2006 CONSERVATION ANNUAL REPORT The Seattle Aquarium s mission inspiring conservation of our marine environment guides all we do in our exhibits, educational programs, research, husbandry and operations. From behind-the-scenes animal care to personal contact with each visitor, we continually strive to inspire sustainability through education and action. This mission is shared with all advocates for Puget Sound and the ocean, leading to exciting partnership opportunities. In June 2007 the Seattle Aquarium, in partnership with the Seattle Aquarium Society, will open Window on Washington Waters in the newly renovated Pier 59. This exhibit will provide 800,000 visitors a year a better understanding of their dependence on healthy marine environments and how personal actions can have a positive effect on Puget Sound and the world s oceans.
CONSERVATION EDUCATION Nearly 50,000 schoolchildren and another 25,000 families, teachers, and volunteers participated in Seattle Aquarium Conservation Education programs in 2006. From the Aquarium exhibits to the shores of Puget Sound, a diverse audience of adults and children learned how their actions can help our marine environment. Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence Ocean Learning Communities (COSEE-OLC) Seattle Aquarium is partnered with the University of Washington School of Oceanography and School of Education in creating the Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence-Ocean Learning Communities (COSEE-OLC). In 2006 this partnership, funded by the National Science Foundation, began working with local citizen volunteer groups striving to protect and sustain Puget Sound through restoration, habitat monitoring and stewardship projects. By working directly with these groups and the Puget Sound Action Team, COSEE OLC helps support existing activities and catalyzes new projects to protect Puget Sound. Sound Science Sound Science brings inquiry-based marine science programs to Seattle grade school students, professional development workshops to their teachers, and hands-on science programs to their parents. 1,950 students explored the beach with Sound Science in 2006. Sound Science is funded by Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Citizen Science Citizen Science, funded by the Discuren Foundation and Seattle Aquarium Society, trains high school students and their teachers to collect long term intertidal data on local beaches. In 2006, 100 students from five schools collected scientifically significant data on seven local beaches. The data is added to an online database compiled by statewide researchers and volunteers in Washington. Beach Naturalist Program Now in its eighth year of providing informal education on Puget Sound beaches in the Seattle area, the Beach Naturalist program reached over 18,800 beachgoers with tidepool animal information, hands-on beach explorations and conservation messages in 2006. Over 100 volunteers are trained and supervised by the Aquarium to carry out this program. The Beach Naturalist program is funded by King Conservation District in partnership with Water Resource Inventory Areas 8 and 9 and Puget Sound Action Team with support from the Seattle Aquarium Society. John Braden, Director, Seattle Aquarium; Mark Plunkett, Curator of Conservation; Kathy Sider, Manager of Education and Conservation; and Robert W. Davidson, CEO Seattle Aquarium Society Cedar River Naturalist Program This year 53 trained naturalists greeted the public along four sites on the Cedar River during the sockeye salmon run in October and November. 3,600 visitors learned about the life cycle and conservation of this Northwest icon. The Cedar River Naturalist program is funded by the King County Council and delivered in partnership with The Friends of the Cedar River and Seattle Public Utilities. 2006 Conservation Annual Report
and citizen science in addition to an ocean exploration workshop offered in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Exploration Program. Asian Pacific Islander Outreach Seattle Aquarium High School Interns worked with Aquarium staff and local health agencies to develop curriculum on the importance of seafood harvest regulations. In partnership with the International District Housing Alliance, three interns from this community offered a multi-language workshop on seafood safety to 50 residents. Explore the Beach In 2006, 2,746 students, teachers and chaperones were provided with free Explore the Beach programs to prepare them for beach field trips. Explore the Beach includes pretrip classroom sessions and trained Aquarium naturalists to help guide beach field trips that emphasize Puget Sound beach conservation. Explore the Beach is underwritten by the Russell Family Foundation and Seattle Aquarium Society. Seattle Aquarium partnered with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in Marine Resources for Future Generations, educating Asian Pacific Islander communities in the South Sound about seafood safety and sustainability and reaching youth with information on human impacts on Puget Sound. Orca Whale Outreach Killer Whale Tales in partnership with the Seattle Aquarium reached 7,000 Northwest schoolchildren with conservation education about local orca whale populations. The Aquarium distributed 220,000 orca trading cards through the Killer Whale Tales program and in our Family Activity Center exhibit area. Sustainable Seafood Seattle Aquarium continued to support environmentally sustainable fisheries through visitor education and partnerships within the seafood industry. Staff distributed over 100,000 Seafood Watch pocket guides, participated in sustainable seafood conferences, conducted classes for culinary students and co-produced public service announcements. In addition, Seattle Aquarium welcomed Oceanaire and Pier 56 Elliott s Oysterhouse as our newest restaurant partners committed to serving only sustainable seafood. Professional Development Workshops for Teachers In 2006 the Seattle Aquarium offered four workshops to integrate marine science education and conservation into the classrooms of almost 100 Washington teachers. Workshops focused on marine mammals, birds, salmon, Seattle Aquarium
