Here at the IMAX, we get familiar with everything having to do with the Aquarium,” said Patrick, who our visitors.” to bring our visitors to the is proud of his friendly staff. “Our best Galapagos Islands or take moments are when a visitor walks away a deep dive with sharks,” with a smile, and says, ‘Thank you, said Derek McNiff. Aquarium’s sea turtle rescue program I had a great experience.’ ” “Last summer, we got to with the movie Saving Sea Turtles. Once visitors begin to wind their way My job is to make people happy.” highlight the Aquarium’s around the Giant Ocean Tank, they may sea turtle rescue program Deb would agree. Sitting in her find volunteer educator Nancy LeClair with the movie Saving Sea waiting to greet them. A designer by second-floor office with a window Turtles. My job is to make trade and a lifelong ocean advocate, overlooking the lobby, she became Nancy began volunteering at the quiet for a moment when speaking people happy.” Aquarium four years ago. of the Aquarium’s Visitor Operations “We roam all around the and Engagement team. “We roam all around the building,” building,” Nancy LeClair Nancy said about the Visitor Education “We’re not here because it’s a job,” said about the Visitor Education volunteers. “We could be at The Trust Deb said. “We’re here because we’re volunteers. “We could be at Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch passionate about our mission and The Trust Family Foundation Tank or Edge of the Sea Touch Tank, we’re going to share that passion Shark and Ray Touch Tank or anywhere. It’s a chance for people to with our visitors.” Edge of the Sea Touch Tank, do something they might not have the anywhere. It’s a chance for opportunity to do again.” people to do something For those taking in an IMAX film, they might not have the Shift Leader Derek McNiff is there Protecting the Blue Planet Together opportunity to do again.” at the box office waiting to help them The New England Aquarium is a catalyst for global change through choose just the right movie experience. public engagement, commitment to marine animal conservation, “Here at the IMAX, we get to bring our leadership in education, innovative scientific research, and effective visitors to the Galapagos Islands or take advocacy for vital and vibrant oceans. a deep dive with sharks,” said Derek. Please consider making a donation to the New England Aquarium so “Last summer, we got to highlight the that together we can advance our mission to protect the blue planet. 2 3 catalysts for change live blue TM

—Emily Greenhalgh —Emily Bauernfeind A Tale of Shop Like Your Planet Two Right Whales Depends on It

