The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...

Page created by Nancy Morgan
 
CONTINUE READING
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
It’s time to live blue™

                                  ‘The Blue Park’ in Our Backyard
                                      You’ll Flip for Our Fur Seals
                                     Marketing Director’s Passion
                                      for Aquarium is Contagious

Members’ Magazine
Volume 51, Number 2 Spring 2018
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
At the Aquarium:
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Retread Celebrates 30 Years
                                                                                                                                                                                                           While Myrtle the green sea turtle is      However, not all rescued turtles can be
                                                                                                                                                                                                           the indisputable queen of the Giant       safely returned to the wild.
            From the Chair                                                                                                                                                                                 Ocean Tank, Retread, the loggerhead
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 That was the case with Retread, who
       of the Board of Trustees                                                                                                                                                                            is the princess. But when you’re
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 weighed only 31 pounds when found.
                                                                                                                                                                                                           celebrating 30 years at the
While it’s impossible to choose one animal from                                                                                                                                                                                                  She appeared dead for several days after
                                                                                                                                                                                                           New England Aquarium, even a
among the thousands as a favorite, I—like many                                                                                                                                                                                                   being rescued, her flippers and rear shell
                                                                                                                                                                                                           princess is treated like a queen.
Aquarium visitors—love watching the acrobatic                                                                                                                                                                                                    appeared to have suffered frostbite, and
antics of the northern fur seals in the New                                                                                                                                                                And how does a sea turtle celebrate?  her eyes were cloudy. For most of her first
Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center.                                                                                                                                                                   With squid, capelin, mackerel, and    year in rehabilitation, Retread’s weight
It’s not simply their athleticism, luxurious fur                                                                                                                                                           shrimp! Rescued after washing ashore fluctuated greatly. She needed assistance
(the second thickest coat among animals), or                                                                                                                                                               on a Brewster beach in November       eating and required antibiotics.
adorable ears (they are a member of the eared                                                                                                                                                              1987, Retread was underweight and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 But with diligent care from the
seal family known as otariids), but it’s how                                                                                                                                                               blind, and couldn’t be returned to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Aquarium’s rescue team, her appetite
their presence at the Aquarium is helping                                                                                                                                                                  the ocean. A favorite among the
protect the blue planet.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         steadily increased and her shell healed.
                                                                                                                                                                                                           divers, Retread is alerted to feeding
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 However, it became apparent her eyesight
The New England Aquarium is one of only                                                                                                                                                                    time when a diver rattles a PVC pipe
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 had been permanently damaged.
three aquariums in the U.S. that cares for                                                                                                                                                                 filled with metal. Then she’s
vulnerable northern fur seals. Our most recent                                                                                                                                                             hand-fed using a stick
rescue is Luna, a pup found on a California                                                                                                                                                                because a sea turtle’s

                                                     In This Issue
beach in 2016. She was lacking the necessary                                                                                                                                                               beak is powerful.
skills to forage on her own, so NOAA
Fisheries turned to the Aquarium. In the                                                                                                                                                                   Visitors often spot
fall of 2016, she joined the colony of fur seals                                                                                                                                                           Retread as she slowly
at the Marine Mammal Center.                                                                                                                                                                               makes her way up
This presented an opportunity. Anderson Cabot                                                                                          Two northern fur seals frolic
                                                                                                                                                                                                           from the depths of
Center researchers now collect the seals’ poop
and measure hormone levels in the males and                          2   Cool Jobs: Teri Davidson, Marketing Director                  in the New Balance Foundation
                                                                                                                                       Marine Mammal Center.
                                                                                                                                                                                                           the four-story Giant
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Ocean Tank to the
                                                                                                                                       Photo: Keith Ellenbogen
females to better understand the physiology of
this vulnerable species. It’s just one way the         4   Catalysts for Change: Research on our northern fur seals                    @neaq.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                           surface, where she
                                                                                                                                                                                                           opens her mouth wide
Aquarium is transforming science into action.                                              may help their wild counterparts            Dive into a sea of resources online at neaq.org.                    and gulps in
Look for our story on this important work                                                                                              Our website is full of conservation information, animal             a breath of air.
on Page 4.                                                                     5 live blue ™: Hiking options abound                    facts, and details that will help you plan your next trip
                                                                                                                                       to the Aquarium.                                                    She will repeat
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Read more about
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Retread and our
And on your next trip to Central Wharf,                                                                                                                                                                    this a few times
                                                                  6 Future Ocean Protectors: Meet our fur seals                                                                                                                    two other sea turtles     Retread is distinguishable
please stop by to see our fur seals glide through                                                                                      On the cover:                                                       before settling                                   by a small pockmark
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       on our blog!          behind her front left flipper.
the water in the newly revitalized Marine                                                                                              A northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) Photo: Keith Ellenbogen
                                                                                                                                                                                                           back down at the           neaq.org/blog
Mammal Center debuting in mid-April. Enjoy
the exciting changes we’ve made, while learning
                                                     8 Global Explorer: National monument renowned for biodiversity                    blue is a quarterly magazine exclusively for members of
                                                                                                                                       the New England Aquarium produced and published by
                                                                                                                                                                                                           bottom of the tank for
                                                                                                                                                                                                           another restful nap.
                                                     10 Members' Notes: The Tide’s first year, That’s A-Moray recap,
                                                                                                                                       New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110.
more about what we’re doing to help protect this                                                                                                                                                                                                       With the approval of state and federal
                                                                                                                                       Publishing office located at 177 Milk St., Boston, MA 02109.
vulnerable species—and what you can do too.                                                                                            blue and all materials within are property of the                   Retread is just one of the many sea         officials, it was decided that Retread
                                                                                     New England Aquarium Whale Watch                  New England Aquarium. Reproduction of any materials                 turtles the Aquarium has rescued
I hope you enjoy this issue of blue with its                                                                                                                                                                                                           would have to stay in captivity in order
                                                                                                                                       is possible only through written permission. © blue 2017
                                                                                                                                                                                                           over the years. This past fall, more
peek behind the scenes. We take seriously our
mission to engage and educate visitors—                             12 Calendar: Spring lecture series, two new films                  Editor: Jon Kinson
                                                                                                                                       Designer: Cathy LeBlanc
                                                                                                                                                                                                           than 260 cold-stunned sea turtles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       to survive. Since then, with a hand-fed
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       diet and world-class veterinary care, she
and to use our scientific research to be effective                                                                                     Contributors: Emily Bauernfeind, Emily Greenhalgh,
                                                                                                                                                                                                           stranded on Cape Cod beaches.               has thrived and now weighs in at about
advocates for vital and vibrant oceans.                                                                                                Jon Kinson, Deb Kulich, Amy MacKinnon, and Gina Parente             Green, loggerhead, and Kemp’s ridley 200 pounds.
                                                                           New England Aquarium Proudly Recognizes Our Lead Sponsors   General Information: 617-973-5200
                                                                                                                                                                                                           turtles—suffering from low body
                                                                                                                                                                                                           temperatures and other ailments—            Look for Retread, one of two loggerhead
                                                                                                                                       Marine Animal Stranding Hotline: 617-973-5247
                                                                                                                                                                                                           were taken to the Aquarium’s sea            sea turtles in the Giant Ocean Tank, on
Donna K. Hazard                                                                                                                        Membership: 617-973-6555, members@neaq.org
                                                                                                                                       Navigator and Conservation Societies: 617-226-2622,                 turtle hospital in Quincy to be             your next visit to the Aquarium. She is
                                                                                                                                       giving@neaq.org                                                     treated and rehabilitated. The goal is the one with a small pockmark behind
                                                                                                                                                                                                           always to return the threatened and         her front left flipper.
                                                                                                                                                                                                           endangered animals to the ocean.          — Jon Kinson
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               1
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
cool jobs
    —Amy MacKinnon

