Excellent Commentary on Audience Expectations at the Baltimore Aquarium

The national Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the premier aquariums in the US in her latest opinion piece Melanie Howard describes a visit to the aquarium in which the actions of her fellow guests were rather unacceptable and caused her to have a negative experience.



Recent discussions on this blog have confronted this issue of guest behavior as pervasive to most aquariums, but I'm wondering if the reduced evening rate the aquarium had offered aggravated the situation.  I appreciate that all aquariums offer reduced rates or even free days and that this is an invaluable service and tool for outreach to under served populations.  But was offering such a reduced rate in the evening wise?

Norwalk Maritime Aquarium Closes Boat Shop

Since 1988 the Maritime Aquarium has operated a boat building workshop dedicated to traditional wood boat building techniques.  The aquarium is replacing the facility with new exhibits dedicated to Jellyfish, Seahorses & home aquariums.



The 16 remaining boats will be auctioned off Saturday, April 28th.

Electrical Safety

This morning I saw yet another news article about an aquarium sparking an electrical fire and nearly burning people out of house and home. Electrical safety is an essential and often overlooked aspect of aquarium keeping but the consequences can be devastating. I'll start with a few of my favorite tips. Please add any advice you may have to the comments.

• Power Strips trump drip lines. I don't know how many times I've seen aquarists place a power strip flat on the floor next to an aquarium. I've even seen them installed with proper drip lines from the strip to the outlet. Unfortunately, the outlets in these strips are perfect reservoirs in which splashed water can collect and causes shorts. If you're going to use a power strip, invest the extra $.04 in a set of screws and mount it to the inside wall of the aquarium stand.
  
• GFCI Outlets are your friend. This is a more involved option but the safety returns are immense. GFCI outlets replace standard electrical outlets with a special outlet that contains an internal breaker. These outlets automatically shut down if they detect a ground fault on the line and can prevent electrocution and some fires.
• Turn things off before doing maintenance. Don't work on the tank with electrical devices on. This way, when you get distracted by the shiny you don't drop a fluorescent light strip in the tank (Did this twice before I learned my lesson) or ignite a plastic plant by leaving a heater running during a 60% water change.

These are my top 3, what are yours?

Island Nations Over Fishing Their Waters

A recent study of 49 Island nations found that catches are on average 64% above sustainable levels. A this rate, many Island nations will see their primary protein source collapse within the next few decades.

In 9 countries the fisheries have already collapsed. The problem boils down to protein. Island nations typically only have local fish available to them as a primary protein source. All other alternatives are either prohibitively expensive or impractical to produce on a large enough scale to support the population.

From: www.cbc.ca

Photo credit: Linz Ellinas

Giant Squid Exhibit Coming to Oregon Coast Aquarium

A traveling version of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History's "In Search of Giant Squid" exhibit will be coming to the Oregon Coast Aquarium on May 24th.  The exhibit will stay open through Labor day.



The exhibit will explore what's known about these creatures.  It will examine the myths and legends surrounding them and will display elements of preserved specimens.



Given the difficulties in displaying any squid species, let alone the larger species.  Exhibits like this are one of the few ways aquariums can effectively tell the story of squid. 

Georgia Aquarium Applies for 2 More Whale Sharks, Taiwan Government Hesitates

The Georgia Aquarium has applied to the Taiwanese Government for an additional 2 whale sharks. The aquarium applied for a permit to export 2 whale sharks from Taiwan on April 12. Two sharks were netted in March and could be destined for the Georgia's Ocean Voyager tank, but the permit is not guaranteed and the Taiwanese government has genuine concerns over the ability of the Aquarium to display these animals.

"We will have our experts and government officials get together soon to discuss whether we should give the permits," said Hung, whose agency oversees the export of whale sharks native to Taiwanese waters. "For one whale shark has died; we don't want to see it happen again, either during the transportation, or after their arrival."

The large Ocean Voyager tank was designed to accommodate 6 of the giant fish. In all likely hood there was already a plan in place to procure 2 additional fish this year. After the death of Ralph in January and the recent revelation that Norton the aquarium's other male shark has lost his appetite as well. The aquarium is likely desperate to get new males on display and salvage the dream for a whale shark breeding program.

