M E M B E R M AG A Z I N E S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 10 3 4 6 8 Director’s Note Ocean Policy Seahorse Highlights Summer Programs Helping Teens SH RE M O N T E R E Y B A Y A Q U A R I U M LINES Be sure to experience the magic of The Secret Lives of Seahorsesbefore it closes in September. ...there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away. – Sarah Kay ’ Director sNote Julie Packard Executive Director If you’ve ever planted a vegetable garden, you know what it’s like. You put your seeds in the ground and then…wait. For a time, there’s no sign that they’ve taken root and are growing. Suddenly, the first sprouts appear. Before you know it, your plants are climbing to the sky. That’s what we’re seeing with the engage 80,000 schoolchildren each Their stories inspire us all and education programs at the Aquarium. year through education programs you can read about three of these Reaching young people, planting seeds and free visits to the Aquarium con- dynamic young people on page 10 of inspiration to connect them with tinues in perpetuity. Building this of this issue. ocean life, has been part of our mission fund is a top priority for us. We maintain a strong focus on for nearly 30 years. We’re guided by a growing body of professional development opportuni- We knew from their faces that evidence pointing both to a crisis in ties for teachers, too, helping them they were having incredible experi- science education and a decline in become more comfortable—and ences here—in our exhibit galleries outdoor and nature experiences in more skilled—as science educators. and Discovery Lab programs with young peoples’ lives. In response, And we’re strengthening our rela- their classmates. we’ve reshaped our programs to tionships with preschool students Now we’re starting to see amazing focus increasingly on teens, providing and their families, laying a strong results. Young women and men who them with emotional and intellectual foundation in early childhood that visited as children are graduating engagements with nature, positive we hope will blossom into a lifelong from college into careers in the ma- connections with role models who love of nature and ocean life. rine sciences and ocean education. value their contributions, and year- Thank you for supporting our Some now work at the Aquarium, round experiences that extend beyond vision. I hope you’ll continue to give passing the spark of their own pas- the school day. generously to our Children’s Educa- sion on to new generations. We’re giving them opportunities to tion Endowment Fund so that we This is very exciting, and such a take leadership roles—among peers can keep building a new generation validation of our capacity to make an and in their communities. And, as the dedicated to protecting the oceans impact—on young peoples’ lives and demographics of California and the on which we all depend. on the future of the oceans. nation change, we’re reaching out to Our Children’s Education Endow- schools whose students reflect the ment Fund, established in 2011, will growing diversity of our society. ensure that our commitment to www.montereybayaquarium.org 3 Chilipepper Rockfish – Taking Action for the Oceans Good News California State University Long Cayenne-colored for Shark Conservation Beach and other institutions— chilipepper rockfish has generated the scientific data gather in groups The Aquarium has, from the being used to evaluate the status above rocky reefs from beginning, been committed to of the white shark population in British Columbia to preserving healthy oceans and our waters. The research, which Baja California.Most protecting ocean wildlife. We’ve has benefited in part from the adults hover in the undertaken long-term research participation of the commercial dark depths, where programs with several California fishing community in southern they dine on krill, shark species, including California, is ongoing. It squid and small sevengills and great has informed our current fishes. In spring and Like other whites. As an advocate understanding of white summer, we see young rockfishes, for ocean conservation shark migration patterns, chilis taking shelter chilis sport policy initiatives, we population size, nursery in the kelp beds off venomous spines. were the lead sponsor of habitat and contami- our coast. legislation to outlaw the nant levels. shark fin trade in Califor- nia. (The last legal shark fin will We’ll continue to provide any be sold in the state on June 30.) data we have so that the final And we strongly support the Ma- decision is based on the best rine Life Protection Act, through available science. which California established a network of marine protected While the state process is under areas along our coast starting way, we will not collect white five years ago. sharks for exhibit. It’s our hope that, if appropriate, policies to In keeping with our mission to protect California’s white sharks inspire conservation of the will allow for possible exhibit of oceans by bringing visitors young sharks in the future, and face-to-face with living ocean their release back to the wild. We animals, since 2004 we know from visitor studies have introduced more that seeing