Teri Davidson                                                                                                                            is to the environment, Teri says    “She is the driving force behind
               Director of Marketing                                                                                                     it’s ultimately just plain fun.     our clever advertising campaigns,
                                                                                                                                                                             working with our colleagues at
                                                                                                                                         “The coolest thing about my
                                                                                                                                         job is overseeing the advertising   Connelly Partners. She is tireless
How do you entice 1.4 million people         scrub clean the                                                                                                                 in her efforts to promote the
                                                                                                                                         campaigns every year,” said Teri.
each year to plan their day around a         Penguin Exhibit, as                                                                                                             Aquarium—her enthusiasm and
                                                                                                                                         “Hopefully, most of the people
visit to the New England Aquarium?           Aquarium aquarists                                                                                                              commitment are inspiring.”
                                                                                                                                         reading this have seen our ads
Ask Teri Davidson, Director of               and volunteers do each
                                                                                                                                         on the MBTA or heard us on          Teri’s efforts and those of her
Marketing for the Aquarium. Sure, her        day, her role is equally
                                                                                                                                         the radio—there’s nothing better    team result in millions of people    Teri is instrumental in the implementation of
job is made easier by the ridiculously       important. She and her team                             “People assume                      than seeing months of hard work     seeing their work all over Boston    memorable advertising campaigns that feature
adorable northern fur seals and California   in the Marketing and Communications                                                                                                                                  beloved Aquarium animals.
                                                                                                                                         come to fruition in a landscape     and beyond. Sometimes, she
sea lions cavorting in the New Balance       Department let the world know about                the Aquarium is an                       like the Park Street T station      said, she will stand in the
Foundation Marine Mammal Center.             the Aquarium staff ’s important work on
                                                                                                                                         with every available surface        Park Street station simply
Then there’s Freya, the giant Pacific        behalf of the                                      awesome place to
                                                                                                                                         telling a story of how cool these   to watch the reactions
                                             world’s oceans.
octopus, who is endlessly mesmerizing                                                         work, and the truth is,                    animals are and engaging people     of people who view the
as she writhes and wriggles her way          And that’s exactly what she’s doing                                                         to come and see them!”              Aquarium ads pairing
across the Olympic Coast Exhibit.            again in 2018 with northern fur seals.                 it is,” said Teri.                   What Teri doesn’t say is there      clever content with
And, well, penguins. Penguins!               Her office, in the historic Grain                                                                                               adorable animals.
                                                                                            “I have the privilege of                     are a lot of hours and hard
But Teri knows that Boston has a             Exchange Building across the street                                                         work behind every successful        “It’s my job to let people
plethora of family-friendly cultural         from the Aquarium, is overflowing                   working with some                       campaign. Something her boss,       know the Aquarium is
institutions where people could choose       with posters and plush toys from past                                                       Marketing and Communications        here, make it so they
to go. So how does she market the            advertising campaigns. Here, she wades             of the most brilliant                    Vice President Jane Wolfson,        want to visit our nearly
Aquarium to the public in new and            through piles of paperwork and not the                                                      can appreciate.                     35,000 animals, and
engaging ways year after year?               waters of The Trust Family Foundation             minds in Boston, and                                                          know what we stand for
                                                                                                                                         “Teri combines tremendous
                                             Shark and Ray Touch Tank, where                                                                                                 in the world—which
Easy. She loves the Aquarium, and her
                                             aquarists get to feed sharks. But hers
                                                                                                 we all devote our                       marketing skill, great instinct,
enthusiasm is contagious.                                                                                                                and a passion for the Aquarium      is protecting the blue

