Conservation & Partnerships Abstracts
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Seattle Aquarium Reef Surveys - Contributing to the Management of Temperate and Tropical Fish
Tim Carpenter, Seattle Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Since the mid-2000s, the Seattle Aquarium has conducted SCUBA-diver-facilitated video transect studies on reefs in Washington and Hawaii. These non-invasive studies produce a permanent record of the baseline populations of local fish and invertebrates over time, and have contributed to the data used to manage and regulate fisheries. In Washington, increasing concern over the long-term stability of bottomfish populations motivated the Aquarium to begin formalized monitoring in 2005. Reef fish populations in Hawaii are a major concern for both food and marine ornamental industries, and overall coral reef health; the Seattle Aquarium chose to undertake an active conservation role in Hawaii and initiated annual video transects there in 2009. Methods used for these studies are based on techniques similar to those established by Drs. Brian Tissot and Bill Walsh, and produce repeatable annual measurements of fish and invertebrate abundance, to quantify changes in species diversity and population levels over time. |
Developing Fisheries to Save Nautiluses? The Nautilus Strong Initiative Gregory Jeff Barord, PhD Central Campus Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Nautilus exports are now regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and require a permit showing the export does not negatively affect populations. Although this permitting process has effectively curtailed legal exports, particularly for educational purposes at public zoos and aquariums, local unregulated fisheries and trade persist while the potential of an international black-market system looms. Thus, developing a management system for nautilus fisheries is essential to protect nautiluses and support the CITES mandates. Through the Nautilus Strong Initiative, fishery takes and exports will be traceable and provide data to monitor population trends. This also provides a clear chain of custody for nautilus acquisitions and makes it possible for educational institutions to acquire specific sex ratios, ages, and species, for the first time. Now, more than ever, the continued display of nautiluses and accompanied educational messages are critical towards effectively saving the nautiluses. |
International Sawfish Day -
Raising the Bar Paula Carlson & Stacia White, Ripley Entertainment, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The first International Sawfish Day, dedicated to increasing awareness of sawfish, was held on October 17, 2017. This annual event was created in partnership with the Sawfish Conservation Society (SCS), and the European and American Associations of Zoos and Aquariums. More than 50 participating organizations from around the world including public aquaria, conservation agencies and research facilities held events, shared messages and images on social media, and otherwise spread the word about these amazing animals. Fund raising efforts by The Deep, SCS and others contributed to sawfish field programs in the Sudan. Plans have already begun for next year’s event and this momentum will be carried forth in future years solidifying efforts to strengthen both in situ and ex situ conservation and research efforts, with the intent that along with increased awareness about sawfish, these actions will generate additional funding for these important projects. |
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Flexin' our Mussels! Freshwater Mussel Conservation
Mikaela Foust, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium (NMRMA) has a unique partnership with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service to assist in the propagation of endangered freshwater mussels and enabling us to create a dynamic citizen science program. Mussels are considered one of the most imperiled taxa in North America. NMRMA has been involved in mussel propagation since 2010. In an effort to expand our partnership and engage more visitors our project grew to 16 Submersible Upwelling System (SUSPY) buckets by the spring of 2017. Within two years of the SUSPY program, >900 students helped to monitor and partake in the captive propagation of endangered species, such as the Higgins eye pearly mussel. This year NMRMA expanded to add a permanent, live, mussel exhibit and a conservation lab to propagate Logperch so USFWS can increase propagation of the endangered Snuffbox Mussel. |
Collaborative Efforts to Save the Endangered Giant Sea Bass
Nicole Leier, Aquarium of the Pacific Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas) is a critically endangered species off the coast of California. Current wild population estimates are as low as 500 individuals. In 2016, the Aquarium of the Pacific was the first aquarium to successfully rear a giant sea bass. Aquariums, universities, aquaculture facilities and government agencies conducting research on this species were used as resources to aid in the success of raising this individual. During this collaborative process, it was suggested that giant sea bass experts come together in order to share knowledge for the benefit of this species. The Aquarium of the Pacific decided to host the first-ever Giant Sea Bass Symposium. This presentation will give a synopsis of the current research on this species and discuss how the Aquarium of the Pacific is actively involved in helping researchers. |
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Tim Carpenter Sandy Moore Dr. Rob Jones Beth Firchau Scott Dowd Jacqueline Anderson Martin Moe Watch Video (Login required) |