Shedd Aquarium Explores the Microscopic Aquatic World in New Plankton Revealed Exhibit
Shedd Aquarium Explores the Microscopic Aquatic World in New ... AZA.org
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Importance of Plankton Revealed at Shedd Aquarium
Introduction
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Ill., has recently unveiled a new exhibit called Plankton Revealed. This exhibit aims to highlight the significance of tiny organisms such as zooplankton and phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems. Plankton Revealed, developed and designed exclusively by Shedd Aquarium, explores the culturing of plankton and its impact on various species throughout the Aquarium.
Exploring Plankton Culturing
Plankton Revealed provides guests with an up-close look at the culturing of plankton, which serves as a nutrient-rich food source for many animals in the Aquarium. Through this exhibit, guests can witness how zooplankton respond to light to find their food sources, explore nursery habitats with juvenile animals to learn about their growth and development, and understand the benefits of growing plankton in-house for our planet.
Interactive Elements
Plankton Revealed offers interactive elements, including an experience that allows guests to use a magnifying glass to observe zooplankton features that are not easily visible to the naked eye. Additionally, this display is Shedd’s first fully bilingual exhibit, with Spanish translations for all signage.
The Role of Plankton in Sustaining Life
Holly Akkerman, associate art director at Shedd Aquarium, emphasizes the importance of plankton as the base of the food web. She hopes that guests will recognize the vital role of plankton in sustaining all life on Earth, whether they are admiring amazing animals, appreciating the food they eat, or enjoying fresh, clean air.
Understanding Plankton and Aquatic Food Webs
By observing jars and tubes of colorful bubbling liquids with floating algae, guests can gain firsthand knowledge of how plankton exist as drifters carried by water movements. They will also learn about aquatic food webs, where phytoplankton float at the water’s surface to photosynthesize, and zooplankton consume them for energy and growth. Larval fishes, jellies, and sea horses rely on plankton for a well-balanced diet.
Visiting the Nursery
Guests will have the opportunity to visit the nursery, where they can see various animals such as green chromis, white-spotted jellyfish, and flamboyant cuttlefish. The nursery is periodically updated with new species and birth or hatch dates.
The Importance of Plankton in Animal Care
Rachel Zak, manager of aquarium sustainability at Shedd Aquarium, explains that plankton plays a crucial role in feeding the 32,000 animals at the Aquarium. By highlighting the significance of plankton, Shedd aims to showcase its importance not only in caring for their animals but also in conservation efforts beyond the Aquarium.
Sustainable Breeding Programs and Conservation Efforts
Shedd’s endeavor to grow phytoplankton and zooplankton supports sustainable breeding programs and advances their understanding of species in their care. By growing a variety of plankton in-house, the animal care team can provide precise nutrition to the animals while reducing the need to source food from the ocean. This helps minimize packing waste and the carbon footprint generated from shipping food. Plankton Revealed brings attention to this behind-the-scenes story.
Conclusion
The Plankton Revealed exhibit at Shedd Aquarium serves as a reminder of the importance of plankton in sustaining aquatic ecosystems and all life on Earth. Through interactive experiences and a focus on sustainable practices, Shedd Aquarium aims to educate and inspire visitors to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Photos Credit: Brenna Hernandez, © Shedd Aquarium
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Sustainable Development Goal: Life Below Water
- Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
- Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
The article addresses the importance of plankton in aquatic ecosystems, highlighting their role as a nutrient-rich food source for many species. This aligns with SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 14.2, which focuses on sustainably managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems. The article mentions how Shedd Aquarium grows plankton in-house to provide nutrition for the animals and reduce the need to source food from the ocean, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of marine resources. The indicator mentioned in the article is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that the proportion of plankton grown in-house compared to sourced from the ocean can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 14.2.
2. Sustainable Development Goal: Life on Land
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index.
While the article primarily focuses on aquatic ecosystems, it indirectly relates to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The article mentions that growing plankton at Shedd Aquarium supports sustainable breeding programs and helps advance the understanding of species in its care. This contributes to the protection and conservation of threatened species, aligning with Target 15.5. The indicator mentioned in the article is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that the success of the breeding programs and the conservation status of the species can be used as indicators to measure progress towards Target 15.5.
3. Sustainable Development Goal: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
- Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled.
The article mentions how growing plankton in-house at Shedd Aquarium reduces the need to source food from the ocean, thereby reducing packing waste and the carbon footprint generated from shipping food. This aligns with SDG 12, which focuses on promoting responsible consumption and production. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 12.5, which aims to reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. The indicator mentioned in the article is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that the reduction in the amount of food sourced from the ocean and the corresponding decrease in packing waste can be used as indicators to measure progress towards Target 12.5.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Development Goal: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans. | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches. |
| Sustainable Development Goal: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index. |
| Sustainable Development Goal: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. | Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: aza.org
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