“People assume the Aquarium is an
                                             is still a very cool job.                            time and energy                        and our mission,” said Jane.        planet,” said Teri.
                                                                          “I’m really
awesome place to work,
                                                                           excited to be         to protecting the
and the truth
is, it is,” said                                                           featuring the             environment.”
Teri. “I have                                                               northern
the privilege of                                                            fur seals for
working with                                                                 the 2018       little something while here that they can
some of the most                                                              campaign      take with them to start making the small
brilliant minds                                                               because       changes the world needs to keep the
in Boston, and                                                                 not only     planet healthy for future generations.”
we all devote our                                                              are they
                                                                                energetic   As the marketing director, it’s Teri’s job
time and energy                                                                             to spread the word about adorable and
to protecting the                                                               and fun
                                                                                 to look    vulnerable fur seals in need of humans’
environment.”                                                                               help and do it with style.
                                                                           at, but the
While Teri doesn’t                               science that our researchers are           It begins with a marketing campaign
conduct research                             doing extends our reach into the wild          that combines paid advertising with
on the critically endangered North           populations, so we’re truly making an          social media buzz from visitors and staff.
Atlantic right whale, like her colleagues    impact globally,” said Teri. “These are        Teri builds the campaign, overseeing
in the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean       my favorite stories to tell. They really       the design of advertising materials,
Life; rescue threatened sea turtles, as      highlight the connection between our           catchphrases, and promotion of both
her colleagues in the Quincy Animal          Aquarium and the outside world. I like         the entertaining and educational aspects
Care Center do each year; or even            to think that most people will learn a         of northern fur seals. As important as it

2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 3
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
catalysts for change                                                                                                                                                                                                                    live blue        TM

    —Emily Greenhalgh                                                                                                                                                                                                                      —Emily Bauernfeind

