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Feb18

Vancouver Aquarium: Sharks and Rays

Posted in: Education, Environment, Exhibitions, Sustainability, Vancouver

[Ocellated freshwater stingray]

It’s always a treat heading over to the Vancouver Aquarium. At any given time of the year, a new exhibit is up, with educational displays, fascinating sea creatures, and the chance to watch them go about their daily business.

This month unleashes a new exhibit: The Secret World of Sharks and Rays.

[Spotted ratfish]

Last Saturday, I was invited to a blogger preview for a guided tour to see the sharks, rays, skates and ratfishes up close and personal.

[Blue-spotted Fantail ray]

Although sharks have a menacing reputation, they face endangerment through overexploitation and pollution. As far as the difference between stingrays and skates, stingrays deliver their babies live while skates lay eggs. Oh yeah, and rays have those famous stingers.

[Leopard Whipray]

Daily live shark feedings are part of the exhibit. And although 14 types of sharks live off our local coast alone, it was sad to learn that between 30 and 100 million of them are harvested worldwide annually.

[Blacktip reef shark]

At the Pacific Canada Pavilion, life-sized models of thresher, basking, and bluntnose sixgill sharks are on view, to give visitors an impression of just how large and detailed these animals are.

[Basking shark: the second largest fish in the world]

There’s also a 4D BBC documentary about the life cycle of salmon. From raging rapids to hungry bears, bald eagles, and sea lions, the salmon too have their own challenges to overcome. This beautifully filmed feature delivers BC’s West coast to the world, and the stunning scenery is worth the price of admission alone.

[Illuminated shark egg]

As always, the Vancouver Aquarium aims to educate the public about the threats posed to sea life: salmon need to survive in order to allow other animals to do the same. Children can learn how salmon drains are used to protect the salmon’s home.

The 12-minute film is filled with splashy, colourful high definition 3D effects, making for an entertaining and educational story for all to enjoy.

In addition to the regular exhibit hours, there’s a special upcoming Shark Night on March 5, from 6 to 8 pm (currently sold out, but check with the Aquarium as there may be a cancellation list). The evening will bring together four speakers to discuss the mysteries of Greenland and sixgill sharks, two native Canadian species.

[Zebra shark. Photo credit: Vancouver Aquarium]

While you’re at the Aquarium, don’t miss out on the other exhibits. This was my first time venturing into the Amazon Rainforest, where tropical birds, gorgeous colourful butterflies, a couple of sloths in trees, and other creatures abound.

Sharks and Rays, a featured exhibit, runs through April 30. Visit the website for schedules, tickets, and daily 4D film showtimes.
Jan29

Vancouver Aquarium: After Hours

Posted in: Education, Environment, Events, Exhibitions, Vancouver

The Vancouver Aquarium’s next adults-only After Hours event is coming up on February 20. Enjoy the new Secret World of Sharks and Rays exhibit and discover the amazing lifestyles of the not-so-famous sharks and their cousins – the skates, rays, and ratfishes.

It’ll be a wonderful chance to explore the galleries and exhibits in peace and tranquility while savouring a glass of beer or wine. There will be Shark Dives at 7 and 8:30 pm. Visit the website event page for details.

After Hours at The Aquarium
Date: February 20, 6 to 10 pm
Venue: Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: $13.25 Members (membership card required); $21 General Admission; only available in advance online
Note: This is a 19+ event. Photo ID required for entry. Alcohol will be available only with a food purchase.
Nov30

Chongqing Goes Ocean Wise

Posted in: Dining, Sustainability, Vancouver

[Dr. John Nightingale, President & CEO, Vancouver Aquarium]

The Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program works directly with restaurants, markets, food services and suppliers to ensure they have the most current scientific information regarding sustainable seafood and to help them make ocean-friendly buying decisions. The options are highlighted on their menus and display cases with the Ocean Wise symbol, making it easier for consumers to make ocean-friendly seafood choices.