More Information: ajc.com

Photo Credit
Hyku

New Fish Species Described

Two new Catfish described from the upper Mekong River
Pareuchiloglanis abbreviatus
Pareuchiloglanis prolixodorsalis

New Species of Blind Cave Loach found in China's cave systems
Paracobitis posterodorsalus

New Labeonine found in a Chinese Cave.
The type specimen was collected in a cave in the Maolan National Reserver, Libo County, Guizhou, China. It has been placed in its own genus.

Georgia Aquarium Introduces Zebra Shark Pups

A pair of zebra shark pups have gone on display in Georgia Aquarium's Learning Loop.  The 2 pups a male and female were the first pups to hatch from a total of viable 13 eggs laid last year.  The fate of the pups is currently unknown.  They may be placed on display in the giant Ocean Voyager tank or may be sent to another aquarium seeking to display the species.



Zebra sharks get their name from the dark markings on young sharks.  Adult animals loose the strong black striping in favor of a lighter patern of spots on a white background.



Pictured is an adult shark from Mandalay Bay Aquarium in Las Vegas Photo Credit: Fuzzy Gerdes



More information & video footage: www.11alive.com

Aquarium & Magnet School Collaboration

Last year, Jefferson Magnet School was converted into a science-based magnet school in Norwalk CT.  What's unique about this particular school is the strength and utilization of its partnership with the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. 



The fruit of this collaboration will have been more than 250 collaborative programs between the school and aquarium in the last year alone.  These activities are used as the basis of an integrated curriculum that spans all disciplines, not just science.



Data collected in a science notebook becomes the basis of reading activities and math lessons.  Education outreach has long been a cornerstone of public aquariums.  Here's hoping that the collaboration results in real improvements for the students and better strategies for education in general.



From the Stamford Advocate

Trawling Reduces Biodiversity

Scientists taking a new look at old videotapes of the muddy
seafloors off southern Oregon found that places showing
tracks from the nets of fishing trawlers had fewer numbers
and kinds of fish than areas that were undisturbed.



From:www.oregonlive.com

FL Woman Injured in Sturgeon Encounter

There have been ongoing problems with Gulf Sturgeon causing injuries toward recreational boaters in the Suwannee river.  This incident involved a leaping sturgeon knocking out a woman on a personal water craft. She suffered from four detached fingers, a ruptured spleen and lost tooth.  Only three fingers were able to be reattached.



Problems with sturgeon - which are large,
prehistoric-looking fish with hard plates along their backs that can
grow up to 8 feet long and up to 200 pounds - came to a head last year
when 10 people were injured in accidents caused by the jumping fish.





The Gulf Sturgeon migrate into the waterway in march to spawn and remain in the river throughout the summer.  Researchers aren't sure why they jump.



From: bradenton.com

Wild Bird Colony Added To Exhibits at Scottish Aquarium

The Macduff Marine Aquarium is introducing a new exhibit:  A virtual Gannet Colony.  Real time images from a Gannet colony located 14 K from the aquarium in the newly created Troup Head Reserve.  The camera is solar and wind powerd and beams live footage and potentially sound directly to an aerial located on top of the aquarium.



To me this makes a lot of sense.  Of all the possible destinations for a camera, a seabird colony strikes me as perhaps the most predictable in terms of activity level, density of animals etc.



Does anyone have any experience deploying camera based exhibits?



Note: The Troup Head Colony is mainland Scotland's only gannet colony.





From banffshire-journal.co.uk/

Major Aquarium Wholesaler Goes Solar

Pan Ocean Aquarium of Hayward CA is installing a 73.4 Kilowatt solar array on the roof of their 15,000 square foot facility.  Given the rather high electrical consumption of filtration & lighting systems this seems an appropriate step to help offset what I consider to be one of the unspoken downsides of the industry. 

