Close encounters at the aquarium
Salmon circle a tank in front of me; scales glitter as they catch the light. To my right, a seal twirls while diving. At my left, a school of shiny, big-eyed gaspereau move as one entity, while a large pale cod retreats into a cave like an ugly troll.
I wander through the aquarium marvelling at the beauty of these creatures. Then I go to the touch tanks. Time dissolves as I spend ages picking up sea stars (often called starfish), hermit crabs, sea slugs and a live scallop. I even pat the head of a skate as it surfaces.
The only thing that tempts me to leave the touch tanks is feeding time in the big tank. Fish of all sizes and shapes swirl around as they grab at bits of food. The flat flounders rise from the sandy bottom and mingle with the heavyset cod and school of sleek mackerel.
Afterwards, I trace my steps and read every interpretative panel. I discover fascinating facts about the inhabitants of the waters that surround the Atlantic Provinces. All in all, a great day at the aquarium.
The beauty of Atlantic Canada lies in its proximity to the sea. Whether it is the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait, the Baie des Chaleurs or the open Atlantic Ocean, we are always close to salt water.
When I walk along beaches and rocky shores or kayak along coastlines, I get glimpses of the sea’s inhabitants. At low tide, I see hermit crabs scuttling behind rocks encrusted with barnacles, while I walk around byzantine patterns left by periwinkles on muddy sand. I spot the long straight shell of a razor clam and a sand dollar. I find a ‘mermaid’s purse’. I wonder about the animals responsible for such treasures in the tidewrack.
Now, thanks to two aquariums in New Brunswick, I have a better understanding and appreciation of the sea life. I have seen many creatures up close, and have held some in my hand. I have learned about their lives and also the link between humans and marine ecosystems.
The Fundy Discovery Aquarium , part of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre , is in St. Andrews within sight of Maine. At nearly the opposite corner of the province, the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre is located in Shippagan on the Acadian Peninsula. Although the anemones and sea horses on display may seem exotic, both aquariums have only local specimens. The Fundy Discovery Aquarium contains species from the Bay of Fundy whereas the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre displays fish and invertebrates found in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, as well as freshwater organisms from the lakes and rivers of Eastern Canada. The two aquariums also provide a venue for scientific research and offer more intense (and fun) educational programs.
At the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre, scientists help children aged seven to 12 discover the wonders of marine life in the Biologist Training Program. The children have a fun day of hands-on learning while beachcombing, handling aquatic animals in the aquarium and working inside a research lab. The aquarium is a popular venue for school field trips.
Huntsman offers Young Explorer day camps for children, week-long courses and even overnight adventures at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium. And the learning vacations aren’t just for kids. Adults can take courses for university credit, as part of teacher professional development or take the adult summer field course for interest.
Both aquariums mix science, history and art. In Shippagan, you can see sculptures of leatherback turtles, mola mola (sunfish) and the blue shark. Outside of Huntsman, a large metal sculpture of a sculpin stands guard. A day at either aquarium will provide not only hours of entertainment, but also a greater appreciation of the seashore for years to come.