Seals Helping Seals—                                                                                                                                                                               Take a Hike!
One Scat at a Time                                                                                                                                                As flowers peep from the soil and migratory animals return to
                                                                                                                                                                  their seasonal habitats, many people shed their winter layers
                                                                                                                                                                  and spring outside to enjoy our beautiful blue planet. There are
The New England Aquarium’s resident           The scientists are also receiving scat
                                                                                                                                                                  spectacular hikes throughout New England, including some
northern fur seals are helping their wild     samples from the Mystic and Seattle
counterparts in an unexpected way—            aquariums, the only other aquariums in the                                                                          near Boston. This list is particularly special because these
through their scat.                           U.S. with northern fur seals in residence.                                                                          settings are all accessible through public transportation.
Researchers at the Anderson Cabot             Collecting poop is noninvasive,
                                                                                                                                                                  Lace up your sneakers,
Center for Ocean Life at the New England      so it provides the
                                              scientists with                                                                                                     spritz the insect repellent,
Aquarium are developing methods to study
hormones in fur seal feces to learn about     many more                                                                                                           and grab your binoculars.
the species’ health and reproduction. The                                                                                                                         We’re treading lightly on
plan is to record baseline data on healthy                                                                                                                        our blue planet in more
fur seals and then apply these techniques                                                                                                                         ways than one!
to study wild colonies, some of which are
experiencing sharp declines.
“The advantage of developing this             samples to work from than would be
approach with our Aquarium population
                                                                                            “Our goal is to use these measurements       Learn More
is that we know a lot about the seals,”
                                              possible by taking blood samples.             to help us understand the threats the
                                                                                            wild populations are facing, as well
                                                                                                                                         Stay tuned!              North of Boston                  South of Boston                       Hammond Pond
                                              “We get about two to three samples per                                                                                                                                                     Reservation
said Katie Graham, an
                                                                                            as how these threats impact their
                                                                                                                                         In the months ahead,     Middlesex Fells                  Blue Hills Reservation
                                                 animal per week,” said Katie. Trying                                                    Anderson Cabot Center
Anderson Cabot Center
                                                                                            reproduction,” said Katie. The strategies                             Reservation                      Milton, MA                            Newton, MA
scientist. “We know                                  to collect from wild fur seals is                                                   researchers will share
                                                                                            developed at the Anderson Cabot Center                                Stoneham, MA                                                           Short walk from
their ages, sexes,                                     tricky because they spend long                                                    yet more exciting                                         Accessible via bus service from
                                                         periods at sea. “And you’re        may help the scientific community better     science-based            Accessible via bus service                                             Newton Center Green Line
behaviors, and                                                                                                                                                                                     commuter rail or Red Line
                                                          probably not going to know        understand the health of wild fur seal       solutions to problems    from the Orange Line                                                   Rock climbing, birding, and
medical histories.”                                                                                                                                                                                Blue Hills Reservation stretches
                                                           much about the individual        populations, inform conservation plans       facing our oceans.       There are 100 miles of                                                 hiking are a few of the activities
Hormones                                                                                    about their protection, and help these       Please visit                                              over 7,000 acres through
                                                           seals or be able to collect                                                                            mixed-use trails for hiking,                                           that draw visitors to this 114-
circulating in                                                                              vulnerable populations thrive.               andersoncabot                                             Quincy, Braintree, Canton,
                                                           from the same animals every                                                                            jogging, mountain biking,                                              acre suburban wildland. The
the blood act as                                                                                                                         centerforoceanlife.org                                    Dedham, Milton, and Randolph.
                                                          time,” she added.                                                                                       and horseback riding. Take                                             pond offers rich habitat for
signals for biological                                                                      Inset and below: Anderson Cabot Center       to learn more about                                       Tackle 125 miles of rolling trails
                                                          With the sheer number of                                                                                in skyline views of Boston or                                          wildlife and native plants.
processes, such as                                                                          scientist Katie Graham works with fur seal   our work or to make                                       through forests and wetlands.
                                                        samples coming from the             scat samples in her lab.                                              rent a kayak and paddle in       Your reward for scrambling
reproduction, growth, and                                                                                                                a donation.
                                                     Aquarium’s seals, and the long-term    Fur seal image: A northern fur seal swims                             Spot Pond. There’s even an       up rocky ascents is sweeping
metabolism. Once they’re
                                              information available about their health      through the water. Photo: Keith Ellenbogen                            off-leash dog area for your      views of Boston’s skyline!
no longer needed by the body, these                                                                                                                                                                                                      When you’re out and about
                                              and life history, our scientists can                                                                                four-legged adventurers!
hormones eventually make their way out                                                                                                                                                                                                   enjoying these wild places,
of the animal through feces and urine.        monitor their hormone profiles over time.
Hormone measurements from feces can           A baseline of typical hormone patterns
                                                                                                                                                                  Northeast                        West of Boston                        always remember to hike
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         responsibly. Make sure you
                                              in fur seals is critical as scientists try                                                                                                           Cutler Park Reservation
tell researchers about the recent health
of the animal—for example, if a female is     to identify abnormal hormone patterns                                                                               of Boston                        Needham, MA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         have a map (many are available
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         online at mass.gov). Carry
pregnant. By adding individualized dietary    that could indicate that a population is in                                                                         Belle Isle Marsh                                                       plenty of water—in a reusable
                                              trouble. Studying fecal hormones in wild                                                                                                             A short walk from Needham
markers—including sesame seeds or                                                                                                                                 East Boston, MA                                                        water bottle, of course—and
                                              fur seals may help researchers understand                                                                                                            Heights commuter rail station
lentils—to each seal’s food, the Aquarium’s                                                                                                                       Three-minute walk from the                                             snacks, protect yourself from
Marine Mammal Team knows which poop           if stressors, such as poor nutrition or                                                                                                              Birders flock to this 600-acre
                                              human disturbances, could be contributing                                                                           Blue Line’s Suffolk Downs stop                                         sunburn and insect bites, and
belongs to which of our four resident                                                                                                                                                              park that protects the largest
                                              to population declines.                                                                                                                                                                    always leave no trace. That
fur seals.                                                                                                                                                        This is a favorite of New        freshwater marsh on the middle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         means carry out the trash
                                                                                                                                                                  England Aquarium educators       Charles River. Geology fans
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         that you bring in to these wild
                                                                                                                                                                  because of its rich coastal      can also geek out on a variety
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         spaces. Take it a step further
                                                                                                                                                                  habitat and its proximity to     of land formations featuring
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         and carry a bag that you can
                                                                                                                                                                  Central Wharf. Boston’s last     riverbeds and hills formed
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         use to pick up extra trash,
                                                                                                                                                                  remaining salt marsh offers      by glaciers.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         leaving the place a little better
                                                                                                                                                                  unique views of plants and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         than when you found it.
                                                                                                                                                                  wildlife as you follow paths
                                                                                                                                                                  to the observation tower.                                              Happy hiking!
4                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         5
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
future ocean protectors
    Ocean animal fun facts for young readers

                                                                                                                                                                                       Chiidax
                                                                                                                                                                                       Birthdate: August 2013
                                                                                                                                                                                       Arrival: The Alaska Department of Fish and Game found
                                                                                                                                                                                       Chiidax on its doorstep, very far from any of the rookeries
                                                                                                                                                                                       where fur seals gather and pups are born. He was found as
                                                                                                                                                                                       an underweight, newborn pup, so he was taken to a stranding
                                                                                                                                                                                       center, where he would receive formula and the care he
                                                                                                                                                                                       needed to survive. Since Chiidax had to be hand-raised, he
                                                                                                                                                                                       was not able to return to the sea. To provide him with the
                                                                                                                                                                                       companionship of other fur seals, he was sent to the
                                                                                                                                                                                       New England Aquarium, where he is participating in a
                                                                                                                                                                                       northern fur seal breeding program.
                                                                                                                                                                                       Fun Fact: His name is pronounced “chee-dack”
                                                                                                                                                                                       and means small, young animal in Aleut.
                                                                                                                                                                                       Really Fun Fact: Currently weighing in at 125 pounds,
                                                                                                                                                                                       Chiidax will weigh as much as 600 pounds at his peak weight!

