C O N S E R VAT I O N
Maryland Tackles Ocean Acidif ication Just decades ago, scientists thought that the buffering capacity of the world’s ocean was so great that it could absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide without much consequence. Unfortunately, a growing body of research links dramatic changes in ocean chemistry, or ocean acidification, to the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Recognizing the potential consequences of this problem, Maryland is taking decisive action to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Last year, the Task Force to Study the Impact of Ocean Acidification on State Waters was formed, with the Aquarium’s own chief conservation officer, Eric Schwaab, acting as Task Force Chair. The task force issued a report calling for better monitoring, industry partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies. “This is a much-needed first step, as we make important recommendations to the general assembly and new administration to protect Maryland’s $1.65 billion blue crab, oyster and striped bass seafood industry,” Schwaab says. The Aquarium’s role doesn’t end at the state level. Through a new in-school outreach program, staff is helping to educate students about ocean chemistry and its effect on local waters. These young environmentalists will also brainstorm potential solutions. Teachers can register their class for the program—offered October through March—by calling Central Reservations at 410-576-3833.
WE’RE GOING TO EXTREMES Explore the unfamiliar this spring. We kicked off the 2015 Marjorie Lynn Bank Lecture Series—titled “Ocean Extremes: Wild Underwater Worlds”—on March 19 with guest speaker Dr. Doug Allan, one of the world’s most respected and experienced natural-history cameramen. Join us as we dive deeper into the wildest, deepest, coldest corners of the ocean in the next two lectures. On April 28, we’ll hear from renowned environmental scientist Dr. Jesse Ausubel as he recounts his experience studying some of the most dramatic changes in the history of our ocean. Up next, in “Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime: Celebrating our Ocean’s Oddities,” Dr. Ellen Prager will share her entertaining tell-all about the ocean’s strangest species on May 13. Visit aqua.org/lecture to learn more.
Certifiably Wild CREATE YOUR OWN CERTIFIED WILDLIFE HABITAT. The National Aquarium has teamed up with the National Wildlife Federation to make Baltimore more livable for the many animals—and people—that inhabit the area. Local residents can now establish certified wildlife gardens in their backyards, parks, schools and community spaces by providing the most important habitat components and practicing sustainable gardening techniques, such as eliminating pesticides, conserving water and planting native species. Not only will this create a healthy habitat for critical species like Baltimore orioles and monarch butterflies, but it will also help improve our water resources by reducing the polluted runoff that ultimately ends up in the Chesapeake Bay and our ocean. Visit aqua.org/garden to take the next steps toward certification.
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