Since 1980, our scientists have been data is used to analyze problems that plague With a smartphone in hand, many of us sweaters, sneakers, and scarves. navigate life tethered to the internet, and Now there are lots of ways to buy used studying the North Atlantic right whale, the vulnerable population and impact the MCAF Fellow Florencia Vilches. a critically endangered species whose development of recovery strategies and that includes much of our shopping. You clothing with the added convenience numbers total fewer than 450 individuals. management and conservation efforts. recognized and identified by their can get just about anything delivered to of online shopping. Websites like One of the backbones of that research is callosities and other markings. Through this work and other vital programs, your home, from groceries to furniture ThredUp.com and Swap.com post the North Atlantic Right Whale Identification our dedicated scientists have been helping With the support from an MCAF to sneakers, all at the click of a button. high-quality clothing, professionally Catalog, which is curated by dedicated the North Atlantic right whale for decades. microgrant, MCAF Fellow Florencia Online shopping is certainly convenient, photographed, and helpfully categorized scientists at the Anderson Cabot Center for But did you know that the Anderson Cabot Vilches was trained in the management but sometimes it can be harmful to our by style, color, size, and brand. An added Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. Center for Ocean Life is also working to of a long-standing catalog of southern environment. The increased use of fossil bonus is this new-to-you clothing costs Right whales are identifiable by callosities, support another right whale species? right whales run by the Ocean Alliance fuels consumed by transportation and considerably less than if you bought the natural patches on the top of their in Gloucester, MA, in partnership The Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life’s manufacturing, crossing our continent it new. There are also many online heads, as well as other scars or markings with the Instituto de Conservación de Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) and globe, creates excess carbon dioxide resources for buying used furniture, on their bodies. Our scientists can Ballenas in Buenos Aires, Argentina. has funded southern right whale projects that contributes to climate change. electronics, and decor locally, recognize these marks on thousands Very similar to our long-standing Right in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and including boston.craigslist.org and of photographs, connecting important Whale ID Catalog, this helps scientists Fortunately, it is possible to shop online Argentina. Southern right whales—a cousin information about the population—location, document the health of the entire marketplace.apartmenttherapy.com. to the iconic North Atlantic leviathans—live with our blue planet in mind. Here are mortality, health, and reproductive population. in the Southern Hemisphere, frequenting a few tips to keep in mind as you’re success—with specific whales. This vital waters as far south as the Southern Much the same way our Right Whale clicking your way to new treasures. Ocean around Antarctica. Like the Team could not compile the North Use Patience and Planning North Atlantic right whale, individual Atlantic Right Whale ID Catalog When Buying New southern right whales can be without our partners and collaborators, Swap with Your Florencia and the Instituto de If you absolutely need something in Conservación de Ballenas do not work Cyber-Neighbor particular and you can’t find it in as an island. Her group partnered your neighborhood or through online with local whale watch operators, who The transfer station swap shop has migrated to the internet, creating consignment, the convenience of online provided more than 460,000 photos shopping is undeniable. Whether you’re of the southern right whales taken opportunities to engage with neighbors shopping on Amazon.com or ordering between 2004 and 2016 to add to online and extend the life of many the catalog. goods. The Buy Nothing Project is food delivery from your local market, a community-based initiative with look for items that are manufactured and Florencia will be at the New England shipped locally. Try to consolidate your Aquarium this summer as part of our active Facebook groups in more than Florencia Vilches, left, can identify individual southern purchases so your order comes in fewer Lecture Series. Come and hear her 20 Boston neighborhoods and many right whales by their callosity patterns. shipments, which means fewer trips by talk about her work with southern other communities across the country. right whales on July 12. Freecycle.com is another place to the delivery truck. Also, avoid expedited post your unneeded goods or seek out shipping (even if it’s free) because that For more information on the lecture, allows companies the time to fully pack visit neaq.org/lectures. something in particular. Daily posts in One person’s trash can truly these online communities are searchable their trucks. With a little bit of planning Learn More In the months and can include a dazzling array of items and patience, you can order in a way that be another person’s treasure, ahead, Anderson Cabot Center from wedding dresses to plant cuttings, minimizes the use of fossil fuels in the and keeping it local means researchers will share more exciting stacks of old magazines to baby strollers. shipping process. science-based solutions to problems Supporting your local community and that you can get to know your facing our oceans. Please visit making thoughtful choices can make a andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org Buy Used neighbors while you use less to learn more about our work or to difference for our blue planet. So when make a donation. Thrift shopping has always been a way you’re shopping online, like we all do, use fossil fuels. to find fabulous outfits while saving the these tips to try to find the little ways we carbon emissions needed to create new can reduce our carbon footprint.

Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis)

4 5 future ocean protectors Ocean animal fun facts for young readers

Body: Furry, Male and female fur seals vary greatly in size—this is called sexual dimorphism. While female northern fur seals can grow up to 4.5 feet in length and weigh up to 120 pounds, the males can grow as long as 7 feet and weigh a whopping Nails: 600 pounds. Fur seals have three nails on each hind flipper. This helps them groom that thick Flexible, fur. They can even bend their hind flipper Flippered, in half to make full use of these nails.

and Flippers: Fur seals have bones that reach halfway down their hind (rear) flippers. Past this point, the flippers are made of cartilage, allowing seals to reach anywhere on their bodies to groom their fur coats. They can also rotate Fabulous their flippers underneath themselves to walk on land. Northern fur seals, the stars of Fur: Life According to Fur Seals at the With about 300,000 hairs per square inch, the fur of a New Balance Foundation Marine northern fur seal is the second thickest in the animal Mammal Center, are famously known kingdom; the sea otter has the thickest fur. They have for their thick fur. They have many two coats of fur. The dark outer fur is very dark, while other special adaptations as well. the undercoat is a peach color. Teeth: Their fur is so thick, that water never Ears: Northern fur seals don’t chew their reaches their skin. This allows fur seals Like sea lions, northern food. They swallow it whole. If a to staywarm as they hunt for food in the frigid fur seals belong to the fish is too big to gulp down, the waters of the Northern Pacific Ocean. “eared seal” family seals hold it tightly with their very (Otariidae). They have sharp teeth and whip their head great hearing. from side to side with such force the fish tears apart into bite-size pieces. Pinnipeds (a group that includes seals, sea lions, and Whiskers: Fur seals use their whiskers, Eyes: walrus) have an average of 34 to or vibrissae, to feel for While northern fur seals 38 teeth, while humans have 32. vibrations in the water to don’t have color vision, hunt fish, avoid predators, they see in shades of and explore their black and white and environment. have good eyesight.

