Maritime Aquarium supports legislation protecting ‘forage fish’ species CORRECTIONS
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk announced they welcome legislation introduced on Dec. 17 by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., that would protect small “forage fish” species that are a primary food source for seals, whales, seabirds, tuna and other marine life.
The Forage Fish Conservation Act would amend the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the primary law that governs ocean fish management in U. S. federal waters. While not naming specific species, the Act addresses the important ecological role of such schooling fish as menhaden (or bunker), anchovies, herring and shad.
Long Island Sound has a high population of bunker. These fish were in the news this month because of die- offs in harbors all along Connecticut’s shoreline. Experts said the dieoffs occurred not because of a water- quality issue, but perhaps because unseasonably warm temperatures caused the fish to delay their annual migration out of the Sound. This resulted in a percentage of the fish dying as food sources diminished and the water chilled.
A coalition that includes The Maritime Aquarium,
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Mystic Aquarium and Audubon Connecticut are supportive of the legislation and will work cooperatively to help educate the public with the goal of passage of the Forage Fish Conservation Act. erin.kayata@hearstmediact.com
Aquarium to host online volunteer training
The Maritime Aquarium will host a volunteer training session all online in January, according to a statement from the aquarium. The application deadline is Dec. 31.
Virtual interviews will be held on Jan. 5 and selected participants will begin the virtual training seminars two weeks later, the statement said. The aquarium holds Gallery Ambassador trainings periodically throughout the year, with the January session being the first one held entirely virutal.
Prior knowledge of marine life is not required to become a volunteer and all necessary information will be taught during training. Last year, aquarium volunteers gave 23,565 hours of service, according to the statement.
The training course will take place on Jan. 19, 21, 25 and 27, and particpation in all four sessions is required. Applicants must be
15 years or older. Training and uniforms cost a total of $50 .
Volunteers are required to work a minimum of 100 hours, at four hours per week for weekday volunteers and four hours per month for weekend staff, according to the statement.
For coronavirus precautions, volunteers, staff and patrons over 2-years- old must wear masks, aquari
um capacity is reduced and all tickets must be purchased online with a specific timeslot.
“Volunteering here is fun and personally rewarding,” Associate Director of Education Ann Marie Lisi said. “It’s also vital to fulfilling The Maritime Aquarium’s mission of educating and inspiring guests about Long Island Sound.”
Gallery Ambassadors are stationed at aquarium exhibits, including the seal exhibit and shary and ray touch pool, to help guests learn about the animals in the exhibit.
Volunteers receive discounts on the aquarium gift shop, cafe and other programs, according to the statement.