Proud to be a Puffer

If you have ever been to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher then you have probably seen two large porcupinefish, commonly known as pufferfish that live in our 235,000 gallon Cape Fear Shoals tank. If you were lucky, you may have even caught them smiling at you. Although much smaller in size, the tiny burrfish, another type of puffer, that live in the Buzzard Bay exhibit could melt the toughest man’s heart. Their ability to speed through the exhibit has always been a crowd pleaser.

Although pufferfish may look cute and cuddly, their public enemy number one is other pufferfish. As adults, they can become territorial in an aquarium and in turn attempt to injure others. At the aquarium, staff works hard to keep them all living together and happy. (Only one pufferfish should call a tank home because an aggressive fight may erupt if a second one moves into the neighborhood.) Another interesting fact about this magnificent species is that they are extremely poisonous (only some species are poisonous, see below from Wikipedia)

Some species are poisonous, having a tetrodotoxin in their internal organs, such as the ovaries and liver. This neurotoxin is at least 1200 times more potent than cyanide, but some scientists believe it is produced by several types of bacteria that are somehow obtained from the fish's diet as fish bred in captivity are not poisonous.

A puffer’s body holds a type of toxin called tetrodotoxin, which if eaten can cause paralysis or death. Yet in Asian cultures puffer fish are eaten as a delicacy on a regular basis.

The most unique quality of a puffer is its ability to swell up when scared or threatened. This adaptation is a magnificent sight to see. So, enjoy viewing puffers from afar, at the NC Aquarium.

The Heart of a Diver

When most people think of divers they think of mystery people in shiny black suits, but for one 15-year-old boy, the divers at the Aquarium at Fort Fisher were much more. While visiting the Aquarium with his mother, Scott was given an amazing surprise from a diver in the Cape Fear Shoals tank. While peering into the 235,000 gallon tank at the Aquarium, Scott was greeted by a diver who pretended to be ‘Spiderman’ by crouching upside down in front of the glass. The diver also placed his hand on the glass, which Scott mimicked with great excitement. This small interaction meant wonders to Scott, who is Autistic. He loves scuba divers and now thanks to the Aquarium staff he holds a special place in his heart for these underwater heroes.

Generally lingering behind the scenes or deep in tanks, divers keep a low profile (most days). Yet their hearts may be bigger than their appearance around the Aquarium. Each day, divers complete two dive shows at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm where they talk to the public from inside the Cape Fear Shoals tank. This is one of the greatest moments for young children who are offered the opportunity to ask the divers any question they want. Although this is just another task in the daily life of a diver, Scott’s memorable story proves that our divers take pride in the magnitude of joy and excitement they bring to people visiting the Aquarium.

Bringin Oysters Back!

The Benthic Ecology Lab at University of North Carolina Wilmington has created The Oyster Spat Monitoring Program, a volunteer effort to discover when and where oysters reproduce and settle along the north, central, and south eastern coasts of North Carolina. Oysters have been in decline as a result of over- harvesting, increased pollution and runoff, and disease and competition from invasive species. Volunteers track the settlement of oysters on a set of ceramic tiles cable-tied to a “Spat Rack” design, which sits below the marsh grass line and are positioned to mimic local oyster reefs. Spat racks are created out of PVC pipe, ceramic tiles, cable ties and a drain hose. Volunteers also collect data on salinity, water and air temperature to learn more about the environment where oysters grow best.

Although UNCW has studied oyster populations for several years, the recent decline in oyster populations has shifted the project’s focus to discovering new methods and procedures that may enhance oyster populations. Another program goal is to restore areas where there are declining populations of oysters around the North Carolina coast. The restoration of oyster populations is important for countless reasons. Oysters are extremely valuable because they provide food, filtration, and fish habitat.

To learn more information about The Oyster Spat Monitoring Program or discover how to become a volunteer and assist in this amazing effort visit the website at http://www.ncoystermonitoring.org/.

*Picture by volunteer Lee Bailey

NC Aquarium Accepting Booth Sponsors for Halloween Event

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher invites businesses and organizations to sponsor booths at the seventh annual “Trick or Treat Under the Sea.” The event has been expanded to two nights for 2009 – Wednesday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Oct. 29.

The event, also known as TOTUS, features indoor trick-or-treating for children from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sponsoring a booth is a wonderful way to promote your business by interacting with families in the community at this fun and popular event.

Booth space is available for $75 per day. Vendors may attend one or both nights. Sponsors decorate booths and provide enough treats for the several hundred children expected each night. Sponsors bring their own tables, decorations and power cords.

Booth sponsorships are available first-come, first-served. For more information or to register, call Special Events Coordinator Terry Bryant at 910-458-8257 ext. 218.

