Estuarine Biology Research at CMM by Kenneth R
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SPRING 2007 Vol. 32, No. Spring 2007 Estuarine Biology Research at CMM By Kenneth R. Kaumeyer, Curator of Estuarine Biology We are often asked whether we conduct estuarine biology mate once during the first year of captivity. research at CMM. The answer is “yes,” but not in the same man- After experimenting with various techniques we were ner as a conventional research institution. There are numerous eventually successful in this endeavor, and have had the same research laboratories in the area that conduct basic or “pure skates mate multiple times over a three-year period. This has research” designed to answer questions about the complex provided us with a relatively steady supply and large number nature of the of embryos. The key to captive C h e s a p e a k e breeding was a combination of light, Bay. Research temperature, and the diameter of in CMM’s Es- CMM aquarist Laura Magdeburger the holding tank. This success has tuarine Biology researching skate growth rates. allowed us to ship surplus embryos CMM photo by Ken Kaumeyer Department fol- and hatchlings to several lows a much dif- large aquariums for use in ferent course, their exhibits. We have also since we are shipped skate embryos to a not equipped or research facility in Florida for staffed to do pure research. use in biomedical research. Our mission is to develop Sharks, skates, and rays have and maintain exhibits that immune systems that are display the diversity of life similar in many respects to in the Chesapeake Bay, and humans, and have very low to interpret the complex ecology of the estuary. This can be a very challenging undertaking that often involves research into how to accomplish a particular objective. For example, the Skates and The skates and rays exhibit tank, popular with museum visitors. CMM photo by Bob Halll Rays exhibit, which has been quite popular with A four-inch baby skate just after hatching visitors, took almost two from its egg case. years to develop. We were faced with several challenges. First, CMM photo by Laura Magdeburger we wanted to exhibit skate embryos as they developed inside the egg case, or “mermaid’s purse.” To accomplish this we had rates of cancer tumors. Research has determined that they to develop a procedure to get the skates to breed in captivity produce yet-unidentified substances that kill cancer tumors. and to produce eggs beyond their normal three-month period If the elasmobranch immune regulatory molecules can be in the summer. This was to ensure that we had embryos to identified, we may have another weapon in the fight against exhibit throughout the year. Other facilities had attempted cancer. this with varying success, but generally could only get them to Continued on page 6 2 MUSEUM BOARD FOR 2007 Solomons Maritime Festival Scores There are three new members on the museum’s Board of with Supporters Governors in 2007. Anthony J. Benn is employed by Booz Allen This year’s Solomons Maritime Festival (see page 8) has Hamilton as a Defense Technical and Engineering Consultant attracted significant support from local organizations and and resides in Lusby. He is a retired naval officer, a technology businesses — all coming together to make this celebration of Southern Maryland Traditions possible. consulting businessman, and is actively involved in the local Benefactors: Thanks to the Calvert County Board of community. Ms. Pat G. Carpenter, of Chesapeake Beach, is Commissioners, the event is free and open to the public — there president of a nationwide fundraising network for Republican is no museum admission charge and no fee to ride the boats. women candidates for public office at all levels of government, and Sponsors: We are grateful to our sponsors, who donated $500 she has special interests in the environment and the Chesapeake to $000: The Patuxent Small Craft Guild, the Waterman’s Bay. Jeannie Cousineaux Stone of Dowell is a restaurateur with Association, McCready Railway, Zahniser’s Yachting Center, Stoney’s Seafood, Inc., active in the Calvert County Chamber of and Washburn’s Boat Yard. Commerce and the Solomons Business Association. She has a strong interest in tourism. The new members were welcomed Tommy Zinn and Jackie Bowen at the board dinner on December 6, and three retiring board presenting a members were recognized for their service: Richard H. Fischer check from the Jr., John P. Ford, and Edward Gregory Wells. Waterman’s Board members who will continue in 2007 are: David E. Association to Sherrod Sturrock Butler, Robert S. Crum, Robert S. Currie, Karen Everett, Marshall for the Maritime S. Gibson, Michael L. Hewitt, Dennis M. King, Marvin E. Oursler, Festival. CMM Constantine J. Pappas, James B. Perkins III, Kirk L. Swain, photo by Melissa and Robert L. Swann. Ex officio members include County McCormick Commissioner Gerald “Jerry” Clark, CMM director C. Douglass Alves Jr., and Rear Admiral Timothy