[Szechuan Chongqing Restaurant receives the Ocean Wise plaque]
L to R: Kevin Huang; Executive Chef Robert Wong; Lisa Wong; Tara Teng, Miss World Canada 2012; Mike McDermid]

And on Wednesday afternoon, Szechuan Chongqing became Canada’s first Chinese seafood restaurant to don the Ocean Wise symbol on its menu. Media were invited to the restaurant to meet Executive Chef Robert Wong, sample his fine seafood dishes, and learn about Ocean Wise’s sustainable seafood program.

[Chef Robert Wong preparing a sablefish]

Although Ocean Wise’s Mike McDermid hopes to see the program go global, right now it’s staying within Canada. However, both France and Australia have started out a similar program within their food communities.
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Nov26

Luminescence for the Holidays

Posted in: Education, Events, Exhibitions, Nature, Technology, Theater, Vancouver

Awhile back, I featured the opening of the Luminescence exhibit at the Vancouver Aquarium. Luminescence unleashes the many ways that animals create and reflect light in nature.

Through several exhibits, the Aquarium hopes to answer questions to some of the phenomena of the creatures in our oceans. Bioluminescence is light produced by a chemical reaction which originates in an organism. When both luciferin (producing light) and luciferase (creating a reaction) combine, light is generated as result of the energy released through the combination.

For some animals bioluminescence works as a defense mechanism to startle or divert attention from predators, and can also help to recognize their mate. Lighting also aids in luring prey.

Fluorescence, on the other hand, occurs when light of one wavelength (or colour) is absorbed by a substance and is almost immediately re-emitted or transformed into another wavelength (or colour). Fluorescence requires a light source.

[Electric eel]

I returned over the weekend to check out the exhibits, watch Scuba Santa dive into the pool in search of missing Christmas bells, and experience The Polar Express in 4D.

[All aboard for a 4D experience]

[Scuba Santa]

I loved the experience of smelling hot chocolate and being in a winter scene complete with snowflakes. If you remember the animated film, this is a 15 minute version, captured with some pretty amazing effects.

Luminescence is accompanied by Jelly Swarm, an interactive light installation created by Tangible Interaction, in collaboration with origami artist Joseph Wu.

And while you’re at the Aquarium, don’t forget about the other great underwater creatures!

If you’re with small kids, you’ll want to coordinate your visit to see Scuba Santa at the Strait of Georgia exhibit. He makes an appearance on weekends at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, and daily from December 19 to 24.

Luminescence runs through January 22, 2013.
Nov9

Ocean Wise Month Kick-Off

Posted in: Dining, Events, Sustainability, Vancouver

[Chef Robert Clark, Vancouver Aquarium's Teddie Geach]

To help kick off Ocean Wise Month in Vancouver, ORU Restaurant at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel hosted media and invited guests for an afternoon of sustainable seafood preparation, tasting, and education. Ocean Wise products mean an ocean-friendly seafood choice in terms of sustainability. If you’re interested in ensuring the health of our oceans for future generations, this is the only way to go.

Ocean Wise works with over 500 partners across Canada and at over 1,300 locations to date, including restaurants, retailers, suppliers, culinary schools, sports and entertainment venues, and universities. Program partners can be found from Tofino to St. John’s, Newfoundland, proving that our ocean’s health is a growing and significant concern.

[Dolf Dejong]

According to Dolf Dejong, Vancouver Aquarium’s Vice President of Conservation and Education, “We need to shift the way we consume seafood so that we can protect our waters before more our fish stocks are gone.”

A few examples of local and sustainable seafood items with the Ocean Wise seal of approval include:
- BC & Alaska Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye salmons (seine net, gill or troll caught)
- BC spot prawns (trap caught)
- Clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops (beach or suspension farmed)
- BC Albacore tuna (poll or troll caught)
- Pacific cod (bottom longline or trap caught)
- Pacific halibut (bottom longline or handline caught)

The upcoming (and sold out) Ocean Wise 2012 Chowder Chowdown competition will focus on ocean-friendly chowders paired with craft beer. This is one of my favourite annual events and I’m sorry to be missing out due to another commitment that week.