Ocean Science Ocean Science is a multi-disciplinary project that will bring ocean science and conservation education to 4th and 5th grade students across Puget Sound and the Washington Olympic Coast. Developed in 2006, Ocean Science will be implemented in 2007 and its classroom and field programs are projected to reach 500 teachers, 1,500 students and 1,375 families over the next five years. Funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Seattle Aquarium Society, partners include National Marine Fisheries Service NW Region Protected Resources Division, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Seattle and Highline school districts, selected Puget Sound Olympic Coast schools, Environmental Science Center, Seattle Dept. of Parks and Recreation, and the Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence. in 2005. Of significance was that no octopuses were found in lower Hood Canal, perhaps associated with the lowoxygen dead zone event that occurred there in 2006. HABITAT PROTECTION AND MONITORING Seattle Aquarium plays an active role in protecting and monitoring the region s marine life. Giant Pacific Octopus Census Averages of only 12 octopuses per day were seen in Puget Sound in the seventh annual SCUBA diving octopus census coordinated by the Aquarium. Twice as many were reported Rockfish Survey Staff divers completed the second annual Neah Bay area rockfish and bottomfish survey using video transect sampling to monitor fish population and habitat trends. In 2006 observers noted significantly more adult and juvenile rockfish in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Beach Monitoring In 2006 the Citizen Science program sampled seven local beaches for relative abundance of selected flora and fauna and habitat characteristics in the second year of the shoreline monitoring effort with Highline and Seattle Schools. In addition, Aquarium staff conducted the first annual biodiversity sampling of the pocket beach at Seattle Art Museum s new Olympic Sculpture Park. Marine Protected Areas Aquarium staff served on an advisory panel for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources resulting in the identification of 28 priority sites for potential marine reserve designation within Puget Sound, the San Juans and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 2006 Conservation Annual Report
OrcaSound.net Seattle Aquarium partnered with Drs. Val Veirs and Scott Veirs to install a hydrophone underneath the Aquarium. The system detects orca whale vocalizations, monitors ambient noise levels, and streams underwater sound live at orcasound.net. Wetlands Workshop for Land Use Professionals Seattle Aquarium sponsored a wetlands conservation workshop funded by the New York Aquarium and the Environmental Protection Agency for 32 land use professionals. SEATTLE AQUARIUM RESEARCH CENTER FOR CONSERVATION AND HUSBANDRY (SEARCCH) Seattle Aquarium is pursuing numerous research projects to learn more about our ocean environment. Sixgill Shark Research A joint research team with representatives from Seattle Aquarium, University of Washington, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is studying sixgill sharks in local waters. The research program uses genetics, visual markers and acoustic tracking to study the habits, biology and local abundance of sixgills. Population studies continued in 2006 with the development of 14 microsatellite genetic markers to determine individual identity of tagged sharks. Sea Otter Research Seattle Aquarium researchers are beginning to document unique genetic signatures of captive sea otters to determine relationships for breeding management. Development continues on a non-invasive fecal and saliva pregnancy test for sea otters. For the seventh year, Aquarium staff and volunteers assisted state and federal biologists surveying the Washington coast s growing sea otter population. Although populations in California and parts of Alaska are in decline, Washington s sea otter population is currently estimated at 790 animals and growing. 2006 SEARCCH Projects u Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) population genetics, conservation endocrinology, and annual sea otter census u Sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) population genetics u Neah Bay and Strait of Juan de Fuca bottomfish survey u Giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) population genetics and conservation endocrinology u Alcid (sea bird) reproductive physiology u Leafy sea dragon (Phycodorus eques) population genetics u Rockfish larval rearing and early life history data u Larval rearing of Puget Sound fish species Seattle Aquarium
PUBLICATIONS Diverse subjects included stress in octopuses, ethics and invertebrates, sixgill shark population genetics, and reproductive hormone levels in captive northern fur seals. Dr. Roland Anderson Stress in octopuses for National Academy of Science Intertidal Octopuses for The Encyclopedia of the Rocky Intertidal (in press) Enrichment for giant Pacific octopuses Ethics and invertebrates: a cephalopod perspective Ethics and invertebrates where do we draw the line? Dr. Shawn Larson Sixgill and sevengill conservation population genetics Sixgill conservation ecology project update Seattle Aquarium marine mammal and fish enhancement and assessment projects Stress related hormones and genetic diversity in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) (in press) Reproductive hormone levels within captive northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) with and without chemical contraceptives (in press) CONFERENCES AND TRAININGS Seattle Aquarium staff attended and presented at numerous conferences and trainings and shared findings with staff, volunteers, and the public. Additionally, the Aquarium hosted a conservation workshop for over 30 international shark biologists. Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) National and Regional Conferences Second Biennial Cowshark Conservation Workshop (hosted by Seattle Aquarium) International Symposium on Stock Assessment and Enhancement (co-hosted by Seattle Aquarium) Seafood Choices Alliance Seafood Summit (co-hosted by Seattle Aquarium) Western Society of Naturalists (co-hosted by Seattle Aquarium) Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators Conference AZA Professional Development: Animal Enrichment Course Citizen Science Conference Environmental Education Association of Washington International Marine Animal Trainers Association Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators Southern Resident Killer Whale Symposium Regional Aquarists Workshop Traci Belting, Mammal and Bird Curator Editorial advisory board for International Marine Animal Trainers Association s Soundings periodical. Brooke Nelson, Community Conservation Liaison Field Learning through Seattle Aquarium Programs, AZA Communiqué Magazine 2006 Conservation Annual Report
PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION Working together for a healthy future for our marine environment, Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Aquarium Society take pride in our partnerships with the following organizations. AQUARIUM OPERATIONS Seattle Aquarium is always looking for new ways to conserve the environment in our facility. 2006 accomplishments include: u The highest Five Star rating from the King County Envirostar program for superior management of toxic wastes. u Completion of Pier 59 structural work with removal of approximately 600 toxic, creosote-soaked pilings. u Construction of new exhibits and cafe included green practices such as the use of cold saltwater for cooling, natural ventilation and lighting, use of recycled materials, sustainable forestry timbers and water conservation measures. u Over 11 tons of paper, aluminum and glass saved from landfills by recycling, in addition to recycling batteries, packing products, and technotrash such as CDs and cell phones. u Designated a wildlife sanctuary by the National Wildlife Federation and the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife u Energy audit undertaken including recommendations for efficiencies, including upgrades in lighting and heating. u Aquarium staff and AZA colleagues are exploring green operations and building standards tailored for zoos and aquariums as an alternative to the U.S. Green Building Council s LEED program. u Encouraged reductions of carbon dioxide emissions by installing bike racks for the public, staff, and volunteers. Association of Zoos & Aquariums Seattle Aquarium is a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which sets exacting standards for accredited membership. Aquarium staff participates in AZA s professional work groups to create sustainable management and standards for collection and husbandry of marine fishes, birds, and mammals and to enhance conservation education programs. Puget Sound Partnership In 2006 Washington Governor Christine Gregoire announced a bold Call to Action to secure a healthy Puget Sound by 2020. Seattle Aquarium joined the Puget Sound Partnership in evaluating recommendations to the governor and is poised to be a key player as the public engagement and education process unfolds in 2007. Zoo and Aquarium Alliance Ten accredited zoos and aquariums in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Vancouver, B.C. have united on joint conservation projects focused on species recovery actions, resource conservation, backyard wildlife habitats, and responsible pet ownership. As part of this effort, the Zoo and Aquarium Alliance hosted ZAA Day in Olympia to educate state legislators about the major role Northwest zoos and aquariums play in state-wide education and conservation. Seattle Aquarium
Alliance for Puget Sound Shorelines Seattle Aquarium participated in two workshops with members of the Alliance for Puget Sound Shorelines. Partners include the Trust for Public Lands, Nature Conservancy and People for Puget Sound. Additional Conservation Partners include: Alaska Sea Otter Commission Alliance for Puget Sound Shorelines Amgen, Inc. Aquarium of the Pacific Association of Zoos & Aquariums Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Boeing Employees Credit Union Environmental Science Center California Department of Fish and Game Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence Coastal America Defenders of Wildlife Discuren Foundation Elakha Alliance Environmental Education Association of Washington Fisheries and Oceans Canada Friends of the Cedar River Georgia Aquarium Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Highline School District Howard Hughes Medical Institute International District Housing Alliance International Marine Animal Trainers Association Italian Ichthyological Society John G. Shedd Aquarium King Conservation District King County Council King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Lisbon Oceanarium Monterey Bay Aquarium National Marine Fisheries Service NW Region Protected Resources Division National Science Foundation Nature Conservancy New York Aquarium New Zealand Department of Conservation NOAA Fisheries Service NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators Ocean Systems, Inc. Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary OrcaSound.net Oregon Coast Aquarium Otter Project Oregon Zoo People for Puget Sound Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Portland State University Puget Sound Action Team Puget Sound Olympic Coast schools Puget Sound Partnership Rotterdam Zoo Royal British Columbia Museum Russell Family Foundation Seattle Aquarium Society Seattle Art Museum/Olympic Sculpture Park Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation Seattle Public Utilities Seattle School District Seattle Rotary Sea World, San Diego Seward Sealife Center Trust for Public Lands United States Army Corps of Engineers United States Environmental Protection Agency United States Fish and Wildlife Service United States Geologic Survey United States Humane Society University of California, Davis University of California, Santa Cruz University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory University of Washington College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences University of Washington Sea Grant Program University of Washington School of Education University of Washington School of Oceanography Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center Virginia Mason Benaroya Research Institute Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Washington State Department of Natural Resources Washington State University Cooperative Extension Waikiki Aquarium Woodland Park Zoo WRIA 8: Lake Washington / Cedar / Sammamish Watershed WRIA 9: Green / Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed Northwest Zoo & Aquarium Alliance ZymoGenetics, Inc. 2006 Conservation Annual Report
inspiring conservation of our marine environment