National Aquarium

"For some of us, the words 'Jack Cover' and 'National Aquarium' are synonymous," says Ken Howell, curator of the rain forest and Australia exhibits. Jack, who started his 37-year career at the Aquarium in 1987, is taking a step back from his role as general curator at the end of this month. Dive into his incredible life and career, from keeping snakes and crocodilians in his childhood home to influencing generations of conservationists: https://bit.ly/4fuXigz

The more you learn about recycling, the more aware you become of the plastic around you. ?? Practicing habits that promote mindful waste management and less consumption can help combat plastic pollution. This National Recycling Day, embrace imperfection and mitigate plastic waste when you can. Your best is good enough! Learn how to reduce the single-use plastics in your life: https://bit.ly/3ACfsxx

Can you distinguish sea lions from seals? They belong to the pinniped family with walruses, but without huge tusks, how can you tell them apart? ?? The first thing you'll look for is the ears: sea lions have external ear flaps, while seals do not. Another indicator is the sound. Sea lions bark, while seals make more of a quiet grunt. Learn more about these protected species: https://bit.ly/3CsRUMs

After more than a decade of advocacy, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was officially designated as the United States' 17th national marine sanctuary and the first to be nominated by Indigenous people. Covering 4,500 square miles along California's coastline, the area will now be protected from undersea mining and oil drilling. It will be co-managed by the federal government and local Indigenous groups. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth Photo credits: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA

Goodbye, Moo Deng! Hello, manatees! Affectionately called sea cows, manatees are gentle, slow-moving mammals that live in lush, shallow rivers. In the U.S., they're mostly found in Florida but have been seen as far as Texas and Massachusetts. They have a life expectancy of 60 years, but with the increased exposure to human activity, many won't live to be half that age. Sadly, they are at risk of extinction, but there are things we can do to help! Find ways to get involved: https://bit.ly/3CiJS8Q

Where do ocean animals go during a hurricane? With such devastating effects on human life and property, the impacts of tropical storms on marine life are often not considered. But as surface water temperatures continue to increase and storms become more intense, ocean animals are losing the ability to bounce back. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hC5gWL

Time to shellebrate! On October 2, our team released loggerhead sea turtles Sprite and Cerberus back to the ocean at Assateague State Park. Both sea turtles were rescued in Chesapeake Bay waters in Anne Arundel County, MD. Before release, both gained a healthy amount of weight, with Cerberus gaining 40% of their body weight and Sprite gaining 60%.

We asked staff to share the unique stories behind their nature-inspired ink! ?? Assistant Curator of Australia and Rain Forest Deb Dial tells us more about her nature-based sleeves: "Most of my tattoo sleeves were done at the shop Have Fun Be Lucky in Hampden, a favorite shop of National Aquarium employees! My tattoos pay homage to the things I love: art and nature. I didn’t begin to get tattoos until my late 20s, but once I landed on getting tattoos, the subject matter came easily. I have a variety of species represented in my tattoos, including native Baltimore species like the great blue heron and non-local species like bananaquits and sloths. For plant species, I have ferns and lilies—two of my favorites. I have been at the Aquarium for 18 years with most of that time spent in the Upland Tropical Rain Forest exhibit. My favorite part about working here is that we have created some amazing walk through habitats that invite our guests into an environment that's buzzing with natural behaviors." This is the fifth installment of our running tattoo series, inspired by the Seattle Aquarium social series of the same name! Be sure to check back for more ink-credible tattoos. ???

Do you have a voting plan? Will you be voting early or on November 5? Are you voting by mail or at the polls? This International Day of Climate Action, consider how your vote can help protect our ocean planet and its diverse inhabitants. Early voting starts TODAY, so make sure you have a plan! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Yl8Tay "Photo captured under NOAA Permit #18786-04" (MM '21-'25)

It's National Marine Sanctuary Day! ?? Maryland's Mallows Bay, a designated national marine sanctuary, has an intriguing history. This 18-square-mile park is filled with the remains of over 100 wooden, flat-bottom steamships from World War I, making it the largest ship graveyard in the Western Hemisphere. Today, it is a wildlife oasis. Read more: https://bit.ly/3Y7BUGJ