                                                                                                                       Luna
                                                                                                                       Birthdate: Summer 2015
                                                                                                                       Arrival: She was rescued off Laguna Beach in California as
                                                                                                                       an underweight young pup. Unable to be released, she joined
                                                                                                                       the New England Aquarium northern fur seal colony in 2016.
                                                                                                                       Fun Fact: She is named after the beach where she
                                                                                                                       was found.
                                                                                                                       Really Fun Fact: Luna is our only fur seal who has
                                                                                                                       mastered staying atop a 4-foot-wide circular float in the
                                                                                                                       New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center. It is
                                                                                                                       similar to jumping onto an ice flow! She often plays with
                                                                                                                       fish, the other fur seals, our sea lion pup, and the trainers.
                                                                                                                       The trainers sometimes give her a spin on the disk.
                                                                                                                       Stop by to see for yourself!

Come visit and get to know
  our amazing group of
                                               Birthdate: July 12, 1998
                                               Arrival: Born at the New York Aquarium,
                                               Ursula joined us in 2006.
                                                                                                                                                                                       Kitovi
                                                                                                                                                                                       Birthdate: August 6, 2013
northern fur seals, watch a                    Fun Fact: She is the mother of Flaherty (2012)                                                                                          Arrival: Born at the
                                               and Kitovi (2013).
     training session,                         Really Fun Fact: When Ursula relaxes on land, she
                                                                                                                                                                                       New England Aquarium
                                                                                                                                                                                       Fun Fact: Kitovi is named after a northern fur seal
  and meet the trainers                        makes a soft clicking sound, that is a little bit like a cat purring.
                                               Our trainers are working on putting it on a signal so guests
                                                                                                                                                                                       rookery on St. Paul Island, Alaska.
                                                                                                                                                                                       Really Fun Fact: She enjoys back scratches from her
 afterward to learn more!                      can hear it during training sessions!
                                                                                                                                                                                       trainers and playing with many kinds of toys. One of her
                                                                                                                                                                                       favorites is chasing a ribbon pulled along the surface of
                                               Photos: Keith Ellenbogen                                                                                                                the water, similar to the way seals chase fish.

6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
global explorers
          —Emily Greenhalgh

                                                                                                                                                                        very high—it’s beginning to look like a                 It may be protected from direct human

                                The Blue Park in
                                                                                                                                                                        nursery. Given that this is the only fully              interaction, but the monument is not
                                                                                                                                                                        protected ocean habitat in the U.S.                     immune to human-caused climate
                                                                                                                                                                        waters of the Atlantic, the canyons and                 change. According to the U.S. National

                              Our Backyard
                                                                                                                                                                        seamounts monument is looking more                      Climate Assessment—the United
                                                                                                                                                                        precious with every survey.”                            States’ report card on its climate
                                                                                                                                                                        Although the monument was only                          health—from 1982 to 2006, sea surface
                                                                                                                                                                        declared in 2016, the 4,913 square miles                temperatures in the coastal Northeast
                                                                                                                                                                        of underwater canyons and seamounts                     warmed by close to twice the global
                                                                                                                                                                        have been the subject of decades                        rate. This change highlights the
                                                                                                                                                                        of research by scientists at the New                    importance of having a living laboratory
                                                                                                                                                                        England Aquarium and colleagues                         in our backyard to study how these
                                Roughly 130 miles southeast of Cape          Ester, Research Scientist at the Anderson                                                  at other institutions. These years of                   species are reacting to a changing
                                Cod is a park featuring canyons deeper       Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New                                                     dedicated research were instrumental in                 climate and warming sea temperatures.
                 ME             than the Grand Canyon, giant, dormant        England Aquarium, is part of a team that                                                   the decision to protect this unique area.               “Having this protected is taking us in
                                volcanoes with peaks taller than anything    performs aerial surveys of the monument        Research Scientist Ester Quintana and
                                                                                                                            Observer Paul Nagelkirk take part in an     The cold, nutrient-rich waters represent                the right direction for conservation,”
                                east of the Rocky Mountains, and a           to help update assessments of the area’s       aerial survey of the marine monument        a diverse series of rich ecosystems,                    said Ester. “If we go backward, it will
                                vast amount of marine wildlife from          diverse wildlife and provide evidence that     in 2017. Photo: Richard Jackson             include deep-sea corals, and provide                    be harder to add these protections
                                cold-water corals to endangered whales.      proves the value of this unique blue park.                                                 food and shelter to marine life—from
NH                                                                                                                          “The Cuvier’s beaked whales for me were                                                             again in the future.”
                                This “blue park” is the first and only       The monument is located on the edge                                                        seabirds to rare and endangered
                                marine national monument in the U.S.         of the continental shelf as it drops into      very unexpected,” said Ester. “They’re
                                                                                                                                                                        species of sea turtles and whales.
                                waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The            the sea.                                       offshore and relatively small compared
                                Northeast Canyons and Seamounts                                                             to other whales, so when they come to       The monument is a safe haven
                                                                             “The monument includes depth gradients,        the surface they’re not as obvious.” Yet    that gives these animals a
                                Marine National Monument was
                                                                             which represent different habitats             the survey team saw 11 Cuvier’s whales      chance to interact with each
MA Boston                       established in 2016 and is renowned
                                                                             for different species. The interplay
                                for its incredible biodiversity.                                                            during its short survey, some of which      other without much human
                                                                             between the topography and oceanic             were very young animals. In fact, except    interference. “There is some
                                “People call it the Serengeti of the sea,”   currents has profound consequences             for the fin whales and sperm whale, every   boat traffic and fishing gear, but
                 Cape Cod       said scientist Dr. Ester Quintana. “It’s     for diversity,” said Ester. “This is part of   group the researchers saw included          it’s not like near the coast,” said
RI                              an area that has a lot of wildlife. There    why oceanographic canyons such as the          calves or juveniles.                        Ester. The monument is closed
                                are whales, dolphins, all kinds of sea       monument are hotspots of biodiversity.”                                                    to most human activities.
                                turtles, and coral reefs. It’s a very                                                       “This survey adds to our analysis
      Martha's
                                                                             In November 2017, Ester and her team           showing the incredible diversity and        “It was declared protected
                                productive area.”
      Vineyard                                                               spent a day in a small four-seater             abundance of marine mammals in the          because it was such a unique
                 Nantucket
                                                                             plane to perform their second and final        Northeast Canyons and Seamounts             area,” said Ester. “New policies
                                                                             aerial survey of the year. They made           Marine National Monument and supports       recommend that something like
                                                                             27 observations of marine life during          the idea that this area is worthy of        90 percent of offshore waters
        Northeast Canyons                                                    the four hours they were in the air. “An                                                                                         A sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) swims near
                                                                                                                            complete protection,” said Dr. Scott        become open for drilling or
          and Seamounts                                                      extraordinary number for such a small                                                                                            the ocean surface. Photo: Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life
                                                                                                                            Kraus, Vice President and Senior Science    exploration. That’s pretty much
     Marine National Monument                                                area,” Ester wrote in a blog post about                                                                                          Bottom: A large group of Risso’s dolphins
                                                                                                                            Advisor at the Anderson Cabot Center.       everything. Having this small
                                                                             the day.                                                                                                                         (Grampus griseus) swims at the surface during
                                                                                                                            “The number of calves and young             section protected the way it          the 2017 monument survey.
                                                                             Sightings included 25 bottlenose               animals among the dolphin groups was        is a very good thing.”                Photo: Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life

