Showcasing Science at World Oceans Day

Scientists and researchers from the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life joined dedicated New England Aquarium educators to help put a spotlight on ocean science on Sunday, June 10, at the New England Aquarium’s World Oceans Day Celebration.

Thousands of visitors celebrated the oceans on Central Wharf and learned how the Anderson Cabot Center is transforming science into action to help protect the blue planet. From sustainable seafood demonstrations to (plush) shark tagging, the day featured a number of presentations and games showcasing the science coming out of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life.

At the Marine Conservation Action Fund table, visitors learned how the Anderson Cabot Center supports ocean conservation around the globe. With the “Scoop on Poop,” participants learned how scientists are using fecal samples from the Aquarium’s Northern fur seals to learn about hormones and health in a way that could help inform conservation efforts for the species in the wild.

Future ocean protectors learn how the Aquarium’s fur seals are helping their wild cousins just by pooping!

Ever wonder what a whale looks like from 1,000 feet up? Dr. Ester Quintana, Anderson Cabot Center senior scientist, used a game to show future ocean protectors what it’s like to be an aerial survey scientist. Aerial surveys are a critical source of information about marine life, especially those in remote areas like the Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.

Dr. Ester Quintana shows children what it’s like to be on an aerial survey.

Did you know that what a lobster eats can affect the color of its shell? Visitors in the tent got to see this science in action with the help of some live babies from our Lobster Lab!

The lobsters weren’t the only live animals on display. Anyone who has visited the Aquarium’s Science of Sharks exhibit would recognize the sharks that visited the tent. Studying these animals help researchers at the Anderson Cabot Center and the Aquarium learn how climate change affects species.

Sharks may be popular, but we know very little about how these animals spend their time in the ocean. Tagging sharks in the field allows our scientists to collect vital data that helps manage and protect these important species. On World Oceans Day, some future ocean protectors got to learn what it’s like to tag a shark with the help of members of our FSET Program and some stuffed volunteers.

Kids at the 2018 World Oceans Day learn how Anderson Cabot Center scientists tag sharks in the field.

Learn more about the 2018 World Ocean’s Day Celebration at NEAq.org.