San Diego County News

Independent publication serving San Diego County

  • Local
    • Central San Diego
    • North County
    • East County
    • South Bay
    • Northeastern
    • Temecula
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Television
    • Art
    • Theater
    • Film
    • Events
    • Theme Parks
    • Podcast/Radio
    • Museums
    • Books
  • Business
  • National
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Health
    • Health Business
    • Health Education
    • Medical
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food
    • Lifestyle
    • Senior Life
    • Society
  • Commentary
  • Home

Research In Action: New Exhibit at Birch Aquarium

May 31, 2017 By sdcnews

Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.

LA JOLLA–Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego launched a new exhibit in the Hall of Fishes that is unlike any other in the history of the aquarium.

More than a display, Research in Action: 100 Island Challenge is also a working laboratory for Scripps Oceanography scientists.

The new exhibit serves as an experimental reef that allows Scripps Oceanography scientists to develop coral research techniques and test equipment and ideas before traveling to remote locations. In addition to enjoying the beautiful display, guests will also be able to meet scientists and see prototype digital cameras and underwater robotic equipment before it’s deployed in the field.

“The new approaches used in Research in Action: The 100 Island Challenge are designed to create deeper connections between our visitors and the beautiful and often complex habitats that exist in the wild,” said Harry Helling, executive director of Birch Aquarium. “This display represents a bold step toward advancing our mission of connecting understanding with protecting the planet.”

Trending
One man dead, one seriously injured in San Marcos shooting

The exhibit is designed to assist Scripps Oceanography scientists as they take on the gargantuan task of collecting coral reef data from 100 tropical islands around the world. This 100 Island Challenge aims to gain a better understanding of how reefs are adapting to our rapidly changing planet and decipher what the future holds for these important habitats. While a majority of reefs have been significantly impacted by climate change, ocean acidification, and human activities, others seem to be rebounding, and a few are even thriving.

The big question scientists need to answer is “why?” Information gleaned from the 100 Island Challenge will inform conservation efforts to protect reefs globally.

“We now have a coral reef in our back yard, allowing us to work in the tropics without leaving San Diego, all the while sharing the discovery process with visitors to Birch Aquarium,” said marine biologist Stuart Sandin, whose lab studies coral reef ecosystems and will be using the new exhibit to test equipment and field techniques.

Research in Action features an Indo-Pacific coral reef habitat, and was designed with sustainability in mind, featuring both artificial and nursery-grown corals. Birch Aquarium has propagated and raised coral in captivity for more than 20 years through the Coral Propagation Program and many of these home-grown corals are on display.

This exhibit, which also features approximately 500 Indo-Pacific Ocean coral community fish , was made possible thanks to an anonymous donor.

Research in Action: 100 Island Challenge is included in Birch Aquarium admission, which is $18.50 for adults, $14 for children ages 3 to 17. Annual memberships are also available.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit aquarium.ucsd.edu or call (858) 534-FISH. Proceeds support exhibits and educational programming at Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

40

SHARES
Share on Facebook
Tweet
Follow us

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: Events


Support Independent Journalism



Environment

EPA proposes to strengthen air quality standards

January 7, 2023 By sdcnews

Science & Technology

Little rodent, big appetite

December 22, 2022 By sdcnews

Advertisement

Start planning your Travel Tuesday getaway! Just enter code TRAVELT35 for up to $35 off our fees on flights and be ready to take off.

Trending

School Sports

Animal News

Helen Woodward Animal Center meets UN Council

December 22, 2022 By sdcnews

Community Events

Things To Do

Categories

  • About Us
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Private Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Things To Do

Follow @SanCounty

Privacy Policy

Terms of service

Copyright © 2023 San Diego County News