Oregon Coast Aquarium Senior Aquarist Elizabeth Daly presented research findings on jellyfish rearing during the third annual conference of the Northwest Consortium for Wildlife Conservation Research held this past week at Oregon State University. Daly and Aquarist Anita Baker have been caring for up to 40 species and successfully rearing 12 species of gelatinous animals, which means fewer animals are gathered on collecting efforts out in the wild.

Their jellyfish work at the Oregon Coast Aquaruim takes place in locations as diverse as under a microscope or from the docks with a net and in small glass cups or in thousand-gallon exhibits, at what is one of the world's largest public jellyfish displays. Visitors stand in awe as these open sea animals float in crystal-clear water, while behind-the-scenes staff monitor water flows, diet and temperature.

"We have successfully exhibited jellyfish for almost 10 years, developing an extensive rearing program to stock the current exhibit of a wide range of gelatinous animals," Daly explained. "We also work frequently with new organisms collected locally, to try and identify their captive needs, including reproduction."

Their report to the conference explained many of the challenging operational opportunities presented in successfully managing one of the largest exhibits of jellyfish in the country. "We have 15 public displays and over 50 holding tanks," Daly noted. "Culturing the animals for the exhibit is a priority so that we can limit the collection of wild specimens and can stock the exhibits at any time of the year. Raising jellyfish basically comes down to feeding them a diverse diet."

The Aquarium's jellyfish culture program includes many containers of polyps and hydroids from over a dozen species which are inspected several times a week for newly released medusae. Daly explained these are collected and placed in cups and they are fed highly concentrated food and undergo daily water exchanges.

"Once they have reached a 'safe' size, they are moved into larger holding tanks with consistent water flow, where the shape of the tank is an important consideration," Daly added. "Our research here has shown that even water flow rates and patterns are important to muscle development, especially for wild-caught specimens."

Jellyfish species currently on display at the Oregon Coast Aquarium's "Jellies: Jewels of the Sea" exhibit include egg-yolk jellies, lion's mane jellies, West Coast sea nettles, umbrella jellies, moon jellies, elegant jellies, crystal jellies, as well as unusual upside-down jellies.

Daly is the senior aquarist in the Aquarium's fishes and invertebrates section, formerly working as a biology lab and field research assistant for the Smithsonian Institution Marine Systems Laboratory until 1993. Baker is an Aquarium aquarist who was involved in U.S. Forest Service stream surveys, bull trout river inventories in Washington state as well as tagging and clipping steelhead and trout for Oregon state hatcheries.

Located just south of Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is rated one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation by Parade magazine. Immerse yourself in Passages of the Deep and walk beneath the waves through a 200-foot clear underwater tunnel that snakes through three ocean habitats. Encounter sharks, rays and thousands of other fish swimming around you, while you solve "The Great White Mystery: What Happened to Surfer Bob?" Experience an exhilarating sensation when you look around and realize you're almost completely surrounded!

Outdoors, rugged cliffs, caves and pools showcase the many fascinating fish and invertebrates of Oregon's coastal shores. Discover curious seals, sea lions and sea otters. A giant Pacific octopus lurks in an undersea coastal cave, and cartoonlike tufted puffins and other seabirds make their homes in one of the largest walk-through aviaries in North America.

Indoors, take a peek "Under the Lily Pad" at the Ocean Exploration Station beginning March 23 for an up-close view of frogs, newts and dragonflies as you discover the mysteries of pond life.

Oregon Coast Aquarium admission is $10.25 for adults, $9.25 for seniors (65+), and $6.25 for children (4-13), children three and under are free. Advance tickets can be purchased on-line at www.aquarium.org. Group rates are available when arranged in advance. The Aquarium is open every day except December 25. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Memorial Day weekend.

For additional information about the Oregon Coast Aquarium, surf www.aquarium.org or call 541-867-FISH.




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