                                                                             dolphins, 58 common dolphins, 37
                                                                             Risso’s dolphins, 11 rarely seen Cuvier’s
                                                                             beaked whales, four finback whales,
                                                                             and a sperm whale.

                                         “People call it the Serengeti of the sea,”
                                                said scientist Dr. Ester Quintana.
                                   “It’s an area that has a lot of wildlife. There are
                                whales, dolphins, all kinds of sea turtles, and coral
                                               reefs. It’s a very productive area.”
     8                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         9
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
members’ notes

The Pull of The Tide
Young professionals group celebrates first year.
There is a group of young professionals rising up in Boston, and you can find them
at the Aquarium! Established in 2017, The Tide is a community of young supporters                                                          Friday, February 9, 2018
making a commitment to the oceans and the New England Aquarium’s mission
to protect our blue planet. More than just a social club, The Tide is committed to
finding the perfect blend of philanthropy, education, and fun. Tide members enjoy
                                                                                                                                     A special night, indeed
networking opportunities with other young ocean stewards, unique social and

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Photo: Boston Harbor Cruises
educational events, and volunteer programs.
                                                                                      Jackie Bliss
In its first year, The Tide grew to almost 100 members! The Tide’s Leadership         Leadership Committee                  Thanks to everyone who joined us for
Committee hosted several sold-out social and educational events, including a          Member, The Tide                      this year’s That’s A-Moray Valentine’s
                                                                                                                            event on February 9. From fabulous
brunch on the harbor, a private reception with renowned shark researcher
                                                                                      I have a passion for the oceans       food and lovely libations to live jazz to
Dr. Nick Whitney, and a special invitation to join the studio audience for the live
                                                                                      and, as an avid scuba diver,          beat the band (that’s the Andy Baer

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Set Your
taping of a You’re the Expert podcast. The Tide’s momentum will keep rising in                                              Trio, thank you very much), it was a
                                                                                      I have seen firsthand the damaging
2018, with a full slate of educational, networking, and volunteer opportunities.                                            great night.
                                                                                      impacts of climate change and

                Want to get in on the action?                                         pollution on the oceans. So when      Congratulations to our prize winners,       Also, congratulations to James

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Watch
                                                                                      I heard that the New England          each of whom will be coming back to         Dalphond and Kate Tsui! James

                             Save the date                                            Aquarium was launching The Tide
                                                                                      to engage the next generation of
                                                                                                                            enjoy an exciting behind-the-scenes
                                                                                                                            experience for two.
                                                                                                                                                                        popped the question with the
                                                                                                                                                                        assistance of a “Will You Marry