these ani- than 3 million people to mals at the Aquarium a half-dozen young great has changed attitudes white sharks that were and left many visitors on exhibit for up to six inspired to help protect and a half months. white sharks in the wild. This spring, the California Fish It’s also our hope that any new A creamy white belly and Game Commission agreed to protections will allow for contin- melts into pinkish-red evaluate whether the state’s ued research that directly con- sides, head and tail. population of great white sharks tributes to our overall knowledge requires additional protection of the health of the white shark under the state’s Endangered population here and in Species Act. A similar process is Baja California. under way at the federal level. It’s great to see so much public We’re supporting both the state interest in the fate of sharks. This and federal process with research is a positive sign that attitudes data and expertise. What we’ve are shifting to recognize sharks’ learned as part of a broad vital contributions to the health research consortium of scientists of ocean ecosystems. —from Stanford, UC Davis, Learn more about our Conservation and Policy programs on our website. 4 www.montereybayaquarium.org Sebastes goodei Animal Tales Since the turtle eventually will Our Loggerhead Sea Turtle’s be released back into the wild, Travel Adventure our aquarists are taking a “hands-off” approach and don’t The new loggerhead sea turtle hand-feed it or spend more hatchling in the Open Sea time with it than necessary. galleries made a splash even They’ll continue to keep track before it arrived here in of the hatchling’s weight late December. through routine exams. En route to Monterey, curator The turtle is one of Steve Vogel and his The lateral line runs nine hatchlings rescued rare passenger were through a mottled, in early 2012 by our col- bumped from their flight bright red zone. leagues with the North from North Carolina. Carolina Aquarium at After a day’s delay, the Pine Knoll Shores. pair received the red- These turtles didn’t carpet treatment flying make it back to sea with their back to California on US Air- Chilis live at least 16 nest-mates, and were raised at ways. The sea turtle stayed by years—the oldest the aquarium. Steve’s side in the cabin, kept reported was 35. warm inside a carrier, atop a All nine are on loan to aquari- towel covering a hot-water bottle. ums around the country, where they’ll live for up to two years The communications staff at before they’re returned to US Airways headquarters in North Carolina, tagged Phoenix made sure that every- and released. one at the airline—from staff at ticket counters and gates, to Our youngster is just over four flight attendants and pilots— inches long and weighs less was aware that a very special than half a pound. By sea turtle had the the time it leaves Mon- green light to travel terey, it could be more with them that day. than a foot long and weigh up to 15 pounds. We shared details and pictures of the entire We don’t know if it’s a trip on our social media boy or a girl, though. Even ex- Crimson flecks pepper sites, especially Twitter, where perts can’t tell a sea turtle’s an adult chili’s skin – In recent years, feeds from #TravelingTurtle gender until it’s around 10 youngsters may be reduced fishing has quickly became popular. As the years old. pink, tan or olive. allowed many rockfish journey occurred just before Christmas, many people em- populations to recover Look for the Traveling Turtle in pathized with travel delays and from low levels. But the same gallery as the puffins the desire to just make it home. when choosing rock- and other seabirds. fishes, be sure to ask how they were caught. Avoid all trawl-caught rockfishes. Most rockfishes caught by hook-and-line are a Seafood Watch Good Alternative. Black rockfish caught by that method in the U.S. You can learn more on the are a Best Choice. Exhibit Updates pages of our website. www.montereybayaquarium.org 5 Seaho Ethereal leafy sea dragons are some of the rarest and most mesmerizing Small but elegant dragon pipefish are relatives of seahorses and sea dragons. species on exhibit. Reflections onTheSecret here’s a look back at a few monumental milestones, some of the most popular animals Livesof Seahorses and facts we learned from e Secret Lives of Seahorses. Several remarkable species are part of e Secret Lives of Seahorses special exhibition, one of the In 2012 our animal care team and a nurturing nation’s largest and most diverse collections of weedy sea dragon dad achieved a feat reached by these fascinating and fragile fishes and their rela- only four other aquariums in North america: tives. For nearly four years, the elegant garden the birth of a brood of sea dragon babies! More gates have been open, inviting you into our than 80 of the inch-long fish—australian rela- most popular special exhibition ever. ey’re tives of the seahorse—hatched in late July. (e closing after Labor Day, to make way for a new seahorse family is the only one in the animal cephalopod exhibit next spring. kingdom where males become pregnant and 6 www.montereybayaquarium.org Be sure to take another stroll through the beautiful garden gates into e