Another summer has passed.
More than 7000 visitors have visited us since early June and they all had the pleasure of engaging with our Summer Educators. Before they wrapped up and headed back to school, we posed a few questions about their summer under the Salish Sea. Here is what Ayla B. had to say.
(Special thank you to Canada Summer Jobs funding for supporting our non-profit and allowing us to assist students in skill development and work experience.)
Ayla B.
Major in University: Biology, Marine Concentration
Favourite Salish Sea species you didn’t know much about before you worked at the aquarium?
Bay Pipefish! These little fish are some of the cutest stick-like animals I have ever seen. I knew we didn’t have seahorses in the Salish Sea, but I didn’t know we had species in the same family! They’re so adapted for the environment they live in, from the colouration and body shape matching eelgrass almost perfectly, to their behaviour and reproduction strategies that allow them to thrive.
Favourite habitat IN the Centre.
Kelp forest! This habitat is filled with so many animals (including a wolf eel and illusive gumboot chiton!) but what I really love about it is all the different types of kelp. Watching them sway in the current with the light filtering through — it’s so peaceful. The rockfish meandering around add a nice touch of colour and watching their antics never gets boring!
Kelp Forest
Favourite place in the Salish Sea to go explore nature.
Big Skate
Island View Beach has become a favourite stop on my way home from work this summer; it is conveniently located between Sidney and Victoria. I’ve found some really cool animals washed up there; my best find so far has been a big skate. You can spot so many animals — river otters, mink, bald eagles, nighthawks, seals, sea anemones, sea stars, and crabs are just a few you might spot!
Describe how your summer experience connects to your schooling.
Well, everything about the aquarium connects to my schooling as a marine orientated person, but the chance to talk to people of all ages has really boosted my ability to explain somewhat complex ideas to a variety of audiences. I think this experience has made me a better scientific communicator, and will help my future career goal of marine biologist!
What was something that surprised you about your time as an Educator?
Something that surprised me is how knowledgeable kids are about the animals; they really soak up the information you give them! I loved when they would add onto your animal fun fact with information they already knew.
What was your highlight of the summer?
The highlight was “Ask an Educator” days. Not only did I get to be outside (on the sunny side of the building!) but I also got to interact with people and talk about cool ocean creatures in the outdoor exhibit! I loved being able to identify photos or descriptions, and pointing out animals was a lot of fun. I found that even showing a child something as simple as the small snails on the rocks was a big hit.
What is your best fun fact? The one you never grew tired of sharing.
This is hard because there are so many fun facts!
If I had to choose just one, I think it would be how barnacles eat! They have special hairy legs called “cirri” that they use to catch all their food! When they’re feeding, the top of the barnacle opens and closes with the legs sweeping in and out. As the legs sweep out the hairs catch all the bits of plankton in the water. As they sweep in they bring the food back towards their mouth!
China Rockfish
Fish you'll miss the most.
I’ll definitely miss the china rockfish in the Rocky Reef Exhibit. I personally refer to it as “Nebula” after its Latin name Sebastes nebulosus. Its colouration is the best I’ve seen in any china rockfish, very starry, night sky-like! Not only does its appearance catch your eye, its overall chill but feisty demeanor is also very admirable.