The Catch of the Day

Commercial fishermen, seafood dealers, and local restaurant owners from Brunswick County have joined forces to create Brunswick Catch, a local seafood recognition program. The program is an effort to promote the long history of the Brunswick County seafood industry that is in peril due to population growth, fluctuations in fuel costs, and influx of lower-cost imported seafood. The program’s ultimate goal is to sustain the livelihood and heritage of the Brunswick County seafood program through public education and promotion.

The Brunswick Catch website states, “We hope to increase the demand for locally harvested seafood among residents and visitors, with a long term goal of making Brunswick Catch seafood a recognized brand throughout the eastern United States” (Brunswickcatch.com).

Whenever someone mentions the history of Brunswick County one thing that comes to mind are fishermen. If you have ever visited the Yacht Basin in Southport, you have come into contact with some of the nicest and oldest fishermen in the business. Their knowledge of the seafood industry is extensive! Restaurants throughout the area have helped this small market grow as many turn to these local providers for the freshest seafood. Top quality seafood, such as shrimp, blue crabs, grouper, flounder, oysters, and clams have all been harvested from the area. The program was formed with the assistance of Brunswick County Economic Development Commission, Brunswick County Commissioners, North Carolina Sea Grant and Carteret Catch

The Aquarium’s Local Catch program initiative has generated a great deal of interest from the community. The mission of the program is to create awareness about sustainable fisheries, and that fisheries are seasonal. Each card presents a different set of “Quality Counts” tips for selecting seasonal fresh seafood. Sustainable harvesting means we will enjoy seafood today and in the future. Species listed as North Carolina “Local Catch” are managed for long-term viability.

Camper Chronicles Week 8 / Day 5

The last day of Aquarium summer camp was a sad day for the campers and the staff. The summer was filled with awesome activities and stellar campers. Thank you to all the campers that made Camper Chronicles possible and those that have followed Camper Chronicles, stay tuned for next year when the fun returns!
Chyanne, “My favorite part was feeding and taking care of the animals, but my most favorite was learning about them.”

Cameron, “My favorite part was feeding dead rats to the snakes.”

Alana, “My favorite part of camp was canoeing out to Zeke’s Island, swimming in the swimming holes, and hanging out with my friends.”

Eason, “My favorite part of camp this week was going canoeing because we got to swim in the little hole and our canoe got their first.”

Morgan, “My favorite thing about this week was being able to feed all of the animals and learning what they like to eat.”

Abby, “My favorite part of the week was making all of these new friends.”

Kirra, “My favorite thing about camp this week was going to Zeke’s Island in canoes. We got to swim in the water.”

Harris, “I liked seeing giant clams and touching the animals.”

Ashley, “My favorite thing this week was feeding and taking care of the animals.”

Kylee, “My favorite part of this week was going crabbing and feeding the animals.”

Rob, “My favorite thing I did this week was feeding the animals.”

Hannah, “I loved feeding all the animals. My favorite was the frogs!”

Preston, “My favorite thing about camp this week was getting to shadow the Aquarist and getting to see what they do daily.”

Sarah, “My favorite thing about being at camp this week was seeing everything behind the scenes, feeding the baby seahorses, and learning about dolphins.”

George, “My favorite thing was playing with my friends.”

Camper Chronicles Week 8 / Day 4

On the fourth day of Animal Keeper summer camp the kids helped feed the Aquarium animals. The campers also learned about the life cycle of several animals that call the Aquarium home. Here is what they had to say.

Ashley, “Today I learned that they feed frozen mice to their snakes!”

Cameron, “I learned that snake’s food has to be dry.”

Kylee, “I learned the life cycle of a jellyfish, and I learned about animal training.”

Abby, “Today I learned that giant clams feel really mushy. I had a great time.”

Alana, “Today I learned that seahorses enjoy eating shrimp, and that when giant clams try to close up their skin goes all bumpy!”

Harris, “Shark teeth get black faster in the ocean than in captivity. I also learned that female stingrays are bigger than males.”

Chyanne, “I learned that giant clams are very squishy and bubbly.”

Kirra, “Today I learned about alligators and how they train them!! One thing to go to train them is have them touch a target.”

Eason, “I learned that the shorter jellyfish tentacles are, the less they hurt.”

Morgan, “Today I learned what box turtles eat. They like carrots, grapes, tomatoes, and lots of other vegetables.”

Hannah, “Box turtles are really sweet and shy!”

Preston, “I learned that clams are very, very squishy. I thought they were rough and hard.”

Rob, “What I learned today was that box turtles are stubborn.”

George, “Box turtles are stubborn and also love to eat.”

Sarah, “Today I learned that snakes eat their prey head first.”