        Making Waves with The Tide                                                    leaders committed to ocean health                                                 Me?” dedication sign in the
                                                                                                                            • Sara Ewing – “Lunch Date”                 Giant Ocean Tank. Happily,
                                                                                      and climate change solutions,           (a Myrtle the turtle feeding at the top                                         Hop aboard a high-speed catamaran
                                                                                      I knew I wanted to get involved.                                                  Kate said yes. Very best wishes
                                                                                                                                                                                                              and be transported to a world of
                    Thursday, May 3, 2018                                             I love the opportunity to engage
                                                                                                                              of the Giant Ocean Tank)
                                                                                                                            • Jared Pinkos – “Eight-Armed Hug”
                                                                                                                                                                        to the happy couple from all of
                                                                                                                                                                        us at the Aquarium.                   whales during a New England
                                                                                      with like-minded people about           (behind-the-scene tour of the                                                   Aquarium Whale Watch. Our
                                Enjoy a kid-free evening at the Aquarium              something we care about, learn          octopus exhibit)                          Our heartfelt thanks to a host of     Whale Watch partner, Boston
                                during this 21+ open house. Socialize with            more about how we can make a                                                      staff and volunteers for making the   Harbor Cruises, ferries passengers
                                                                                                                            • Katherine Hass –                          evening possible. And, of course,
                                like-minded ocean lovers and enjoy a Tidal            difference, and support a local                                                                                         to Stellwagen Bank National Marine
                                                                                                                              “Animal Care Package”                     to you—our members—for your
                                Wave (The Tide’s signature cocktail!) while you       institution doing so much for                                                                                           Sanctuary, one of the world’s best
                                                                                                                              (tour of the Aquarium’s Animal            loyal support throughout the year.
                                engage with Aquarium experts from different           marine animal conservation                                                                                              feeding areas for marine animals,
                                                                                                                              Care Center in Quincy)
                                fields and visit the Aquarium’s amazing               and research.                                                                                                           where New England Aquarium-
                                exhibits—without the crowds!                                                                • John McKenzie – “Fur-Ever Yours”
                                                                                                                                                                                                              trained naturalists will share their
                                                                                      The first year of The Tide has been     (visit behind the scenes of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                              knowledge of these beautiful
                                For more information or to join The Tide,             a huge success! There is clearly        New Balance Foundation
                                                                                                                              Marine Mammal Center)                                                           behemoths.
                                visit neaq.org/thetide or email thetide@neaq.org.     a groundswell of interest and
                                                                                      engagement in what The Tide is                                                                                          Visit neaq.org/whale-watch to buy
                                                                                      doing, and it’s really exciting to                                                                                      tickets, learn more about the trips,
                                                                                      be part of it. Imagine what we will                                                                                     and read blog posts noting what
                                                                                      accomplish in 2018! I look forward                                                                                      has been spotted on recent trips.
                                                                                      to further developing a community
                                                                                      of people who are interested in
                                                                                      ocean conservation efforts and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Don’t forget!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Members get a discount on
                                                                                      creating the next generation of                                                                                            New England Aquarium
                                                                                      supporters, board members, and                                                                                          Whale Watch trips, so bring your
                                                                                      activists!
                                                                                                                                                                                                               membership card when you
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  come to Central Wharf.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           presented by

10                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   11
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
April                           May
                                                                                   Free Aquarium Evening
                                                                                       Lecture Series                                                                                                                                                                                                  Films     Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D
All programs start at 7:00 p.m. in the Aquarium’s Simons IMAX® Theatre unless otherwise noted.
                                                                                                                     4/18                            5/3                                                                                                                                              New        40 minutes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The glittering
                                                                       Thursday, May 10                              Dive In! A Member-Exclusive     Making Waves with The Tide                                                                                                                                 oceans contain
                                                                       Atlantic Salmon—Lost at Sea                   Evening                         6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.                                                                                                                                profound mysteries beneath
                                                                       (film screening and discussion)               6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.              Young supporters of the Aquarium
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       the waves, and Oceans:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Our Blue Planet reveals
                                                                       Introduction by the film's producer,          Celebrate the arrival of        can leisurely view all the exhibits while                                                                                                         those breathtaking stories

