Untitled - Aquarium of the Pacific

16 Pages·2011·2.85 MB·English

Message from the Chairman
Above all, we hope our members and guests leave with the desire
to help protect the natural environments that marine animals live
in and maybe even apply to volunteer at the Aquarium.
2 Message from
the Chairman I
and President
4 Distinctive
n my last year as chairman of the
Achievements
Board at the Aquarium of the Pacific,
6 Aquatic Forum and I want to communicate what a plea-
Aquatic Academy
sure it has been to serve in this role. In
7 Sustainability particular, I would like to say on behalf
and Educational of my family and Molina Healthcare
Programming
how honored we are to have helped es-
8 Exhibit Updates tablish the Molina Animal Care Center
during my tenure. The facility opened
9 Volunteers
to the public in May 2010.
10 Fundraising The Molina Animal Care Center
provides enhanced healthcare to our
13 Major Donors
animals and is a place for visitors to
15 Financial Overview learn more about the health and biology of our collection. I am also
very pleased with the effort made to minimize the impact of the
building on the environment and the energy-saving features that
have been incorporated into its design. The Aquarium joins a small
handful of aquariums worldwide lucky enough to have such state-
of-the-art facilities.
With the center, we also hope to inspire students to pursue careers
in science and marine biology. Above all, we hope our members and
Annual Report Staff guests leave with the desire to help protect the natural environments
that marine animals live in and maybe even apply to volunteer at the
Claire Atkinson
editor and writer Aquarium.
Andrew Reitsma I want to thank all of the donors and supporters who help to fund
graphic designer
innovative new projects and programs at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Cecile Fisher
It would not be possible without you.
editorial adviser
and copy editor
David Bader
writer
Holly Piper
writer
J. Mario Molina, M.D.
CHAIrMAn of THe BoArD
Message from the President
While attendance has risen by more than 35 percent since
2002, we’ve decreased our carbon footprint, using less water
and energy and emitting less carbon than ever before.
T
he Aquarium ended 2010 in a strong position financially
and programmatically and is poised to make 2011 a
defining year. While attendance fell slightly—5.5 percent
—we ended the year in a solid financial position because of the
generosity of our donors and the effective management of expenses
by the entire staff.
The Aquarium responded to the economic downturn by increas-
ing efforts to make its mission-driven activities available to the
community. We increased our special promotion programs, such
as discounted Late nights, to ensure equal access. We enlisted the
help of our generous corporate and foundation sponsors to raise
scholarship money, offering classes and field trips free of charge
to every Title I school that wanted to attend in 2010. We were even
able to cover transportation costs.
Community members continued to show their support of the Aquarium and its mission
through volunteer service. In 2010 both the number of volunteers and the hours served were
up across the board.
Sustainability remained a focus for the Aquarium. While attendance has risen by more than
26 percent since 2002, we’ve decreased our carbon footprint, using less water and energy
and emitting less carbon than ever before. We continue to bring experts to the Aquarium to
educate the community about issues of environmental concern through our lecture series, the
Aquatic Academy, and Aquatic forums focused on issues of regional and national importance.
The Aquarium of the Pacific plays an important role as a destination and as a meeting place,
drawing all segments of the community together to learn more about our relationship with
the Pacific ocean and its inhabitants and to build natural capital—nature, by building social
capital—the relationships between and among people.
on behalf of everyone at the Aquarium, thank you for your support.
Jerry r. Schubel, Ph.D.
PreSIDenT AnD Ceo
Very special thanks to J. Mario Molina, M.D., chairman of the
Board of Directors of the Aquarium of the Pacific.
3
Distinctive Achievements in 2010
“We in this country are awakening to the deterioration that is occurring in
what previously seemed to be a wilderness area—the World Ocean. This
country is in need of better science and technology education for all citizens
in every economic level. Put these elements together—a city with access to
the sea, citizens of diverse ethnicities and economic backgrounds, and a place
for all to learn—and what we have is the world-class Aquarium of the Pa-
cific. This aquarium plays a very important role and can continue to play an
important role in conserving our world’s biodiversity through education.”
Professor edward o. Wilson
HArvArD UnIverSITy
T
he Aquarium of the Pacific is the fourth The Aquarium of the Pacific tackles complex and
largest and one of the most diverse aquari- timely topics, including the Gulf oil spill, ocean de-
ums in the nation. It displays over 11,000 salinization, offshore aquaculture, sea level rise and
animals that represent the diversity of the Pacific coastal inundation, and coastal and marine spatial
ocean. Beyond its world-class animal exhibits, the planning, by gathering together experts and leaders
Aquarium offers educational programs for people from diverse backgrounds and different perspectives,
of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by such as recreational and commercial fishermen,
leading scientists and short courses on important environmentalists, industry executives, conservation
ocean issues. Through these programs and a variety biologists, artists, designers, and storytellers. By
of multimedia experiences, the Aquarium provides serving as neutral ground, the Aquarium is able to