Main Photo: Keith Ellenbogen

6 7 central wharf explorer

—Emily Bauernfeind

World-Class Destinations Finally! We’ve burst into summer with the enthusiasm Visit the Grab a that comes from enduring a cool and dreary spring. The Fur Seals Tasty Treat fur seals are frolicking in the You’ve heard about them on Catch a few sea breezes and watch New Balance Foundation the radio and seen the ads the boats come and go as you dine Here at Marine Mammal Center, about town, now come see at our seasonal outdoor restaurant, the cool drinks are flowing the stars living Life According The Reef. There’s something for Get Out on at The Reef restaurant on to Fur Seals. Find out why everyone with family-friendly our front plaza, and Central Chiidax, Ursula, Luna, and Kit nibbles and cold beers on tap. the Water Wharf is bustling with are always primping and why As the name suggests, the Harbor What’s better than escaping the Home engaging (and educational!) our researchers are studying View Café inside the Aquarium Members Save summer heat by heading out on the activities. Numerous Aquarium their poop. The New England offers broad views of the harbor water? Seeing whales while you’re at partnerships also offer Aquarium is one of only three and an assortment of lunch items, at These Hot Spots it! New England Aquarium Whale opportunities to save while aquaria in the U.S. where people including daily specials, made-to- Your Aquarium membership card wields Watch runs boats all day long, and you tack on a little extra fun can get up close to northern order sandwiches, fresh salads, and a lot of fun! Aquarium members can save when whale sightings are guaranteed. they take advantage of these opportunities. to your day. fur seals. the ever-popular french fries and Not only have the humpback Simply flash your member card. chicken fingers. We’ve come up with a few Of course you can’t stop there! whales been feasting, but it’s been suggestions to help you plan an Check in with the penguins, a great year for seeing seabirds, The Reef and Harbor View Café epic day. So bring your friends, the sharks and rays in the seals, dolphins, and other whale Enjoy 10% off your food and drinks (alcohol excluded). introduce them to Myrtle the touch tank, and the octopus in Go Big with species like minke, sei, and fin green sea turtle, and show them the Olympic Coast Sanctuary whales. Or hop aboard one of the New England Aquarium a good time at and around exhibit. All your favorite a Super- classic schooners of the Liberty Whale Watch your Aquarium. Our patch of exhibits are bursting with life, Fleet of Tall Ships to take in the Save 16% on your seafaring adventure. Boston’s downtown waterfront and you never know when Sized Film sights and sounds of Boston Harbor is chock full of fun, a world- you’ll find something new. Settling into a seat in our Simons while enjoying a leisurely drink or Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships class destination right here in IMAX® Theatre is a nice way to snack. Let the best wind of the day Save 10% when you set sail. your backyard. Come explore! take you to Charlestown and take a break, but our Gift Shop giant films are far the historic North End or Fort Independence and Members get 10% off your entire purchase from a snooze. These (some exclusions apply). movies introduce the scenic Boston Harbor animals from wildly Islands. Ahoy! IMAX Theatre Tickets diverse habitats Continue your day with a Most members receive a select number in exceptional 3D tour of the city on a Boston of free passes. format. Panda cubs Duck Tour. Stroll along the All Standard members get bumble across the historic and hopping streets 10% off additional tickets. screen as Pandas of the nearby North End. All Premium members get flat-rate 3D shares a cuddly Let the kids cool off in the $5 tickets. conservation story from the other fountains along the Rose Kennedy Magic Memories side of the planet. Oceans 3D: Greenway—adults welcome, too! Pay a one-time $15 fee to receive digital Our Blue Planet! dips under the Soak in views of Boston Harbor photo keepsakes for a full year, waves for intimate looks at sea along the Harborwalk. Choose OR receive 15% off a full package purchase, otters in kelp forests, clever fish your summertime adventure, there’s which includes a years’ worth of free digital images. on coral reefs, and sperm whales so much to enjoy at and around lumbering through the indigo blue your Aquarium! Duck Tours open ocean. Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Tour the town by land and water and get Wonderland transports you to these $2 off each ticket. Photo: Keith Ellenbogen Keith Photo: remarkable islands made famous by Left: Rockhopper penguins are just one of three penguin species at the Aquarium. Above: Northern fur seals play in the New Balance Foundation grunting land tortoises and marine Bookmark neaq.org/memberevents Marine Mammal Center. iguanas that sneeze salt water. to have these benefits handy at all times. 8 9 members’ notes