[The Daily Catch prepares Coho salmon]

[ORU Restaurant Executive Chef Darren Brown shucks local oysters]

Chefs Darren Brown (of Fairmont Pacific Rim’s ORU Restaurant), Robert Clark (formerly of C), and Dylan McCulloch and Ryan Johnson, co-founders of The Daily Catch on Commercial were on hand to demonstrate some of the ways to prepare sustainable seafood, from shucking Sawmill Bay oysters to slicing open a fresh Coho.

Robert Clark boiled up some BC spot prawns (a local favourite available during May and June), while the staff at ORU passed around a variety of beautifully prepared dishes for us to sample from the kitchen. I could really taste the freshness of the seafood while feeling good about eating it.

For more information on Ocean Wise, visit the website or download the free iPhone app, updated regularly with ocean-friendly seafood options.
Oct15

Aquarium Fun at Toast to the Coast

Posted in: Events, Fundraising, Vancouver, Wine

[Tunes by Buddha Sax, DJ Leanne, and Percussionist Pher]

Last Friday evening in the heart of Stanley Park, Vancouverites had the chance to dress up and enjoy some of the city’s favourite restaurants while sipping BC wines at Toast to the Coast.

This fun annual gala raises needed cash to help the Aquarium fund several key programs. Over 500 guests attended the sold-out event while music and a silent auction kept everyone entertained.

[One of several silent auction tables]

For a $25 donation, guests got a 50% chance at winning a set of pearl earrings at the Pearls of Gratitude “Diving for Pearls” station.

All seafood served at the event was Ocean Wise-sanctioned.

[Hillside Bistro's spiced carrot apple soup; Fish House's Rainbow Dungeness crab California roll]

[Savoury Coast's pepper crusted seared albacore tuna, tomato gelee, crispy onion ring]

[Wild Rice's smoked kabocha squash, braised shitake mushrooms on a sesame cracker]

[YEW's Albacore tuna burgers, truffle brioche, pear and golden raisin relish, honey aioli, avocado]

Food, wine, and craft beer (courtesy of Granville Island Brewing) was interspersed around both levels of the aquarium, letting guests mingle amongst the colourful aquatic displays. As always, an oyster bar is one of my go-to spots for any event. Oyster Seafood & Rawbar shucked up some nice bivalves amongst the fish tanks.

[Oyster Seafood & Rawbar at Toast to the Coast]

Hotel stays, fine jewellery, a 16GB Samsung Galaxy S III, and beauty packages were a few of the numerous items up for bid at the silent auction. CTV’s weatherman Michael Kuss kept the evening flowing as emcee.

Here are several photos I took during the course of the evening. Congratulations to both the Ocean Wise and Toast to the Coast organizers for putting on another wonderful evening full of gourmet food and BC wine, while bringing together the food and wine-loving community, all in support of a great cause!
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Oct9

2012 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown

Posted in: Craft Beer, Dining, Events, Fundraising, Vancouver

[A lovingly prepared cup of chowder awaits guests at the 2011 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown]

The Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown, presented by Rickard’s and Granville Island Brewing, is back again this year on November 21 at the Aquarium. This is one of my favourite annual Vanaqua events (and how could it not be with gourmet food and excellent craft beer)!

“This friendly, but competitive, cook-off brings together 12 of Vancouver’s top chefs as they showcase their original ocean-friendly seafood chowders, paired with craft beer, at this fun and delicious consumer event,” according to Mike McDermid, Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise partner relations manager.

[Chef Dana Hauser of Herons at The Fairmont Waterfront]

The winner will be crowned 2012 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown Champion by a celebrity panel of judges. Guests will again be invited this year to vote for the People’s Choice winner at what promises to be memorable evening of flavourful chowders, all in support of sustainable seafood.”

[Hapa Izakaya, 2011's Chowder Chowdown Champions]

The line-up of local Ocean Wise chefs contending for the winning title of Vancouver Aquarium’s 2012 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown Champion include:

Chefs Alessandro Vianello and Michael Carter | Street Meet
Chef Dana Hauser | Herons, The Fairmont Waterfront
Chef Tom Lee | Edible Canada at the Market
Chef Todd Bright| Wild Rice
Chef Alex Tung | Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria
Chef Troung Minh Xong | Kamei Royale Japanese Restaurant
Chef Frank Gort | Showcase Restaurant and Bar, Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle
Chef Nathan Tower| Savoury Chef Foods
Chef Chris Whittaker | Forage, Listel Hotel
Chef Eric Pless | Coast Restaurant
Chef Warren Mercier| Vancouver Aquarium
Chef Derek Bendig | Hotel Eldorado

2012 Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown
Date: November 21, 7 pm
Venue: Vancouver Aquarium
Tickets: $50 (plus HST); available online. All proceeds from the evening will directly support the Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program. Note: Chowder Chowdown is a 19+ event.

About Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise™
The Ocean Wise symbol next to a seafood item is the Vancouver Aquarium’s assurance of an ocean-friendly seafood choice. With over 3,100 Ocean Wise partner locations across Canada, Ocean Wise makes it easy for consumers to make sustainable seafood choices that ensure the health of our oceans for generations to come.
Sep11

VanAqua: After Hours at The Aquarium

Posted in: Environment, Events, Exhibitions, Movies, Nature, Vancouver

The Vancouver Aquarium’s next adult-only evening is set for September 20 from 6 to 10 pm. The Great Salmon Run 4-D Experience will premiere at the event, showcasing one of nature’s most amazing events. After Hours at The Aquarium offers a chance to explore the Aquarium’s galleries and exhibits without strollers and impatient little ones.

[Mike McDermid (with Yew Restaurant Executive Chef Ned Bell) demonstrates the proper way to touch a sunflower sea star during World Oceans Day]

Highlights of the evening include:
- BBC Earth’s The Great Salmon Run 4-D Experience
- Salmon CSI – An interactive salmon dissection examining the inner workings of a salmon while highlighting the challenges they face to survive
- Hands-on learning sessions in the Wet lab – An opportunity to touch sea stars and urchins
- Swimming Against the Stream: The Sustainability of Salmon in BC presentation by Mike McDermid from Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program
- Dolphin show

After Hours at The Aquarium
Date: September 20, 6 to 10 pm
Venue: Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: $21; Vancouver Aquarium members $13.25; reserve online
Aug29

Vancouver Aqua: Toast to the Coast

Posted in: Dining, Education, Events, Fundraising, Vancouver, Wine

[Wild salmon at C Restaurant]

Mark your calendars for Vancouver Aquarium’s annual Toast to the Coast on Friday, October 12. Next to the Night at the Aquarium, this is one of Vanaqua’s signature fundraising events, directly supporting the Aquarium’s conservation, research, and education programs.

[Penguin Point]

Join over 500 of Vancouver’s foodies and wine lovers to celebrate aquatic conservation in style as the Vancouver Aquarium is transformed into a magical after-hours experience.

[YEW Restaurant + Bar Executive Chef Ned Bell with Ocean Wise's Mike McDermid]

Set against the magical backdrop of the Aquarium at night, this year’s Ocean Wise partners include new participants Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek and Wild Rice, joined by some of Vancouver’s favourite seafood restaurants C and YEW Restaurant + Bar.

Enjoy pours from BC’s Quail’s Gate Estate Winery, Blasted Church Vineyards, and Hillside Estate Winery.

[Hillside Estate Winery]

Here’s just a few of the fantastic silent auction items that will be available:

- Overnight stay for two in a Diamond Room at Magnolia Hotel & Spa, including a sumptuous continental breakfast
- Le Creuset Café Collection, including French Press, cream and sugar set, and two mugs
- Stamford Spa & Salon’s pampered spa package
- Yves Behar-designed ergonomic chair courtesy of Herman Miller Canada Inc.

Toast to the Coast
Date: October 12, 7:30 pm
Venue: Vancouver Aquarium
Tickets: $95, available online; proceeds directly support the the Aquarium’s conservation, research and education programs
Jul13

Waddle Along Vancouver’s Seawall

Posted in: Exhibitions, Vancouver

You’ve probably walked, biked or jogged around our city’s seawall, but have you tried to waddle around it yet?

For a limited time only, Vancouverites can now explore the city’s iconic seawall “penguin style”. To celebrate the new Penguin Point exhibit, the Vancouver Aquarium together with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation have created a “waddle lane” on the Stanley Park seawall.
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