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 EITSM R ANDREW 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 INES A ERRI H of the Tidepool T 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.