Reserve Tickets and three guests) plus Member Summer in Advance discounted admission Making Waves with The Tide Our special venues— may be purchased for an The Tide, a group of young like the Simons IMAX® additional four guests. professionals rising up in Our Heartfelt Visiting Tips Theatre—can sell out Discounted tickets may be Boston, held its second annual quickly. Ensure you get to purchased in the lobby for Making Waves with The Tide Quick Entrance your confirmation email these benefits, renew in do everything you want to same-day use. event on Thursday, May 3. Thanks As a member, you never with you when you visit person in our lobby or do on your visit by ordering The kid-free, 21-plus, open live blueTM —Take need to wait to enter the the Aquarium. However, by calling 617-973-6555 your tickets in advance. house brought together In 2007, the Public Transportation Aquarium. Expedite memberships purchased weekdays 9 a.m. to Don’t forget to use your likeminded The Aquarium is located New England your admission by having online require a minimum 4:30 p.m. member IMAX e-passes ocean lovers Aquarium your membership card of 48 hours to be processed just off the MBTA’s for a night Avoid Peak Times when ordering by phone welcomed and a photo ID in hand. into our system, which or in person. Blue Line, so taking the of ocean businesswoman Unless you need additional means that access to Most visitors arrive at the T is easy—and good for conservation and entrepreneur tickets, you can proceed other member benefits Aquarium in the middle Sharing the Aquarium the environment. If and tacos. Donna Hazard as directly to an entry and discounts, such as of the day. Beat the crowds with Friends you are driving, check Members a member of our scanner to the left of Simons IMAX® Theatre by arriving before 10:30 Members may purchase neaq.org/parking for area could “scoop the poop” to Board. Since then, her the Information Desk. passes, whale watch tickets a.m. or after 3 p.m. As discounted tickets for as parking options where learn more about our fur seals’ passion for the oceans and (during the season), and always, be sure to check many additional guests the Aquarium validates; hormones and cheered on diver commitment to the Aquarium have Renew Your educational programs, online at neaq.org for any as are covered by their and remember that only Mike O’Neill in the Giant Ocean only grown. She has actively served Membership Online will not be available until Aquarium alerts before membership level. For Aquarium members Tank with the help of educator on several committees, co-founded Visit neaq.org/membership after that time. To take leaving home. example, a Standard 4 receive a discount at the Taylor Englesman. Women Working for the Oceans any time to renew your immediate advantage of level membership admits Harbor Garage, adjacent To learn more about The Tide, (W2O), and, in 2014, accepted the membership; just bring four people (one member to the Aquarium. vist neaq.org/thetide. role of Aquarium Board Chair. And all while doing this, she was pursuing an additional master’s New England Aquarium Whale Watch Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships degree through the Harvard They breathe air, spout water, and blow minds! Set sail with Boston Hoist the sails, matey! Boston’s only fleet Extension School’s Sustainability Spend the Summer on the Water Harbor Cruises on a New England Aquarium Whale Watch to of tall ships offers Boston Harbor sailing on and Environmental Management Members now have two opportunities to save green while experience these majestic creatures for yourself. Your destination, a classic schooner. While on board, you’re Program! sailing the ocean blue. So take advantage of your member Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, is a rich feeding welcome to help hoist the sails, take the Last spring, Donna furthered her ground, which means you’ll have a good chance to view several helm, enjoy a drink or snack from the ship’s commitment when she stepped in benefits to spend this summer drinking in the magnificence different species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, bar, or just relax and take in the sights and as Interim President and CEO, of our blue planet when you go out on the water! minkes, pilot whales, and critically endangered North Atlantic right sounds of Boston Harbor. It’s always an whales, as well as dolphins, seals, seabirds, and other marine