Secret Lives of Seahorsesbefore this popular orSespecial exhibition closes in SeptemSber. Potbelly seahorses are among the 16 species on exhibit in e Secret Lives A weedy sea dragon dad had a brood of babies while on exhibit— of Seahorses. a first for us. give birth.) Some of the youngsters may go on male and female seahorses hover side by side, exhibit in late summer. mirroring each other’s movements and display- ing bright colors. If the pair is a match, only our aquarists also had success breeding a couple then will they rise up in the water column, tails of pipefish species and half a dozen species of entwined, as the female transfers her eggs into seahorses. Breeding the yellow banded pipefish the male’s brood pouch for fertilization. was a groundbreaking achievement because the husbandry science with tropical pipefish is not Don’t miss your chance to stroll through our nearly as advanced as the science of breeding secret seahorse garden one more time before seahorses. e Secret Lives of Seahorses closes on September 3. is enigmatic family of fishes has a very elabo- rate courtship dance ritual. During breeding, www.montereybayaquarium.org 7 Summer’s coming! For Aquarium members that means more programs — a at what you can look forward to this summer season. Please check the att Aquarium Summer Nights Sleepovers Special Tours Ages: 5 to adult Adventures Member Fee: $75; General Public Fee: $95 Whether you’ve just joined the Aquarium Offered July 6, 27 and August 10, 24 or are a Charter Member, a tour is the Our popular summer programs return, with Summer Nights Sleepovers are here again! perfect way to enhance your visit and plenty of dates and times offered so you Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy special programs learn something unexpected about our can experience them at your convenience. and live music during Evenings by the Bay. exhibits and animals. Advance registra- As always, your membership entitles you When the doors close at 8 p.m., explore the tion is required. Visit www.monterey- to special pricing. Advance registration is Aquarium without daytime crowds. Enjoy bayaquarium.org/adventures or call required. Visit www.montereybayaquar- special programs and a light bedtime 866-963-9645. ium.org/adventures or call 866-963-9645. snack. End the evening with a late-night na- ture movie before falling asleep in front of Jellies Tour – NEW! Underwater Explorers your favorite exhibit. Wake up with the 60 Minutes Ages: 8 to 13 fishes and enjoy a continental breakfast. Ages: 6 to adult Member Fee: $75 Member Fee: $12; General Public Fee: $15, General Public Fee: $95,plus Family Sleepover plus Aquarium admission Aquarium admission Ages: 5 to adult Get up close and personal with some of the Offered June 17 through September 2 Member Fee: $75; General Public Fee: $95 ocean’s most mesmerizing creatures. Come dive with us! In this unique pro- Offered September 21 gram, kids are introduced to surface Enjoy the Aquarium after hours and sleep Behind-the-Scenes Tour scuba with Aquarium dive staff in our next to your favorite exhibit! We offer fun 60 Minutes Great Tide Pool. They’ll meet amazing activities throughout the evening, or you Ages: 6 to adult animals while getting a fish-eye view of can explore the Aquarium on your own. We Member Fee: $12; General Public Fee: $15, the wonders of the bay. Basic swimming provide a bedtime snack and a continental plus Aquarium admission skills required. No scuba experience breakfast. Follow our guides through “Staff Only” or equipment necessary, just a sense doors and learn about animal care, ongoing of adventure! We also offer sleepovers throughout the research and much more. year for youth groups. Contact our Sales Please note: The name, age, height and and Reservation Center for details. weight of each participant is required at the time of registration. 8 www.montereybayaquarium.org nd more fun — for your family and friends to enjoy. Here’s a glimpse ached member calendar or our website for more events and activities. Family Tours Personal Guided Tour Returning for one final summer, “Think Big” 45 Minutes 90 Minutes is an exciting musical production about the All ages allowed Ages: 6 to adult importance of working together to reach a Member Fee: $12; General Public Fee: $15, Member Fee: $120 for up to six people; common goal. This show is a visual delight plus Aquarium admission $20 for each additional person featuring one-of-a-kind puppets made With our youngest visitors in mind, trained General Public Fee: $144 for up to six from recycled and repurposed materials naturalists tell stories about our most popu- people, plus Aquarium admission; created especially for the Aquarium by lar animals. Hands-on activities make this a $24 for each additional person, plus Chris Green Kinetics. great choice for children under 8 years old. Aquarium admission Personalize your tour experience with this Other live theatrical performances will be Feed the Fish insider’s view of our galleries and behind featured at various exhibits throughout the 30 Minutes the scenes. Please call to schedule two day. Check out our program guides for Ages: 6 to adult weeks in advance. daily schedules when you arrive. Member Fee: $12; General