In the past 15 years, Birch Aquarium at Scripps has raised 13 species of seahorses and shipped more than 3,000 specimens to 78 aquariums and zoos. “Since seahorses live near the coast, they are affected by all human activities that impact the coastal marine environment,” notes Debbie Zmarzly, curator of There’s Something About Seahorses, on view at Birch from November 14 through sometime in 2011. “Polluted runoff, trash, climate change, fishing practices such as bottom trawling — all of these threaten to destroy the fragile habitats of seahorses and their kin. A strong component of this exhibit will be letting visitors know how they can help seahorses survive.” Animals featured in the exhibit were either bred onsite or at other aquariums, or obtained from top-notch aquaculture facilities inspected by Birch Aquarium aquarists. True to its mission to promote marine conservation, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a world leader in the breeding of seahorses with the goal to reduce pressure on collecting seahorses from the wild. (858/534-FISH, www.aquarium.ucsd.edu) JANE SHIOMI
