Graham Hill
EAZA News: Zoo Nutrition 4, pp. 10-12.

A new topic for aquarium exhibition to enhance public awareness on a threatened ecosystem.

Michaël Laterveer(1), Graham Hill(2), Dirk Petersen(1), Cornelia Maier(3) and David Gibson(2)

1 Rotterdam Zoo, P.O. Box 532, 3000 AM Rotterdam, The Netherlands; m.laterveer@rotterdamzoo.nl

2 The Deep, The Deep, HULL HU1 4DP, U.K.; Graham.Hill@thedeep.co.uk

3 CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; Université. Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; maier@obs-vlfr.fr 7th International Aquarium Conference Proceedings. pp B42-B52

Presentation. In situ and ex situ conservation of the Pink Sea Fan

This joint project with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London Zoo Aquarium was funded by Natural England to highlight the presence and threats to the coldwater coral, Pink Sea Fan (Eunicella verrucosa) in UK waters. The Pink Sea Fan is one of the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Focus species.

Poster. The Moon Jellyfish, Aurelia aurita – Planula settlement and development.

Jellyfish are commonly produced asexually from established polyps or collected from the field for display. Over time however, these polyps fatigue and can produce medusae that show poor development. At The Deep, we have been working on sexual reproduction and this poster photographically charts the development of the planula larvae and settlement into polyps. The potential for increasing genetic diversity in jellyfish collections may help improve the long term maintenance of captive populations.

Presentation. Husbandry of the Flashlightfish (Anomalops katoptron).

Bioluminescence in Flashlightfish is produced by highly specialised bacteria within organs below the eyes. Without very specific conditions these bacteria can die and reduce the amount of light the organ produces and cannot be recovered. By maintaining healthy fish with optimal nutrition, exacting environmental parameters and excellent water quality through husbandry, this gradual fading of the bioluminescence can be avoided.

Presentation. Deep Down – Trying to be green.

As an environmental charity, The Deep strives to reduce its environmental impact wherever possible. In addition to this fundamental company philosophy, significant savings have been made in energy costs by scrutinising the day-to-day running of the aquarium building. We offer ideas, tips and hints from our experiences that may help other aquariums too.

Presentation. BIAZA Jellyfish Working Group.

The Deep submitted a proposal to establish a Jellyfish Working Group within British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). The proposal identified an increasing interest to display jellyfish and valuable research opportunities. Chaired by The Deep, this group aims to bring together aquariums for the exchange of knowledge, the development of husbandry guidelines and to advance husbandry of this group of animals.

Poster. Raising Bluespotted Ribbontail Stingray (Taeniura lymma) pups.

T. lymma is one of the first marine species to have a European studbook established. The Deep have been successful in rearing several pups following births in the Lagoon, shallow reef display. These individuals have now entered the exchange programme. Births in captivity are rare and this species is particularly difficult to rear. Nutrition in the first weeks and detailed feeding records play an important role in ray’s survival.

Presentation. Demonstrating the success of pioneering veterinary care techniques at The Deep

Several case histories, where the application of novel veterinary care and advanced medicines has been very successful are presented. A combination of immunostimulants, injectible antibiotics and advanced diagnostic techniques never attempted are used to advance our knowledge of fish medicine.

Poster. A foray into fry - Ballan Wrasse rearing.

Collaborating with Ardtoe Marine Labs in Scotland, we were able to facilitate the establishment of a rearing programme with eggs produced by our mature, reproductive population of Ballan Wrasse (Labrus bergylta) in the Northern Seas display. These fish will form part of research investigating their efficiency as biological control measures to combat sealice infestations in fish farms as an alternative to chemical therapeutics.

Presentation. A foray into fry – Initial attempts to raise Ballan Wrasse fry.

The reliance on organophosphates to treat sealice infestations in fish farms over the last 20 years, increasing resistance of the parasites and the pressure to use less toxic treatments has driven to industry to seek alternatives. One such alternative is natural biological control using ‘cleaner fish’. This, in itself is not a new idea however, but to look at its efficiency and to limit its own environmental impact is. By collaborating with The Deep, Ardtoe Marine Labs in Scotland are able to rear captive bred juveniles.

Poster. Culturing the Australian Whitespotted Jellyfish

The biology of jellyfish lifecycles are of great interest. The Australian Whitespotted Jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata) has a significant environmental impact as an invasive species. By culturing and displaying this animal allows us to highlight the problem the introduction of non-native species on native habitats.

Presentation. Aspects of Whitespotted Jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata) husbandry at The Deep

Building on successes with completing the lifecycles of species such as the Moon Jellyfish, The Deep applies knowledge gained to culture this tropical jellyfish for display.

Presentation. Aquarium husbandry – Inside and Out

The talk introduces aspects of aquarium husbandry to the zookeeper community and students. It helps to bridge the gap between zoos and aquariums and fosters the mutual transfer of practices and knowledge that might otherwise not happen.

Presentation. Feeding The Deep – A review of sustainability.

As an environmental charity, The Deep strives to reduce its impact wherever possible. Working with our animal feed suppliers, we are moving towards increased sustainability without compromising the high quality food and nutrition essential for animal health.

Poster. Successful breeding and rearing of the Shiner Perch (Cymatogaster aggregate) at The Deep.

Surfperch including the Shiner Perch are viviparous (giving birth to live young). Following dramatic colour changes in several males and observed breeding behaviour, a number of juveniles were found in the display. Observations on the rearing and behaviours of the juveniles were made.