Heely, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, at the Patuxent River Naval Al Lavish and Bill Lake of the Air Station. Kirk Patuxent Small Swain was elected Craft Guild as chairman for presenting a 2007 check to deputy Quarterly Newsletter of the director Sherrod Calvert Marine Museum Members of Sturrock for the (A Division of Calvert County Government) the museum’s Board Maritime Festival. and the Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc. of Governors also CMM photo (ISSN 0887-65X) serve as directors of by Melissa MCCormick C. Douglass Alves Jr., Director the Calvert Marine Paul L. Berry, Editor Museum Society, Other contributors to this issue: Supporters: Our supporters donated $250 - $350 to help Inc., responsible for Sherry Reid, Robin Strayer us mount this great event. Thanks go to Chesapeake Energy Debra Strozier and Sherrod Sturrock fundraising. Services, Drum Point Marina, and Spring Cove Marina. Friends: The bugeye was the traditional sailing craft of the Bay, and was built in all its glory at Solomons, the And our friends, who have donated up to $250 include “Bugeye Capital of the World.” Membership dues the Holiday Inn Select Solomons and Sea\Tow Southern are used to fund special museum projects, programs, Maryland. and printing of this newsletter. Address comments We have also received generous donations for the Marine and membership applications to: Auction to take place starting at :00 on Saturday, May 5. Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc. Don’t miss your chance to bid on a boat slip at Calvert Marina P.O. Box 97 or a free boat wash — among many, many other collectibles, Solomons, MD 20688-0097 40-326-2042 services, and serviceable items. FAX 40-326-669 TDD 40-535-6355 Museum Store: 40-326-2750 We are still looking for contributions of collectibles, www.calvertmarinemuseum.com useful items, services, and nautical whimsy. Contact Wanda Digennaro or by phone at 30-863-2843 or by Printed on Recycled Paper. e-mail: [email protected]. SPRING 2007 3 2007 MEMBERS TRIP THE DOOBIE BROTHERS IN CONCERT – JUNE 24 On Sunday, June 24, Ralph’s Dodge- Jeep and Cumberland & Erly, LLC, present rock legends The Doobie Brothers in concert at Calvert Marine Museum’s Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad Wa s h i n g t o n G a s Pavilion. Members’ Members – All Aboard! Ride the rails tickets sales begin through the West Virginia mountains on Thursday, May 10, Saturday, October 6, at 2:00 p.m. Hop aboard at 10 a.m. via www. in Romney, West Virginia, for a scenic calvertmarinemuseum.com or by calling 1-800-787-9454. Tickets are 3.5-hour narrated tour. Experience “The $45 for Premium Seating and $35 for Reserved Seating. Members may Trough,” a spectacular narrow mountain reserve up to eight tickets per membership. Corporate levels may purchase up to twenty. Public sales begin Thursday, May 17, at 10 a.m. valley, view historic farms, lush mountain Two decades of top hits include the bluesy rock of Long Train Runnin’ greenery with hints of fall color, and native and China Grove, to the country tinged Black Water, and the gospel/jazz wildflowers, as you keep an eye out for the rooted Takin’ It to the Streets. American bald eagle, native to this region. For further information, please contact the Development Department This majestic bird is seen on over 90 percent at 410-326-2042, ext.16, 17, or 18. of railroad excursions, so get your camera ready. COUNTRY STAR SARA EVANS Limited seats are available in coach and COMING to CMM – JULY 27 first class. Coach tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for children ages 6-16; under 6 free On Friday, July 27, country star Sara Evans hits the stage. Known for her with parent. First Class tickets are $65 (ages 2006 appearance on Dancing with the 6 and up), and include a climate controlled Stars and recent #1 hits, No Place That seating area, lunch with baked chicken or Far, Born to Fly, Suds in the Bucket, steak, vegetables, and dessert, unlimited and Real Fine Place, this is sure to be non-alcoholic drinks, and an attendant. one hot ticket. Under 6 free in first class with parent, but Members’ sales begin on Tuesday, June 5, at 10 a.m. Tickets are $50 there is a $10 fee if a meal is required. for Premium Seating and $40 for An on-board snack/concessions car will Reserved Seating. Public sales start be available or you may bring your own June 12, at 10 a.m. picnic-style lunch. All ticket prices include Concert sponsors are Ralph’s round-trip bus service from Solomons. Dodge-Jeep; Cumberland & Erly, LLC; Coors, Coors Light, & Killian’s; G&H Jewelers; Roy Rogers; To purchase tickets or for more Solomons Landing; DM Group; 98 Star FM; Mom’s in the Kitchen information, please see the flyer in this Catering; Southern Maryland Newspapers; Bay Weekly; Southern Bugeye Times or contact Debbie Strozier at Maryland Electric Cooperative; Quick Connections; Comcast; Harley Davidson; Marrick Homes; The McNelis Group, LLC; Patuxent 410-326-2042, ext.