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5/20
                                                                       Deirdre Brennan, followed by a                spring (and warmer weather)     enjoying light bites and drinks, including                                                                                                        from the deep. From
                                                                       question-and-answer session with              with a special night for                                                                                                                                                          athletic dolphins at play
                                                                                                                                                     our signature cocktail, The Tidal Wave.                                                                                                           to a clever octopus hiding
                                                                       Jonathan Carr, Vice President of Research     members. While you stroll       neaq.org/thetide                                                                                 VIP Premium Member Sunday                        in plain sight, explore
                                                                       and Environment, Atlantic Salmon Federation   through the exhibits, after                                                                                                                                                       the dramatic events and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8 a.m.
                                                                                                                                                     5/6
                                                                                                                     the crowds have gone for                                                                                                                                                          intimate lives of the ocean’s most extraordinary
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Do our penguins trade in their tuxedos           creatures. Through these encounters, we’ll also
                                                                                                                     the day, notice the spotfin                                                                                                                                                       discover how we all depend on the health of our
Thursday, March 29                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    for pajamas when they go to sleep?
                                                                                                                     butterflyfish and garden        New England Right Whale Festival                                                                                                                  oceans, the largest environment on Earth.
One Life at a Time—                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Sadly, no. But during your early
                                                                                                                     eels and know that spring       11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saving Sea Turtles in Ghana                                                                                                                                                                                                                           admission, you might catch a glimpse
                                                                                                                     is always in season             Harbor View Terrace Tent                                                                                                                                 Pandas 3D:
John Flynn, Co-Founder and Director, Wildseas;                                                                       at the Aquarium. Also,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      of a penguin sleeping standing up or            New     39 minutes
New England Aquarium Marine Conservation                                                                                                             The fifth annual New England Right                                                               lying down on its island or snoozing                      Cute just got cuter
                                                                                                                     get an early peek at our
Action Fund Fellow                                                                                                                                   Whale Festival, hosted by the Aquarium                                                           while floating in the water. You never             with cuddly panda cubs
                                                                                                                     revitalized fur seal exhibit.                                                                                                                                                     bumbling their way across
                                                                                                                                                     and co-sponsored by the Calvineers—                                                              know what you might learn about
                                                                                                                     No reservations are required                                                                                                                                                      New England’s largest
                                                                                                                                                     an enthusiatic group of seventh- and                                                             Aquarium residents before the lights
Thursday, April 19                                                                                                   for this event, but admission                                                                                                                                                     screen in Pandas 3D! This
                                                                                                                                                     eighth-graders from the Adams School                                                             come on. So come take advantage of               heartwarming story follows
Shark Stories                                                                                                        is strictly limited to the                                                                                                                                                        an international team of
                                                                       Thursday, May 31                                                              in Castine, Maine—brings together                                                                this exclusive Premium member benefit.
Brian Skerry,                                                                                                        number permitted with your                                                                                                                                                        scientists as they prepare
                                                                                                                                                     organizations involved in right whale                                                            Admission, which is free, is limited
National Geographic                                                    Distance Vision and the                       membership level. We look                                                                                                                                                         to release a fluffy captive-
                                                                                                                                                     research and education. Bring the whole                                                          to the number permitted with your                born panda cub in China’s
Photographer; New England                                              Early Origins of Awareness                    forward to seeing you here!                                                                                                                                                       misty mountain wilds. Track
                                                                                                                                                     family to enjoy hands-on activities and                                                          Premium-level membership.
Aquarium Explorer in Residence                                         David Edelman, Ph.D.,                         neaq.org/memberevents                                                                                                                                                             each charming challenge and success in stunning
                                                                                                                                                     the opportunity to speak with right                                                              neaq.org/memberevents
                                                                       Visiting Scholar, Department of                                                                                                                                                                                                 IMAX footage, one paw-step at a time.
                                                                                                                                                     whale scientists. The festival is free and
                                                                       Psychological and Brain Sciences,
                                                                                                                                                     open to the public. neaq.org/rwfestival                                                                                                           Galapagos 3D:
                                                                       Dartmouth College

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      June
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Nature’s
                                                                       Thursday, June 7                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wonderland
                                                                       Marine Mammals in                                                                                                                                                                                                               39 minutes
                                                                       the Anthropocene:                                                                                                                                                                                                               Take the trip of a lifetime
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       with Galapagos 3D:
                                                                       Keeping Endangered                                                                                                                                                                                                              Nature’s Wonderland.
                                                                       from Becoming Extinct                                                                                                                                                                                                           Watch iguanas claw their
                                                                       Scott Kraus, Ph.D.,                                                                                                                                                                                                             way along the seafloor.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6/10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Swim with tropical
                                                                       Vice President and Senior Science Advisor,                                                                                                                                                                                      penguins.
                                                                       Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life
                                                                       at the New England Aquarium                                                                                                                                                    World Oceans Day Festival
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      11 a.m. – 3 p.m.                                 Standard 4 members and above receive a select
                                                                       Thursday, June 21                                                                                                                                                                                                               number of one-time-use IMAX e-passes, and all
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Aquarium’s Harbor View Terrace Tent              Giving Society members receive discounts on
                                                                       Are Sharks Smart?                                                                                                                                                                                                               ticket prices!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This fun, family-friendly festival features
                                                                       Exploring the Brain of Sharks

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Photo: Sea to Shore Alliance, NOAA Permit #15488.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      hands-on activities for children and             Tickets Purchase member tickets at any Aquarium
                                                                       and Their Relatives                                                                                                                                                                                                             ticketing location or by phone at 617-973-5200. Films,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      opportunities to learn about efforts by          prices, and showtimes are subject to change.
                                                 Photo: Brian Skerry

                                                                       Kara Yopak, Ph.D.,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      the Aquarium and other local nonprofit           Rentals Private screening and facility rentals,
                                                                       Assistant Professor, University
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      organizations to protect the blue planet.        call 617-720-5104.
                                                                       of North Carolina, Wilmington
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Parties IMAX birthday parties, call 617-973-6508.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Members: Stop by between 11 a.m.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      and noon for a special activity just for you!    Check neaq.org for a complete
     The Aquarium has been providing free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers,                                                                                                                                                    “Make a bag, take a bag” lets you show            list of films and showtimes!
          photographers, and others since 1972 through the generosity of the Lowell Institute.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      your creative side while supporting both
                    Lectures are open to the public, but registration is requested.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      the oceans and a local food pantry!
         Visit us online for the full schedule. neaq.org/aquariumlectures                                                                                                                                                                             neaq.org/oceansday
12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       13
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
Non-Profit Org.
                                                                                                         U.S. Postage
                                                                                                            PAID
                                                                                                         Boston, MA
                                                                                                         Permit 1113

                Address Service Requested

     20.5M/RD

       Join us for a member-exclusive,
    family-friendly evening at the Aquarium.

  Dive In!
        Wednesday, April 18
                 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Bring your friends and family to discover the Aquarium after the vacation crowds have left for the day. Details inside.

                         VIP Premium Sunday Morning
                                                                       Premium members are invited to
                                                                        get an early start on adventure.

                                                                              Sunday, May 20
                                                                                Doors open at 8 a.m.
The Blue Park' in Our Backyard You'll Flip for Our Fur Seals Marketing Director's Passion for Aquarium is Contagious - It's time to live blue ...
You can also read