LSS & Exhibitry Abstracts
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Design and Testing of an Automated LSS System for Animal Transport
Kevin Curlee, Disney The Seas Full Abstract
Historically, the long‐distance transport of large teleost and elasmobranch specimens, weather newly collected or moved between collaborating facilities has been occasionally problematic. Even when purged and/or sedated, the high metabolic demands of a large mass animal often result in deterioration of water quality over long hours of transport. The window for successful transport is narrow and fear of mortality/morbidity is an ever‐present during these operations. The Walt Disney EPCOT Water Science Department, in collaboration with Aquatic Equipment and Design Inc. (AED), and McDaniel Consulting, LLC (MDC) have devised a fully portable, remotely monitored, animal transport life support system to greatly increase the margin of safety during transport. The system actively monitors and controls flow in the transport container, controls temperature, captures suspended solids, and maintains dissolved gas in water by using innovative technology re‐purposed from the pharmaceutical and semi‐conductor industry without the need for atmospherically vented or column de‐gassing systems. |
The Joy of Cooking, Water Chemistry edition: How to homebrew your own nitrate test
Mark Yun, Oregon Coast Community College Full Abstract
A previous project from our facility created a method to read the nitrate level in a saltwater sample using the API Nitrate test kit with a Hach spectrophotometer. This not only removed the hazardous waste produced by the cadmium reduction method designed for the Hach machine but was also more accurate and cheaper to run per test. The purpose of this project was as a follow‐up to create a ‘recipe’ for a reliable and potentially cost‐effective colorimetric nitrate test for the Hach machine to read nitrates in a saltwater sample at standard aquarium levels using commercially available reagents. Due to the time constraints, this project was not able to test the shelf life of the formulated solutions and their reliability after extended storage, however, this method did prove to be successful in its original goals. |
Killing Three Birds with One “Green” Stone: Making a Hill‐William Heat Exchanger
Nick Zarlinga, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Full Abstract
We all have a surplus of grand ideas but usually we find ourselves with a deficit of money to implement them. But when animal welfare is your priority, we need find a way to make things work. In this instance, we were able to solve three issues with one simplistic design. By using off the shelf materials, we were able to create a heat exchanger which solved our cooling needs in one 4200 gallon saltwater system, our heating needs in another 6000 gallon freshwater system, and of course implementing the solutions without spending a lot of money. Additionally, we were able to eliminate the need to add any mechanical equipment or any additional energy demands to solve the problems. |
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Vancouver Aquarium and Vancouver International Airport – A Unique Partnership and Opportunity for Ocean Conservation
Patricia Beer, Vancouver Aquarium, Ocean Wise Full Abstract
Google “the coolest things to see in an airport” and on many of those lists you will find the 30,000-gallon kelp forest aquarium at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The Vancouver Aquarium has managed that facility for over 11 years with all the challenges that security in an international airport brings. This talk will tour this facility and explain the challenges that heightened security, burgeoning passenger traffic, and airport expansion create. I will also share stories of the partnership between these two non-profit organizations (YVR is a non-profit!) and the innovative relationships they nurture with an eclectic mix of partners. There are vastly different initiatives to improve current circumstances in the oceans within this creative network of associates. An aquarium and an airport have come together to protect our oceans. I want to encourage imaginative partnerships towards more of the same. |
Renovating a Two‐Decade‐Old Artificial Reef Jessica Nishimoto, Aquarium of the Pacific Full Abstract
After twenty years, the coral in the 350,000 gallon Tropical Reef exhibit at Aquarium of the Pacific has lost a lot of color due to sun bleaching, broken coral, and algae and invertebrate fouling. To help mitigate costs of purchasing new artificial coral, we decided to repair and restore broken pieces. By doing so, we are not only able to recycle hundreds of corals, but also have control over the quality of color and appearance of repainted pieces. This presentation will cover the products, methods, success stories, and challenges that helped return color and coral distribution throughout this exhibit. |
Flip or Flop: Mote's Journey through DIY exhibit upgrades Amanda Hodo & Kerry Lee, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Full Abstract
Mote’s largest exhibit, our 135,000 gallon shark habitat, was in dire need of an aesthetic improvement. Upgrades had to be completed with limited resources, and without removing animals or otherwise closing to the public. The complete in‐house overhaul of the exhibit included the installation of a large panel kydex backdrop, reef balls, and skylight alterations. With a bit of MacGyver ingenuity and teamwork, the outcome was better than anticipated. We observed an increase in small fish survivorship, improved animal health, and an enhanced overall aesthetic appeal. |
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Movement and Transport of 200+ kilogram Grey Nurse Sharks…WCGW?
Aaron Sprowl and Rob Jones, St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station and The Aquarium Vet Full Abstract
At the end of 2017 Merlin Entertainments, decided to close the 53 year old Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary in Sydney Australia. Engineering reports indicated a rebuild was needed due to structures beyond repair. Home to over 1000 different animals careful planning was required for their relocation. Six of the fish were 25 to 40 year old Grey Nurse Shark aka Sand Tiger Shark (GNS, Carcharias taurus). These sharks were all in excess of 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) and 200+ kg. The species is no longer able to be obtained from the wild in accordance with the Australian Department of the Environment Recovery Plan for GNS. The movement of the GNS required the development of systems and equipment that would allow the sharks to remain submerged and supported by water through all transfers and avoid traditional capture stress issues. Through careful planning, many long days and nights, and 17 interstate transports each over 1200 kilometres, Merlin Entertainments successfully relocated over 1000 animals including the six aging GNS with zero transport‐related mortalities. |
Using novel behavior training to increase visitor impact Michelle Benedict, Dolphin Quest Oahu Full Abstract
The human‐animal bond is a powerful conservation tool which zoos and aquariums foster daily. Touch tray habitats are the petting zoos of the aquarium world and one of the few ways to physically interact with aquatic life. Many locations have hands‐on encounters, however it is rare to find teleosts in these exhibits. We will demonstrate novel and husbandry behaviors with teleosts, trained through positive reinforcement, which astound guests and add a dimension to their relationship with fish beyond the dinner plate. Our first‐hand experiences show that a deeper appreciation for these complex and wonderful animals is as impactful as our marine mammal interactions and further spreads the message of humane care for all. By leveraging connections with teleost ambassadors through guest interaction, training and social media you can expand the reach of your institution, generate interest and gain advocates for the valuable role of aquariums and marine parks. |
Reproduction of Gymnura altavela in the main tank of Marine Aquarium of Rio de Janeiro (AquaRio)
Tie Ferreira, Marine Aquarium of Rio de Janeiro Full Abstract
Like other aquariums for public visitation, AquaRio comes with the objective of reproducing marine ecosystems so that visitors can know, respect and want to preserve. In the second year of operation the reproduction of the Gymnura altavela was carried out inside the main tank. During the first weeks of March of 2018 several persecutions of males behind females were observed, characteristic act in the reproduction of the rays. In August of 2018 the female was taken to the main tank procedures area and with the help of the veterinary team 5 babies were delivered, 2 males and 3 females. These were taken to the quarantine for biometrics to be made. Also successful in breeding the species Dasyatis hipostyigma and Rhinoptera bonasus. Works such as this make public aquariums, as well as a tourism equipment, an important center of sustainability for society. |