opportunities to delve deeper into the ocean and bring people to the table, sometimes for the first
learn more about our planet. time, to explore alternative solutions to difficult
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gath- environmental and societal issues.
ering place where diverse cultures and the arts are As a free-choice learning institution with close to
celebrated and a place where important topics facing 1.5 million visitors annually, the Aquarium of the
our planet and our ocean are explored by scientists, Pacific offers the public unique opportunities to en-
policymakers, and stakeholders in the search for gage in learning about the ocean. By creating a more
sustainable solutions. It is an award-winning leader scientifically literate public, the Aquarium is provid-
in green practices and offers a new and innovative ing citizens with the knowledge to make thoughtful,
sustainable seafood initiative. informed decisions to solve the complex challenges
facing humanity.
4
‰ Hosted Ensuring the Future of Humans ‰ Launched a program exploring our urban
on Earth is a Design Problem. ocean, including a festival that brought
together artists, musicians, and more.
This panel discussion looked at possible
futures of our planet and what changes In May we also launched our new Urban
might ensure conditions to support human Ocean: World Port and Sealife Cruise. This
life on a sustained basis. The panel of experts cruise explores one of the most distinctive
included designer and climate change com- sections of our coastline, as it travels
municator Tom Bowman, writer and envi- through the Long Beach and Los Angeles
ronmentalist Stewart Brand, ocean explorer Harbors. The Southern California urban
and scientist Sylvia Earle, and Hollywood ocean is a focal point of intense interaction
producer and director Jerry Zucker. between humans and the sea that can be
experienced nowhere else.
‰ Conducted a forum called After
the Gulf: What Did We Learn? ‰ Opened the new BP Sea Otter Habitat.
The forum brought together industry ex-
perts, policymakers, members of the United ‰ Opened the Molina Animal Care Center.
States Coast Guard, and a representative of
the State Lands Commission. On the first day
‰ Opened an Earth-friendly garden
the forum focused on preventing another
bordering the Aquarium’s front lawn.
such event from occurring, and if and when
The native and drought-resistant plants
it does, responding more efficiently and ef-
used in the garden provide guests a model
fectively. The second day focused on what
for water-efficient landscaping and puts our
our world might look like if we continue to
sustainability objectives front-and-center.
rely so heavily on fossil fuels, and if we do,
what role the ocean will play in production.
This was followed by an exploration of strat- ‰ Became the first aquarium in the
egies to accelerate the movement toward nation to poll guests using the Six
renewable forms of energy. In addition, the Americas survey from the Yale Project
Aquarium presented a $5,000 donation to on Climate Change Communication.
the International Bird Rescue Research
Center (IBRRC) for its work in the Gulf. The
‰ Initiated the VolunTEENS program.
IBRRC was the lead organization tasked by
This provides a highly structured eighty-
U.S. Fish and Wildlife to conduct the wildlife
hour volunteer program for students ages
clean-up operations.
fourteen to sixteen.
‰ Hosted a workshop that focused on
the role of public support in protecting ‰ The Aquarium's First iPhone application was
chosen by Apple as New and Noteworthy.
special places in the Gulf of California
and the Southern California Bight.
It brought together scientists, environmen- ‰ Added the vaquita whale to the
Whales: Voices in the Sea exhibit.
tal managers, policymakers, informal educa-
tors, and stakeholders from both the United This was a result of an on-going collabo-
States and Mexico. The workshop focused on ration among the National Oceanic and
the value and importance of public involve- Atmospheric Administration, the Pacific
ment and building support when designat- Life Foundation, the Scripps Institution of
ing and maintaining marine protected areas Oceanography, and the Aquarium.
(MPAs).
‰ Expanded our Seafood for the Future
program to seventy restaurants, retailers,
and wholesalers Now Serving Sustainable
Seafood throughout California.
Aquarium Programs Take on Big Issues
wn
Linda Bro
T
he Aquarium of the Pacific fosters dialogue Stumbling Toward Sustainability discussed the
on complex and pressing issues related potential advantages and challenges of nuclear
to the ocean and environment through its power as an energy source, as well as other energy
Aquatic Academy and Aquatic forums. forum topics diversity and security topics. Speakers also ad-
in 2010 included how designers can work with scien- dressed sustainability as it relates to food, with
tists to help shift earth’s climate trajectory through aquaculture and genetically engineered crops as
storytelling and immersive experiences. Sessions subjects of interest. Lastly, the course examined the
also explored the role of public support in protecting environmental impact of cities. The course brought
marine habitats along the California coast. together energy consultants, climate change and food
Two four-week Aquatic Academy evening courses systems experts, reporters, and academics to share
were held in 2010, one focusing on the oil spill in the their knowledge and experiences with attendees.
Gulf of Mexico and another, titled Stumbling Toward
Sustainability, investigated several sustainable
strategies for supporting human life on our planet
with experts from many fields.
6
Aquarium Fosters Professional Development for Educators Education Accomplishments
The Aquarium continued to strengthen Boeing Teacher Institute served thirty- 219,000

