Aquaria
History Categorized as protected lots 16 and 17 by the city of newton, our wetlands have been through many things. Due to the construction of the new track in 2008(?) and its close proximity to the parking lot, our wetlands have been contaminated with both oil runoff and construction waste. During the Newton Serves day a large group of volunteers dredged up many bags of trash. We hope that the future classes of south hear this call to action, and vow to make our wetlands more healthy. (future global project?)
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History Caused by the movement of glaciers, the Boston harbor was the main reason why the city of Boston is located in Massachusetts. Holding 34 DCR owned islands, many of which can be visited during the summer.
Stellwagen Bank sits on a plateau that is also glacially formed. Discovered by Henry Stellwagen, the bank was quickly surveyed so as not to be a hazard for boats. The Identity of the harbor has changed quite a bit in the last decades. The bank is now known for whale watching rather than whaling. And the harbor is known for its conservation efforts rather than as its previous identity as an easy way to get rid or garbage and sewage. |
Organisms in the tankCommon Spider Crab
There are 3 spider crabs in this tank, but it might be hard to spot all of them because they cover their backs with algae in an attempt to blend in. The common spider crab is native to the east coast of America. Blue Mussel
In the tank these mussels are all attached to each other around a cluster of rocks. People originally thought that once mussels attached to something with their byssus thread or “beard” they would be attached for life, but this has been found to be untrue. Frilled Anemone This type of sea anemone is common along the North Atlantic Coast of America. It may seem pretty calm and plant-like now, but all sea anemones are predatory, and these snap up pieces of shrimp in their frilly tentacles.
Knotted Wrack
One of the many species of algae in this tank, knotted wrack uses small gas bladders in order to hold itself up in the water and towards the light. Rockweed, Irish Moss, and Sea lettuce are also living in the tank. |
What you might see if you go out thereWhales (North Atlantic Right Whale, and Humpback Whale)
Both of these species of whales migrate around the ocean, but often come back to Stellwagen in the summer to have their young in the diverse and nutrient-full waters. Moon Jellies
These are the most common jelly to wash up on shore. It can be easily identified by its gonads which are the four opaque loops on the bell. It is not a great sign to see so many of these jellies out and about, their numbers often rise as sea temperatures do. Harbor Seals
Harbor seals enjoy the rocky beaches and cool climate of the Boston Harbor. They eat small fish like cod, and enjoy hanging out with other seals. If you are in the mood to see more pictures of seals check out the New England Aquarium seal trainer blog here. Cod
Both the Massachusetts state fish and the namesake for our Cape Cod this fish has a special place in the Boston Harbor. However, due to our appetite for this fish the cod is registered as threatened. The cod has been the victim of over-fishing in many places, most infamously in Newfoundland where the population and fisheries collapsed completely. It is highly unlikely that you will see a cod in the harbor. |