Public Fee: $15, plus Aquarium admission Summer Deck Evenings by the Bay Ever wonder what thousands of sardines eat for lunch? Peek into our food rooms, Programs Spend summer evenings on the bay with learn about different feeding methods, extended hours until 8 p.m. on Saturdays then pitch in and help us feed some fish! Presented daily, June 22 through Au- and Sundays, June 29-September 1. You’ll gust 18, then weekends through Labor get a few more hours to commune with Feeding Frenzy Day on the Great Tide Pool Deck. your favorite animals and enjoy special Ages: 8 to adult programs, wine tasting and live music. Member Fee: $45; General Public Fee: $65, Family-friendly performances featuring plus Aquarium admission a dynamic cast and thought-provoking Our New Mobile App Offered most Thursdays and Sundays material will entertain your entire family! from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. Debuting this year is a new musical about Our free app helps you explore the What does it take to get our exhibits how humans and ocean animals share Aquarium and get the most out of your visit. ready for opening? Go on “morning the same basic needs in order to survive rounds” and see what our aquarists do and thrive. This comedic romp showcases before visitors arrive. an array of memorable songs that will be Download on the AppStore sure to put a smile on your face. www.montereybayaquarium.org 9 Anyssa Luna (third from right) met Jean-Michel Gina Carrillo is now an environmental educator Anthony Barrios (right) represented Pajaro Cousteau (left) and Rep. Sam Farr (behind Anyssa) at the Aquarium. She was part of our first teen Valley High at the Coastal America Student at the Coastal America Student Summit in program at Pajaro Valley High School. Summit, presenting a report on the impacts Washington, D.C. of ocean acidification. Transforming Teens’ Lives When we launched our education program at Pajaro Valley High School, we hoped to have a positive impact on the lives of teens in the predominantly farmworker community of Watsonville. Today, these students are fulfilling that promise in extraordinary ways. O ur programs are not only successful Gina Carrillo Gina was part of our first ed- “Fantoxic Four” presented research findings for their environmental impact; they ucation program at Pajaro Valley High on the effects of ocean acidification on are influencing the students’ rela- School. She studied the health of Elkhorn native and invasive crab species in tionships with nature. Participants tell us Slough tributaries with the help of scien- Monterey Bay —animals that are key they’re more aware of, concerned about tists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Re- players in the marine food web. He is an and connected to the environment. Asked search Institute and presented her findings active member of our alumni program, “What was the biggest impact of the pro- at national conferences. She helped create planning several events while also being gram on your life?” the top responses were our alumni program and came back to in- a leader and trainer in the high school’s personal growth, greater self-confidence tern with us while she was enrolled at UC Wetlands Stewards program. and attaining new skills. Beyond this, 81 Santa Cruz. She graduated with degrees in percent of the students have remained in environmental studies and education, and Anyssa LunaAnyssa is now in her fresh- school. Of these, 60 percent are now in has traveled to Bali and the United Kingdom man year at UC Santa Barbara. Last four-year colleges or universities. for field programs. spring, she was honored for her volunteer Since 2006, we’ve expanded our initial Last year, we hired Gina as a full-time commitment and positive impact on the effort to encompass all Watsonville high bilingual education specialist. “I could not community with a César Chávez award schools and middle schools. Our program imagine myself in a more fortunate posi- from the City of Watsonville. As president was honored by the California Association tion,” Gina says. “I am ecstatic to begin wof our Alumni Action Commhittee, Anyssa of Museums in 2012 with the inaugural this new chapter in life, educating our helped plan environmental events for Wat- Superintendent’s Award for Excellence youth about the environment and sonville, including a California Coastal in Museum Education that recognizes out- harnessing their incredible potential Cleanup Day and other activities at Pajaro standing K-12 museum education programs. to create positive change!” Valley High. She led other alumni in sup- port of programs to help local teachers We’re thrilled to introduce you to three Aquarium program graduates who are making Anthony BarriosAnthony has taken his learn how to incorporate projects involving exceptional contributions already. enthusiasm for the environment to UC wetlands issues into their classrooms. Like San Diego, where he’s now studying. He Gina and Anthony, she represented the was a program leader, representing Pajaro Aquarium at the Coastal America Valley High at the Washington, D.C. Coastal Student Summit. America Student Summit. There, and at other symposia, he and his partners in the 10 www.montereybayaquarium.org