"This is a family business, and we saw that electricity prices are continuing to rise. Since aquariums need to run 24/7, our electrical bill was between $3500-4000 per month. Solar is a great way to generate our own electricity, and we figure it will pay for itself in a short time, allowing us to leave a family legacy that will continue to pay off for generations to come." -- Karen Seah, Purchasing Manager of Pan Ocean

From: RenewableEnergyAccess.com

Albuquerque Sues Aquarium Vandals

The City of Albuquerque is suing four students and their guardians for the damage inflicted on exhibits.



The students vandalized several exhibits including the large shark display and jellyfish exhibit.  The damage to the jellyfish exhibit will necessitate the replacement of a panel at a cost of $30,000.  The damage to the shark tank is more minor and can be repaired by simply buffing the tank.



More information on aquarium vandalism is available in the comments of FishkeepingOnline's previous coverage of this incident http://www.fishkeepingonline.info/2007/04/visiting-students-vanalize-tanks-at.html









from the Santa Few New Mexican

Waikiki Aquarium to Host Fish Release for Earth Day

The Waikiki Aquarium will release up to 100 hatchery raised pacific threadfin into the Pacific Ocean immediately off shore of the aquarium in a Earth day celebration held in conjunction with the Hawaii State department of Land and Natural Resoures.

Possible Funding Source Identified for Fresno's Aquarius Aquarium Institute

The Aquarius Aquarium institute needs 5 million in state grants. CA State Assembly Member Anthony Portantino (D-Pasadena) has reworded a 5.4 billion dollar bond issue to allow institutions that plan to build facilities to compete for state grants funded by the issue.

The Aquarius Aquarium meets the requirements of: plans to cater to an underserved population and have the land and the necessary land entitlements secured for their proposed projects.

The aquarium has already raised $3 million in cash, educational grants and in-kind contributions which have allowed to purchase a site. They still need the $5 million from the state to fund construction.

An alternative bill would favor institutions with established track records in attracting visitors and make it quite difficult for the aquarium to obtain funds.

From: FresnoBee.com:

New Exhibit Opening at San Francisco's Aquairum of the Bay

The Aquarium of the Bay is opening a new exhibit tomorrow. The exhibit is designed to highlight the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. It utilizes 3D models, Video and informational displays to showcase the Sanctuary and provide an environmental message about protecting the downstream watershed.

"We have crafted the downstream watershed message to teach young people how marine stewardship can become part of everyone's daily life, no matter where you live,'' Farallones Marine Sanctuary Education Coordinator Carol Preston said.

With Earth day tomorrow, this is the season for conservation messages. For any educators or curators out there, what works best when trying to craft these messages?

cbs5.com - Bay City News Wire

Beijing Aquarium Releases 2 Sturgeon

The Beijing Aquarium released 2 chinese sturgeon into the Yangtze river yesterday. The 2 animals had been under rehabilitation care for over a year. The sturgeon is one of the most threatened and well publicized species in the Yangtze river (they've been dubbed Panda under the water ). Hopefully the species faces a kinder fate than the Yangtze river dolphin which has been recently declared extinct.

The two animals are having a release planned for tomorrow (Earth Day). 3 other rescued animals are continuing to receive treatment.

The Yangtze river was declared critically endangered earlier this week.

From chinadaily.com
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-04/21/content_856340.htm

Editorial Challenging Georgia Aquarium.

The Georgia Aquarium has followed the example provided by the New England Aquarium and taken on the cause of the Northern Right Whale.  The whale's calving grounds are reasonably close to the aquarium and as an iconic species it is definitely native to waters closer to the Aquarium than Garibaldi Damselfish, Whale Sharks and some of the other species on display.



They also do a reasonably good job promoting the species with a Right Whale climbing structure and informative video presentation.  Located right next to the display of Robust Redhorse both exhibits bring home a conservation message stronger than most I've seen.  But the question remains, how effective is it.  It's quite popular to quote the 2005 Harris poll that found "95% of Americans believe that the public display of animals helps promote environmental conservation."  That doesn't necessarily make it true.



Every aquarium and zoo has to walk a fine line. Their primary product continues to be entertainment for the masses, but there is an expectation that they will be involved in conservation and research efforts.  I am currently unaware of any studies that identify the effectiveness of individual exhibits or displays, but hope such research exists. 



If anyone can point me in the direction of more information I'd appreciate it.

