Latest news with #TheFloridaAquarium
Business Wire
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
A New Wave of Wonder: The Florida Aquarium Unveils The Tide Pool
TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest to the heart of Tampa Bay, a new adventure awaits. Today, The Florida Aquarium celebrated the grand opening of The Tide Pool — one of the only cold-water touch habitats on Florida's west coast. The Tide Pool is a 60-foot-long, 4,000-gallon, cold-water touch habitat that invites guests to discover, touch, and connect with more than 200 marine invertebrates —quadrupling the animals from the previous No Bone Zone exhibit. Kept at a cool 50 degrees to replicate Pacific Northwest coastal waters, this immersive exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to feel the texture of a red bat star, check out the striking colors of the ochre sea star, and watch the spot prawns in action—all in an environment that looks and sounds like a Pacific coastline. ' The Tide Pool is a spectacular new addition that brings the spirit of discovery to life,' said Roger Germann, President & CEO of The Florida Aquarium. 'For the past 30 years, we've inspired people to care about marine life. With The Tide Pool, we're creating a rare opportunity to interact with incredible cold-water species not found in Florida—offering the kind of hands-on experience that ignites curiosity and can spark a lifelong commitment to conservation, especially in our youngest visitors.' CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST QUALITY VIDEO & SOUND + PHOTOS OF THE TIDE POOL & ANIMALS Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium Built in six expansive segments and featuring a state-of-the-art wave action system, the exhibit delivers a multi-sensory experience. Projected wave effects and a 16-channel surround sound system bring the tide to life with the roar of crashing surf and the calls of seabirds. A custom mural by artist Curtis Stokes shifts from sunset to starlight and sunrise under UV-reactive lighting, creating a stunning, ever-changing backdrop for exploration. 'Every element of The Tide Pool is designed to immerse our guests in the diversity and resilience of life in these coastal habitats,' said Tim Binder, Senior Vice President of Animal Care & Health at The Florida Aquarium. 'It's a rare opportunity for our community to engage directly with cold-water marine life and gain a deeper appreciation for their unique adaptations—sparking both curiosity and a lasting commitment to ocean conservation.' Meet Some of The Tide Pool's Animals Green Surf Anemone: a vibrant green anemone with tentacles that capture small fish in cold, wave-swept waters. Red Bat Star: a colorful sea star with five to nine arms, each covered in tiny pincers for feeding. Ochre Sea Star: an iconic intertidal species found along the Pacific coast, known for its striking orange or purple hues. Spot Prawn: a deep-water shrimp species valued for its beauty and important role in the food web. Black-Eyed Hermit Crab: a hardy crustacean that carries its home on its back and scavenges along the seafloor. The Tide Pool Key Highlights Part of a Bold Vision for Tampa Bay The Tide Pool is the latest milestone in The Florida Aquarium's historic $45 million expansion, following the opening of the MORPH'D gallery presented by PAR in 2023. Upcoming plans include the arrival of puffins in late 2026-early 2027, and the debut of a California sea lion habitat, the first of its kind on Florida's west coast, along with a new habitat for the African penguins, both in late 2027-early 2028. These expansion plans are made possible through community support, including a $15 million Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) investment and The Tide Pool exhibit supporters Robert R. Sharp & Family and Marvin L. & Betsy Holloway. Together, they are helping The Florida Aquarium elevate its shared purpose through conservation, education, and world-class animal care. About The Florida Aquarium This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Florida Aquarium, a cornerstone of Tampa Bay's transformation into a globally recognized destination. Since opening in 1995, this 501c (3) nonprofit organization has been dedicated to environmental stewardship through purpose-driven conservation, research, education, and outreach programs. Welcoming more than a million guests annually, The Florida Aquarium provides world-class experiences that inspire action to protect marine wildlife. Home to a diverse array of aquatic and terrestrial animals, the Aquarium is committed to exceptional animal care and fostering a deeper connection to the ocean through immersive exhibits. Driven by a commitment to saving marine wildlife, The Florida Aquarium remains a world-renowned leader in groundbreaking research and rescue efforts that help restore Florida's coral reefs and sea turtle populations. For more information, visit and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
