‘Small is mighty’: Shedd Aquarium spotlights plankton’s impact on aquatic ecosystems with vibrant, bubbly exhibit
‘Small is mighty’: Shedd Aquarium spotlights plankton’s impact on aquatic ecosystems with vibrant, bubbly exhibit Yahoo News
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Shedd Aquarium Unveils Interactive Exhibit on Plankton and Sustainable Ecosystems
Behind closed doors at the Shedd Aquarium, green, orange, and red water bubbles and gurgles in carefully organized jars and vats up to 5 feet high. In this water, microscopic organisms live, thrive, and reproduce. It’s like a scene out of a science fiction movie. But it’s all real. And now, this backstage reality has been turned into an interactive exhibit for guests to learn more about the key role plankton play in aquatic ecosystems and the aquarium itself.
The Importance of Plankton in Aquatic Ecosystems
For over a decade, Shedd has cultured plankton in-house to feed and nourish tens of thousands of animals on-site daily. The new permanent exhibit, “Plankton Revealed,” located between the “Oceans” and “At Home on the Great Lakes” galleries, showcases the behind-the-scenes process of plankton cultivation.
Understanding Plankton Diversity
The exhibit features a dozen jars on shelves, stacked in a color gradient to showcase the vibrant liquids. Two tall vats hold pale green and yellow water, resembling lemonade. However, these liquids are not meant for consumption as they are salty. The bubbles in the containers serve a purpose – to keep phytoplankton, or minuscule algae, afloat like in the wild. Different species of phytoplankton have different colors, and their high concentrations of chlorophyll and other pigments change the way water reflects light.
The Role of Plankton in the Food Chain
Plankton are “drifters” that float and are carried by water movements. They play a crucial role in sustaining all life on Earth by serving as the foundation of the food chain. Phytoplankton, through photosynthesis, generate oxygen and absorb carbon emissions. Zooplankton, tiny animals that consume phytoplankton, acquire energy and grow. In turn, zooplankton become food for small aquatic creatures, ultimately supporting the entire food chain of waterways.
Promoting Awareness and Conservation
The Shedd Aquarium hopes that the “Plankton Revealed” exhibit sparks curiosity and admiration for plankton among visitors. The exhibit allows guests to observe zooplankton’s response to light and learn about their feeding behavior. Additionally, a nursery within the exhibit showcases juvenile animals that rely on plankton as a live food source for a well-balanced diet.
Sustainable Breeding Programs and Conservation Efforts
Shedd’s plankton-raising operations support sustainable breeding programs that contribute to conservation efforts in the wild. By culturing live foods in-house, the aquarium reduces the need to source food from the ocean, minimizing packing waste and carbon footprint associated with shipping. The aquarium has also started a fish breeding program to breed species that have never been bred before, aiming to repopulate their aquariums without impacting wild populations.
A Vision for the Future
“Plankton Revealed” is the Shedd’s first fully bilingual exhibit, with text in both Spanish and English. It is also their first permanent exhibit in the last 20 years. These milestones align with the aquarium’s Centennial Commitment, an eight-year, $500 million undertaking that aims to expand the connection to nature and care for people and aquatic life. The commitment ensures equitable, sustainable, and thriving futures for all.
Visit “Plankton Revealed” at the Shedd Aquarium to witness the wonders of plankton and their vital role in sustaining our ecosystems.
Contact: adperez@chicagotribune.com
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 14: 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.
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SDG 15: 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.
The article addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land. These goals are connected to the issues highlighted in the article, which focus on the importance of plankton in aquatic ecosystems and the role they play in sustaining life on Earth.
Specific targets under these SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content. Under SDG 14, Target 14.2 aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to achieve healthy and productive oceans. This target is relevant because plankton, as a key component of marine ecosystems, contribute to the health and productivity of oceans. Under SDG 15, Target 15.5 calls for urgent action to reduce habitat degradation, halt biodiversity loss, and protect threatened species. This target is relevant because plankton, as a vital part of the food chain, support the survival and well-being of various species.
The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. Indicator 14.2.1 measures the proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches. This indicator is relevant because it assesses the extent to which marine and coastal ecosystems are being sustainably managed and protected. Indicator 15.5.1, the Red List Index, measures the extinction risk of species and the overall health of biodiversity. This indicator is relevant because it reflects the efforts to prevent the extinction of threatened species and protect biodiversity.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: 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. |
| SDG 15: 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. |
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: news.yahoo.com
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