Yangtze River at Risk of Extinction

An official report issued by the Chinese Government reveals that the Yangtze river is in dire straits environmentally.  According to the report most of the damage "is largely irreversible"



Earlier this year, the Yangtze River dolphin.  One of the most unique species native to the waterway was declared extinct.  The new report adds to this fact and reveals that more than 600 KM of the river and 30% of its major tributaries are critically polluted.



I see boom-times ahead for the emerging Asian Carp fishery in southern Illinois.



From:http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=9011&size=A

Concerns Remain Regarding Death of Georgia Aquarium Whale Shark

Questions remain regarding the recent death of Ralph, one of Georgia Aquarium's original 2 whale sharks. Recent releases have revealed that both of the original 2 whale sharks required weekly tube feedings due to a significant appetite loss. The appetite loss seems to have been caused by a treatment of the exhibit to control a leech infestation; the aquarium hasn't disclosed any information regarding the specific treatment or dosage used. Most sharks and rays are highly sensitive to chemicals in their environment, a negative reaction on behalf of the animals should be expected.

Tube feeding animals is common practice for most Public Aquariums in the US. Although neither of the other 2 aquariums displaying whale sharks practices tube feeding on the animals. It is a common veterinary practice when dealing with aquatic organisms. Ralph's cause of death is currently believed to be linked to damage caused by the feeding tube. Most aquariums displaying difficult and sensitive large fish do so equipped to release ailing animals back into the wild. The Monterey Bay Aquarium releases Great White sharks back into the waters off of Monterey Bay and the Asian aquariums displaying whale sharks do the same. Releasing ailing sharks isn't practical for the Georgia Aquarium due to the distance and extensive logistics involved in transporting these animals back and forth from Taiwan.

Norton continues to be tube fed, Alice and Trixie the two female whale sharks procured after the treatment of the tank have maintained healthy appetites.

More Information:
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/04/18/0418lvaquarium.html

Photo Credit
Hyku

WiFi For Your Aquarium

Reefer's especially have been working to improve the control of their aquariums for years now.  The Neptune System AquaControllers and AquaDyne Aquarium Controller are two primary examples of off the shelf products to do just that.  These have been expanded to include computer interfaces, webcams and web interfaces for various tanks as well.  It only makes sense that someone would work to minimize the rats nest of cables and inevitable issues involving saltwater by making the system wireless.



At the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) in San Jose, Calif. last week,  Lantronix announced that one of the winners of its annual Wireless Design Contest did just that.

"Third Place ($2,000) -- Wi-Aquarium

Third Place for $2,000 was awarded to Mohamad Abou El-Nasr,
assistant professor at the Arab Academy for Science and Technology in
Egypt. His Wi-Aquarium allows users to remotely control and monitor
their aquarium anytime from anywhere in the world. Users can monitor
the fish via a camera, feed the fish, adjust the heater, turns the
lights on and off and control the filter. The device can even send an
email to the user with updated status ensuring an optimum aquarium
environment and healthy fish."

From http://www.bbwexchange.com/pubs/2007/04/17/page1423-545997.asp

Via Engadget

Casco biorb releases a limited edition Autism aquarium

Casco/Reef One have designed a special biOrb aquarium in the Autism Speaks' trademark blue color. Casco/Reef One will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the blue biOrb to Autism Speaks(TM) to help autistic children nationwide. National pet retailer, PETCO, is also matching the company's donation not only on the sale of the Autism
biOrb, but Casco's biUbe and baby biOrb aquariums from June through August 2007 in 450 stores across the country.

"We are honored to help this organization and cause any way we can and are thrilled to have PETCO supporting these efforts," Craig Dewalt, president and CEO of Casco Group Inc. said. "Autism is a tragic disease and we hope the biOrb can help promote healing and relaxation for autistic children and ultimately help fund and find a cure."

The Autism biOrb is available at www.petco.com, www.petsmart.com and www.biOrbparts.com.

Galaxy Rasbora: Microrasbora sp. "Galaxy".