its partnerships with scientists, educa- four K-12 teachers during a five-day students, teachers, and commu-
tion researchers, and other educators immersive program in August and par- nity members served through a
in 2010 with the goal of connecting the ticipants and program alumnae can now variety of educational programs
latest advancements in science with the share their experiences and lesson plans 35

most recent progress in understanding in an online teachers’ forum. Another
educational partners, including
how people learn. In the first half of the twenty teachers attended a new ocean universities, school districts,
year thirteen full-time members of the literacy workshop in november. Addi- government offices, aquariums,
education and volunteer services depart- tional workshops held in 2010 focused zoos, and conservation groups
ments participated in a six-month pro- on ocean science and exploration, “going 44

fessional development course on learning green,” and communicating controversial
adult education programs,
theory, which was developed by the Law- subjects. The Aquarium’s educators also including guest lectures, special
rence Hall of Science at the University of hosted special programs for teachers-in- presentations, and the Aquatic
California, Berkeley. training from California State University, Academy, serving more than
45,000 adults
The education department also hosted Long Beach; University of California,
100
several workshops and courses for Irvine pre-service teacher interns; and
educators in the community. Its annual scientists. pediatric patients taught by
Aquarium volunteers at Miller
Children’s Hospital
Sustainability a Top Priority 1,531

The Aquarium of the Pacific has put 40% students participated in
1.51 m 1.52 m RISEabove partnerships with
environmental awareness and resource
30% 1.45 m 1.44 m Chavez Elementary School and
conservation at the forefront. In 2002
the Board of Directors adopted a mas- 20% 1.28 m 1.35 m Wpraosvhidineg 7t0o nh oMuirdsd olef sScciheonocle t ihna-t
ttaSeoninr dg cpr peol aowtnthat ehcbno lwem a iwnmtnhaiuottetuairltn caginot ttnchersneeu damisnaipnsnttcgiieto eunhnt.a iesor ng y GE IN PERCENTAGE1-010%0%% 1.14 m 1.16 m 1.24 m 2shtormu,cet4sicohno 1dolu f4rainmgi lty h me secmhboeorl sy ear
N visited
A
increased by nearly 26 percent with CH-20% 17,200
no increase in its carbon footprint.
-30% children and 150 schools
While the Aquarium’s grid energy use
provided with free admission
has remained steady, CO emissions -40%
2 and educational programming
YEAR 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
and water use have been significantly through our scholarship
reduced—both by about 30 percent. Attendance Energy Use CO2 Emissions Water Use program
2,100

Green Achievements teachers received on-site
professional development
‰ The Aquarium has implemented ‰ Drought-resistant landscaping 100

a state-of-the-art building and installed in a new low-water-use education programs offered,
life support management system. garden in the Aquarium’s front such as Aquarium on Wheels,
The Aquarium registered its plaza saved 550,000 gallons K-12 standards-based classes,
and Junior Biologist Day Camp
greenhouse gas emissions with of water in 2010. The biggest
the California Climate Action water savings in this project 58,000