FWC launches ‘Coral Defender' to protect reefs in Florida Keys
FLORIDA KEYS, Fla. (WFLA) — A new biodegradable tool dubbed the 'Coral Defender' was launched this week in an effort to safeguard newly outplanted corals in Florida's waters. The 'Coral Defender' is a 3-D printed tool made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) that protect corals from predation. The PHAs are naturally produced by bacteria through fermenting sugars or fats. Tampa man found in the water, clinging to pylon after theft in Florida Keys: deputies Launched by The Florida Aquarium and Florida Fish and Wildlife, scientists will monitor the corals for the next year and a half. The pilot program aims to evaluate the 'Coral Defenders' ability to protect the corals from fish predation, how fast the material degrades in the ocean, and coral outplant survival over time. Divers spent two days outplanting 660 young corals, raised at the aquarium, at four reef sites in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Half were placed among three species— grooved brain, symmetrical brain, and ridged cactus corals, to compare them to outplants without the defender tool. 'Our Coral Defender represents an evolution in coral restoration,' the project's leader and Research Scientist with the Coral Research Program at FWRI said. 'By providing a biodegradable, yet effective defense against predators, we're giving these corals a fighting chance to grow and thrive naturally.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Florida officials announce record year for certain threatened sea turtle nests
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has finalized its sea turtle nest count for 2024, with great news for some species. Here are the final numbers: Green Turtles: 14,308 Loggerheads: 110,122 Leatherbacks: 1,799 Kemp's Ridleys: 34 Hawksbills: 0 [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] These numbers are especially critical for loggerhead sea turtles and green turtles, which increasingly rely on Florida for nesting grounds. FWC says Florida beaches host around 90% of all loggerhead nests in the Southeast United States and about 40% of them worldwide. Officials say last season had a solid turnout,. Green turtle nesting numbers were lower than last year, but that was expected -- Last year set a new record. The number of Kemp's ridley nests is significant, despite the number being far behind the rest. This is a new record for the state, and a positive sign for the most endangered species of sea turtle. There were just 10 recorded in 2023 and 8 in 2022, according to FWC data. At the end of nesting season in October, St. Johns County recorded 4 Kemp's ridley turtles on its beaches. The first Kemp's ridley sea turtle nest recorded in St. Johns County was in 2015, after conservationist attempts to expand their nesting grounds. Sea turtle conservationists have raised concerns about the status of the animals in 2025, however. When water temperatures drop to the low 50s or below, sea turtles can become cold-stressed, which causes them to become lethargic and possibly stranded on shore. Related: Doctors at St. Johns County sea turtle hospital saw highest influx of sea turtles in January The Florida Aquarium announced Thursday that it had reached capacity for sea turtle rescues as record numbers of cold-stressed patients arrived at its rehabilitation center in Apollo Beach. Officials say they now have 56, which is the highest number recorded at one time. 'This is one of the earliest and most severe cold-stress events we've ever seen,' said Dr. Debi Luke, Senior Vice President of Conservation at The Florida Aquarium. 'We usually see strandings peak between late February and April, but we're already at full capacity, and more turtles are continuing to struggle.' Cold stress is also a leading cause of death for Florida's threatened manatees. Related: 565 manatees were reported dead in Florida last year: Here's what we've learned If you see a washed-up sea turtle, St. Johns County officials say to never push them back into the ocean. Instead, you're encouraged to call the FWC Wildlife Hotline. To call, dial 888-404-3922. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Florida officials announce record year for certain threatened sea turtle nests