adventure as you sail with the best wind guiding the Aquarium through animals. An onboard Aquarium naturalist will fill you in on of the day, maybe finding yourself visiting Charlestown and the historic an exciting time of forward everything you’re seeing and answer your questions. North End or heading out to view Fort Independence and the spectacular motion while seeking a permanent Boston Harbor Islands. President and CEO. With our new Purchase discounted Aquarium member tickets online at President joining us this summer, bostonharborcruises.com or by phone at 617-227-4321 or Purchase discounted Aquarium member tickets for Liberty Clipper and (toll-free) 877-SEE-WHALE (877-733-9425). Please have your Aquarium Liberty Star day and sunset harbor sails online at libertyfleet.com or by the staff would like to take a membership ID number ready and use promo code AQMEM18. calling 617-742-0333 using the discount code NEAQ18. moment to thank Donna for her boundless dedication, leadership, Cruises Harbor Boston Photo: grace, humor, and genuine How to Spot a Whale on a Whale Watch kindness. She is a powerhouse And lastly, we look for any There are four main signs to look for. Occasionally, and an inspiration, and we’re unusual splashing. we are lucky enough to see surface activity lucky to have her. from a whale. So if you see a big, unusual Thank you, Donna, for all that you splash, it might be from a large whale. have done and continue to do for It’s also helpful to look for big clusters the Aquarium and the blue planet. of birds flocking near the surface. Most The first is the blow (also The second is the back The third is the whale’s seabirds feed on what the whales are called the spout), which will of the whale, which may tail. Some species, such as look like a big puff of white smoke have a dorsal fin on its back the humpback and right whale, feeding on. So if you see a big flock of on the horizon. A whale’s breath depending on the species. lift their tail out of the water seabirds, there may be a “bait ball” of fish condenses when it hits the air, when they dive. in the area, which would also attract whales. making the breath visible (same – Laura Howes effect when you see your own Director of Research and Education, breath on a cold winter day). Boston Harbor Cruises 10 11 July August September Films Oceans 3D: Our Blue Planet Free Aquarium Evening 40 minutes Lecture Series 7/12 8/23 New Cruise with The Tide Fin & Tonic The glittering oceans contain July 12 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. profound mysteries Celebrate summer on a sunset cruise Leave the kids at home beneath the waves, and The Southern Right Oceans 3D: Our Blue Planet Whales of Argentina: around Boston Harbor with The Tide! this special night and reveals those breathtaking A 47-Year Story Enjoy light refreshments and a cash come enjoy all YOU love at stories from the deep. From bar while taking in the city skyline, the Aquarium, plus drinks and athletic dolphins at play Written by Biological to a clever octopus hiding Research and networking with fellow ocean stewards, hors d’oeuvres, at Fin & Tonic! Whether in plain sight, explore Citizen Science and hearing from Aquarium educators you’re yearning to have your questions the dramatic events and about all that call the harbor home. answered at your favorite exhibits or intimate lives of the oceans' most extraordinary Florencia Ornela Vilches, Anderson creatures. Through these encounters, we’ll also Cabot Center for Ocean Life Marine Cost for Tide members is $35 and includes simply looking forward to playing patio discover how we all depend on the health of our Conservation Action Fund Fellow and a drink ticket. Cost for nonmembers is $45. games overlooking the harbor, you can’t oceans, the largest environment on Earth. Instituto de Conservación Boat leaves the dock at 6:15 p.m. sharp. beat summer on Central Wharf. Mark de Ballenas researcher neaq.org/thetide your calendar as ticketing opens at noon Pandas 3D: Florencia Vilches will discuss how a on August 7 for Premium-level members, New 39 minutes combination of scientific research and August 8 for Standard-level members, Cute just got cuter with cuddly panda cubs the active participation of citizens and August 14 for the public. bumbling their way across succeeded in filling critical data gaps Attendees must be 21 or older, and registration New England’s largest for a better assessment of the health of