Registry for the fourth year. came from removal of grass. hours of service donated by
700 education volunteers
‰ Energy systems were supplemented ‰ By initiating electronic renewals in
11,000
by photovoltaic solar panels on 2010, the Aquarium cut paper usage
the Molina Animal Care Center. for membership renewals in half. miles traveled and more than
30,000 students and adults
‰ Sustainable seafood is served at ‰ The Aquarium raised over
served through our mobile
Café Scuba and Aquarium events, $460,000 in membership sales classroom, Aquarium on Wheels
and more than 350 pounds of food and donations online in 2010
1,900
waste was composted in 2010. without the use of paper.
school groups hosted onsite,
67 percent of which were
Title I schools
7
2010 Exhibit Updates
Molina Animal Care Center BP Sea Otter Habitat
The Aquarium opened its state-of-the-art Molina In the summer of 2010 the Aquarium opened its
Animal Care Center in May 2010. Accommodating new BP Sea otter Habitat, featuring an immersive
mammals, birds, and fishes, the center provides en- environment to transport visitors to California’s
hanced facilities for treating the Aquarium’s animals central coast. Additions also included new seating,
and allows visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look graphics, and an interactive game. Inside the habitat,
at veterinary medicine in action. the interior was redesigned for greater realism and
With the addition of the high-tech equipment on more room was created to allow increased interac-
site, veterinarian Dr. Lance Adams and his staff are tion between otters and husbandry staff. It is the
able to provide enhanced care for our animals, and first exhibit to receive 100-percent excellent ratings
guests are able to interact with veterinary staff in visitor surveys.
while viewing medical procedures. ollie, our newest sea otter, is the fifth otter to call
the Aquarium home. found beached in Santa Cruz
in September 2010, she came to the Aquarium at the
In recognition of the
end of the year and will go on public exhibit in fall
$2 million gift from
2011. Maggie came to the Aquarium from another
Molina Healthcare and
institution in 2010 at nine years old.
the Molina family, the
Before ollie, Maggie was the Aquarium’s youngest
center was named in
sea otter and was the first to be introduced to the
honor of the Molinas.
otter exhibit in about a decade. Aquarium fans
have followed Maggie’s journey throughout 2010
Aquarium guests have many opportunities to learn by reading Aquarium volunteer Hugh ryono’s blog
at the Molina Animal Care Center. volunteers host posts and viewing his otter videos. Aquarium staff
daily educational shows, and windows and overhead members also know Maggie by the name Gidget.
computer monitors make it possible for everyone to
see the hospital’s procedures. In addition, two inter-
active kiosks offer a chance to see stories of medical
successes or learn about the duties of various team
members.
8
Helping Hands and Fins
1,365

volunteers
The Aquarium’s volunteers play a crucial role, whether they are
caring for animals, helping out behind the scenes, or connecting
138,122

with visitors.
contributed
hours (up by
9,756 over 2009)
718

education
volunteers
58,267

contributed
education hours
126

dive volunteers
Charlotte Ginsburg Friday Dive Team 5B
At any Aquarium event that involves danc- The connection volunteer divers have made
ing, you are likely to find Charlotte Gins- with a young girl and her family high- 17,061