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has finalized its sea turtle nest count for 2024, with great news for some species. Here are the final numbers: Green Turtles: 14,308 Loggerheads: 110,122 Leatherbacks: 1,799 Kemp's Ridleys: 34 Hawksbills: 0 [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] These numbers are especially critical for loggerhead sea turtles and green turtles, which increasingly rely on Florida for nesting grounds. FWC says Florida beaches host around 90% of all loggerhead nests in the Southeast United States and about 40% of them worldwide. Officials say last season had a solid turnout,. Green turtle nesting numbers were lower than last year, but that was expected -- Last year set a new record. The number of Kemp's ridley nests is significant, despite the number being far behind the rest. This is a new record for the state, and a positive sign for the most endangered species of sea turtle. There were just 10 recorded in 2023 and 8 in 2022, according to FWC data. At the end of nesting season in October, St. Johns County recorded 4 Kemp's ridley turtles on its beaches. The first Kemp's ridley sea turtle nest recorded in St. Johns County was in 2015, after conservationist attempts to expand their nesting grounds. Sea turtle conservationists have raised concerns about the status of the animals in 2025, however. When water temperatures drop to the low 50s or below, sea turtles can become cold-stressed, which causes them to become lethargic and possibly stranded on shore. Related: Doctors at St. Johns County sea turtle hospital saw highest influx of sea turtles in January The Florida Aquarium announced Thursday that it had reached capacity for sea turtle rescues as record numbers of cold-stressed patients arrived at its rehabilitation center in Apollo Beach. Officials say they now have 56, which is the highest number recorded at one time. 'This is one of the earliest and most severe cold-stress events we've ever seen,' said Dr. Debi Luke, Senior Vice President of Conservation at The Florida Aquarium. 'We usually see strandings peak between late February and April, but we're already at full capacity, and more turtles are continuing to struggle.' Cold stress is also a leading cause of death for Florida's threatened manatees. Related: 565 manatees were reported dead in Florida last year: Here's what we've learned If you see a washed-up sea turtle, St. Johns County officials say to never push them back into the ocean. Instead, you're encouraged to call the FWC Wildlife Hotline. To call, dial 888-404-3922. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Story of ‘survival': Sea turtle found stranded a mile from the Gulf makes return home
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — A sea turtle that found itself stranded more than a mile from the ocean in November finally made its way back home. Beachgoers' cheers filled the air Wednesday as the turtle named Buckley made its return to the Gulf waters at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs. 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo to perform 2 Pinellas shows with the Florida Orchestra Staff at The Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center said it was a long-awaited homecoming, and a celebration of 'survival, second chances, and the power of rehabilitation.' According to officials, a group of Good Samaritans knew Buckley was in trouble when they found the sea turtle on a dirt road in rural Dixie County back in November. Rescuers said Buckley was nowhere near the ocean, and it's unclear how the turtle got there. A call to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission set Buckley's rescue into motion, with the turtle eventually winding up at The Florida Aquarium's rehabilitation center in Apollo Beach. Staff at the aquarium named the turtle after Buck Creek, which is nearby where Buckley was found. While at the rehabilitation center, staff members worked to help the turtle regain weight, stabilize dangerously low blood sugar levels and heal scratches to the bottom of its shell, likely sustained from traversing through rough terrain. By February, the sea turtle was healthy enough to make its return home. 'This is why we do what we do — to see a once-struggling sea turtle like Buckley return home, stronger and healthier. It's heartwarming,' said Ashley Riese, The Florida Aquarium's Sea Turtle Conservation Program Director. 'Buckley's recovery is a testament to the incredible collaboration between rescuers, the aquarium's animal care team, veterinarians, and our entire community.' Buckley's sendoff on Wednesday, however, may not be the last time beachgoers interact with the turtle. A satellite tag was attached to the sea turtle's shell so that the community and biologists can continue to track Buckley's travels and gather conservation data. Each time Buckley surfaces to breathe, the tag will send a signal to a satellite. Staff said this will allow them to track feeding habits, migratory patterns, and environmental conditions like water temperature. The tracking feature will be live 24 hours to a week after Buckley's release. Click here to follow along with Buckley's journey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