is required. Cost is $15 for members or $25 for screen in Pandas 3D! This Argentina’s southern right whales and nonmembers. heartwarming story follows neaq.org/memberevents an international team of their habitat. Coming up scientists as they prepare 9/23 to release a fluffy captive- July 19 VIP Premium Member Fish, Fun, and Fright! born panda cub in China’s Sunday 8 a.m. misty mountain wilds. Track The Omega Principle: Friday, October 26 each charming challenge and success in stunning Seafood and the Do fish sleep? As fish have no eyelids IMAX footage, one paw-step at a time. Quest for a 7/22 (except for some sharks, of course), how 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Long Life and a would you know? You never know what Galapagos 3D: VIP Premium Member Sunday Celebrate the creepy, crawly critters of the Healthier Planet you might learn before the lights come Nature’s 8 a.m. deep at our annual member family favorite, Paul Greenberg, on. So come take advantage of this Wonderland Start your Sunday with an early Fish, Fun, and Fright Halloween party. 39 minutes James Beard Award-winning author exclusive Premium member benefit and morning peek at the frisky and This is a night not to be missed, complete Take the trip of a lifetime Paul Greenberg will probe the rich and explore your New England Aquarium flexible northern fur seals as they with spooky fun, trick-and-treat stations, with Galapagos 3D: surprising history of omega-3 fatty before doors open to the public. Nature’s Wonderland. wake up and welcome the day by and your chance to earn a year of bragging acids. Behind these tiny molecules is a Admission, which is free, is limited Watch iguanas claw their flying through (and sometimes rights at our Kooky Costume Contest. way along the seafloor. big story of the push and pull of science to the number permitted with your over) the water of the New Balance So mark your calendars and start working Swim with tropical and business, of the fate of our oceans Premium-level membership. penguins. Foundation Marine Mammal on your costume. Tickets go on sale for in a human-dominated age, and of the neaq.org/memberevents explosion of land food at the expense of Center. You never know what Premium-level members on October 2 and you might learn as the seals start for Standard-level members on October 3. Standard 4 members and above receive a select healthier and more sustainable seafood. number of one-time-use IMAX e-passes, and all to rise and shine. So come take Don't Miss Out on One neaq.org/memberevents Giving Society members receive discounts on advantage of this exclusive Premium ticket prices! The Aquarium has been providing of Your Best Benefits member benefit and explore Tickets Purchase member tickets at any Aquarium free lectures and films by scientists, Each month, our Aquarium your New England Aquarium ticketing location or by phone at 617-973-5200. Films, environmental writers, photographers, members are kept up-to-date on all prices, and showtimes are subject to change. and others since 1972 through the before doors open to the public. the happenings with our members’ Rentals Private screening and facility rentals, generosity of the Lowell Institute. Admission, which is free, is limited e-newsletter, SeaMail. Enjoy the call 617-720-5104. Lectures are open to the public, to the number permitted with your behind-the-scenes stories and Parties IMAX birthday parties, call 617-973-6508. but registration is requested. Premium-level membership. neaq.org/memberevents information about upcoming lectures, Check neaq.org for a complete events, and special opportunities by list of films and showtimes! Visit us online for the Not a Premium level member yet? full schedule. Call the Membership office at sharing your email address with us. neaq.org/aquariumlectures 617-973-6555 to upgrade and start Log on to neaq.org/SeaMail to update or enjoying great benefits like this today. add your email to our address list. 12 13 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Boston, MA Permit 1113

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2019 is the Aquarium's 50th Anniversary! Be part of the celebration by sharing your member memories with us. neaq.org/memberstories

21M/RD Why should kids have all the fun? Join Us for Our Summer Fin & Tonic An Adults-Only Evening at the Aquarium August 23, 2018 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tickets required. Details, page 12.