Common Name: Galaxy Rasbora

Scientific Name: Microrasbora sp. "Galaxy"

Geographic Location: Wetland Habitat east of Lake Inle (Myanmar)

Habitat: Dense Vegetation in a cool highland marsh

Diet: Small Live Foods

Captive Diet: Small Live foods, Live Tubifex, Will Accept small dried foods

Temperature: under 75F

pH: 7.3

Compatibility: Best kept in a species tank.  Found with Danio sondhii and Yunnanlus sp. (Rosy Loach) in the wild

Difficulty: Expert / Breeder (See Below)

Minimum Aquarium Size: Will survive in small aquariums but a larger aquarium is recommended (See Below)



The Galaxy Rasbora is a spectacular fish only that would be ideally suited to a smaller aquarium.  The fish's bright colors, schooling nature and tiny size make it perfect for small planted tanks.  Unfortunately, since this fish's discovery last august it has taken the aquarium industry by storm.  Due to its exceedingly small natural habitat and the lack of captive bred populations.  The eventual extinction of the species in the wild seems almost certain at this point.  The high rate of collection has all but destroyed the small marsh in which the fish were originally discovered.  I have no doubt that breeders are actively engaged in captive propagation efforts in fish farms throughout both Florida and south asia.  Until  such captive bred fish are available on the market, however.  I can't deem it ethical for anyone to maintain this fish in captivity without the express intent to propagate the species.  Other species like the Japanese White Cloud with similar needs and attractive appearance are also available at a significantly lower price.



If you are interested in breeding this fish.  Males are more brightly colored with bright red fins.  Spawning has successfully taken place over a bed of java moss.  The moss needs to be removed to another aquarium as the males are highly predatory of eggs and fry.  This should be done with care as the eggs are only slightly adhesive.  Rearing should be done in a large, heavily planted aquarium with rich infusoria cultures for the highest potential for success.

India planning hatcheries to reintroduce mahseer carp to Kashmir rivers

As one would expect, fish deemed commercially viable are the most likely to be the focus of captive hatchery efforts.  In the US the focus is on trout, salmon and to a lesser degree sturgeon and panfish.  In asia, the focus naturally gravitates to some of the spectacular carp species native to the area.  Perhaps the most spectacular of these is the "tiger fish" or Mahseer.  A carp capable of growing to 9 feet (3 meters) and over 130 pounds (60 kg).  One hatchery is currently operational with a second facility planned to open later this year



Original Post:

http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=91402653810

Rare Shark Ray Snagged By Bangladesh Fisherman

This morning, This article came down the pipe to my RSS reader.



I know of 4 of these animals on display in North American Aquariums. 2 at the Newport Aquarium in KY, 1 at the Chicago Shedd Aquarium and 1 at the Georgia Aquarium. My question is this. If a fish is rare enough that a fisherman catching one is note worthy, is it really ethical to display them in captivity? At least the Newport Aquarium is ostensibly attempting to breed them. Last I knew the specimens at the Shedd Georgia Aquariums were solitary animals.



Read more

http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=67480510192

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Visiting Students Vandalize tanks at Albuquerque's Aquarium

Students from the local John Adams Middle school damaged the Shark and Jellyfish displays during a recent visit to the Albuquerque Aquarium.



In this instance 2 thoughts immediately come to mind:

1. Why don't aquariums place sacrificial windows in-front of the acrylic aquarium viewing panes. This would provide a reasonably priced prevention as the sacrificial pane could be more easily replaced. If they used plate glass, the added benefit is that it's harder to scratch than simple acrylic. I understand that this may not be entirely practical in the case of large monolithic view panes. But honestly, would a 1 inch glass panel 8 feet tall be that big a visual obstruction?
2. The Georgia Aquarium probably got things right creating a secondary "learning loop" aquarium that was dedicated to education and school groups.
   
   

View video footage and read original article at:

http://www.koat.com/news/11818765/detail.html#

Aquarium Ethics

Tom Hennessy recently route an editorial examining the ethics of aquariums.  Perhaps the most telling line came from Shaila Dewan in the



New York Times: "Aquariums, like zoos, are weird places. We are uncertain they should exist at all, yet if they are there, we want to see them- a fact well known to cities that hope to attract tourists and
revitalize commercial districts and that have built some two dozen
aquariums in the last quarter century."