burg out on the dance floor with her hus- lights the important role volunteers play
dives logged
band, Dr. Allen Ginsburg. The couple has as Aquarium ambassadors. eight-year-old
supported the Aquarium of the Pacific since Lauren began visiting the Aquarium with
2002, became Pacific Circle members in her grandfather when she was about eigh-
142
2003, and named the Members entrance in teen months old. The two became regular
2006. In addition to dancing, the Ginsburgs fixtures at friday afternoon dive shows, VolunTEENS
enjoy hiking, particularly in Palos verdes, where Lauren began communicating with (students age 14-16)
where they have helped the Palos verdes the divers. She makes hand signals and
Land Conservancy to set aside close to 800 dances, which encourages other children to
9,357
acres of open land and hiking trails. interact with the divers during the show.
But Charlotte Ginsburg has also given Three years ago Lauren was hospitalized contributed
significantly of her time. She has served in and the dive team noticed their enthusias- VolunTEEN hours
a volunteer capacity as the co-chair of the tic fan was missing. During her hospital
Trustees of the Pacific for two years and stay she kept asking to go visit the divers,
served on committees for the annual Gala, her mother Liz says. “That was when I real-
Sea fare, and other special projects. ized that it was a second home for her. The
“It’s been wonderful,” Ginsburg says. “I Aquarium has provided her this safe haven
think I got back a lot more than I gave. The to be who she is,” she says.
people are so informative and open and The feeling of appreciation is mutual ac-
helpful. The mission really motivates me to cording to Gary Sterling, dive team leader.
get more involved so it’s been a really good “I know I wouldn’t have nearly the passion
fit for me. I think cleaning up our ocean and for what I do at the Aquarium if weren’t for
our environment for future generations is her,” he says.
probably the most important thing we can friday’s 5B dive team includes fritz
do. If there’s no life in the ocean, there’s Anker, Grace Chee, Terry Comiskey, Mark
probably no life for us.” Davidson, Sasha Harvey, Michael Mirando,
Debra Sam, Gary Sterling, Teresa Troutman,
and Luke Williams.
9
Fundraising
“ As someone who has experienced all of Long Beach’s offerings, I can confidently say none have ”
been more enjoyable or more important to our community than the Aquarium of the Pacific.
— Ron Barnes, executive director of the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris
Foundation and a proud Long Beach local for the past 60 years.
Pacific Circle Donations given by members
The Pacific Circle is a distinct donor group consist- who contribute to the Animal
ing of individuals and corporate sponsors. In 2010 Husbandry Fund and the
this premier group boasted over 230 members and Adopt an Animal program
generated over $500,000 in revenue for the Aquar- make a significant impact on
ium’s educational and conservation programs. In the Aquarium’s mission. Peg
appreciation, Pacific Circle contributors received Urvek (right) is a champion of
special benefits, including invitations to exhibit philanthropy and celebrates
previews and exclusive events, private and person- all the supporters who gave
ally tailored behind-the-scenes tours, free parking, $10 and $25.
and more.
Education Fund
Animal Husbandry Fund
In 2010 the Aquarium education fund supported
With more than 11,000 animals who call the Aquar-
crucial science and conservation education programs
ium home, the cost of providing our animal am-
for more than 219,000 students, teachers, and com-
bassadors with the best environment possible can
munity members from Southern California. These
escalate quickly. In response the Aquarium created
activities included field trips, forty interactive state-
the Animal Husbandry fund in 2010. This fund sup-
standards based classroom and theater programs for
ports all the necessities vital to the optimal health
K-12 students, professional development for teachers,
of our marine residents, such as clams, mussels, and
Aquarium on Wheels visits, forums and lectures on
shrimp to feed the sea otters; an interactive toy for
critical conservation issues, and much more.
the giant Pacific octopus to keep her mind stimulated
and engaged; and medical supplies for the annual
exams conducted on all the lorikeets.
“I care more about the ocean and the
creatures that live there, I want to know
Special Events
more about how to take care of the earth
The Aquarium held two main fundraising events last
and I want to know more about how to
year that directly supported its environmental and
protect animals,” a student proclaimed
conservation programs. The annual ocean Conserva-
after completing a school visit.
tion Awards Gala took place in June on the anni-
versary of the Aquarium’s inception. Sea fare took
Scholarship Fund place in october and featured a “Taste of Long Beach”
The Aquarium Scholarship fund addresses the needs theme along with both a silent and live auction.
of underserved K-12 schools and districts that lack
access to cultural and scientific learning resources. Membership
In 2010 nearly $400,000 in corporate, foundation, In 2010 Aquarium members continued their giv-
and individual donations allowed more than 17,000 ing legacy by generating over $3.2 million in vital
students from Title I schools and community organi- operating support. With over 34,000 households
zations to participate in engaging hands-on science holding memberships, the Aquarium depends on this
education and explore the Aquarium’s wide diversity core group of supporters to ensure the survival of its
of marine life. Due to the generosity of donors, the conservation and education programs. Members can
Aquarium was able to exhaust its scholarship wait- take pride in knowing that their dollars go directly to
ing list for the first time in over three years. the Aquarium’s many community driven initiatives.
10