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Aquarium News
- Seaside Aquarium staff held two talks for the public
this fall as part of the public outreach for the Marine
Mammal Stranding Network. The first talk was held
at the recently completed Seaside Public Library, the
second at the Cannon Beach Library. PSU Professor
and Director of the program, Dr. Debbie Duffield
joined aquarium staff to present information on how
the network works, share recent statistics, and tell
amusing anecdotes about marine mammal adventures.
- December marked the Aquarium’s annual Food
Drive. Admission was free between Thanksgiving and
Christmas with a donation of two cans of food.
"Hundreds of people participated. We would love to
increase that to thousands next year," says General
Manager Keith Chandler.
- The Marine Mammal Stranding Network was very
busy in January, dissecting more than 10 sea lions
that washed up on the beach. Dissections are done
to help determine cause of death. This information is
tracked over time to help researchers see any trends
in marine mammal life along our coast. Dr. Debbie
Duffield and Nelio Barros, a research associate, spent
four days on the beach collecting data.
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Important Beach Safety
1. Never turn your back on the ocean.
Sneaker wavers are very powerful, sometimes strong
enough to knock over an adult.
2. Avoid logs in the surf.
They may look stable, but the ocean can roll logs over you.
3. This is not a safe area for swimming
in the ocean.
Be aware there is a strong undercurrent.
4. Completely extinguish your campfires.
Embers can burn for days if left or covered.
5. Leave marine mammals alone.
Marine mammals can carry diseases transmutable to humans and pets.
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Puget Sound King Crab
One of our current favorites at the aquarium is the Puget Sound King Crab.
This orange creature is a relative of the box crab. It can grow to be one of the
largest crabs along the Pacific Coast, with a carapace (care-uh-pis) or back shell
up to six inches across.
The specimens we keep at the aquarium are carefully chosen for their suitability
for our set-up. We primarily keep Pacific Northwest animals that can adapt to
the temperature changes that occur in the water we pump from the ocean. We
are also careful to choose animals that do not need a lot of swimming room.
There is usually something new or unusual on display; ask our interpreter to
help you find the current featured animal.
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