I'm interested in your input, please comment below.

Editorial at: http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_5647024

Even Safe Levels of Heavy Metals Impact Aquatic Life

From NewScientist Environment:



"Pollution far below the level seen as dangerous for aquatic life has

nevertheless dramatically altered animal behaviour in North American

lakes. Heavy metals are knocking out the sense of smell in organisms

from bacteria to fish. Even we may not be immune."



Read Original Article at NewScientist Environment

http://environment.newscientist.com/article/dn11559-safe-heavy-metals-hit-fish-senses.html

The Georgia Aquarium Makes A Splash on 5th Ave.

Lord and Taylor have used the Georgia Aquarium as a theme and inspiration for their Summer 2007 windows display at their flagship store in New York City.  The 2007 Summer Catalog was shot at the aquarium earlier this year and the theme will be displayed in the store through videos displayed on a large seamless video wall and a large led screen in the center of the high arch.



Original Post at prnewswire.com

Coral Fragging for Conservation, A look at a recovery effort at the Florida Aquarium

The St. Petersburg Times is running an interesting piece today about an ongoing reef restoration project led by a University of Florida Lab.



The concept is simple and familiar to reef aquarists. Take a healthy coral, break it up or cut it up into small pieces.  Attach the pieces to a piece of plastic, concrete or rubble with super glue or epoxy and let them grow and heal for a few weeks. Reefers call it fragging and it's a minor way many try to offset the costs of their hobby / addiction.



This article describes an effort to accomplish this on a massive scale.  Instead of growing a few specimens for trade, or even propagating a large number of specimens for agricultural gain. The attempt here is to harvest healthy corals, frag them and distribute the frags on a healthy reef at what basically amounts to an industrial scale.



In the words of Ilze Berzins who is in charge of the effort:



"If we can't come up with answers to our environmental problems, we're not being good stewards."



Read More at The St. Petersburg Times

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/13/Brandontimes/A_million_tiny_life_r.shtml

Moorish Idol: Zanclus Cornatus

Common Name: Moorish Idol
Scientific Name: Zanclus Cornatus
Geographic Location: Indo-Pacific
Habitat: Subtropical Reefs & Lagoons
Diet: Sponges & Coraline Algae in the wild
Captive Diet: Marine Angel Formulas, Mysis, Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Nori, High Quality Marine Pellets.
Temperature: 77F-83F
pH: 8.2-8.4
Compatibility: Reef Safe, May graze on macroalgaes, Have been known to become aggressive / destructive.
Difficulty: Expert
Minimum Aquarium Size: 100 gallons

The Moorish Idol is both one of the most spectacularly beautiful and difficult of fish commonly imported for marine aquariums. As a species, they are quite common throughout most of the IndoPacific region ranging from Hawaii and Japan to the Red sea. Unfortunately, the survival rate for this species in captivity is dismal.

The vast majority of specimens loose their long filamentous dorsal fin due to ammonia burns during the import process. Those that survive their initial import intact often refuse food entirely once in captivity. Even if both of these hurdles are leaped, there seems to be a third problem that occurs after the fish have been in captivity for about 12 months. At this time they tend to die from some as yet undetermined nutrient shortage.

Much work still needs to be done before this fish can be recommended as an aquarium fish. Over the past few years, experienced aquarists have had notable success maintaining this fish in captivity. Generally speaking this can be attributed to the emergence of new frozen food formulas containing marine sponges, maintaining the fish in large and appropriately stocked reef aquariums and improved collection techniques.

I credit one food in particular with my success and the success of several other people maintaining this species. The product is New Life Spectrum Marine Pellets. They were continue to be a preferred staple of my Moorish Idol's diet and were accepted by the fish from day one. It's strange to experience a fish rejecting frozen mysis and brine shrimp yet eagerly gobbling down a relatively inexpensive pellet. These pellets plus Nori make up the staple of my Moorish Idol's diet.

Given the nature of the diet these fish consume in the wild. My current theory is that the deaths of those animals that eat voraciously is likely attributed to a condition similar to the dreaded Malawi bloat experienced by keepers of African cichlids.