Persistence...

Is this some moonscape photo?  Not exactly.

It is the overhead tank of Moon Jellyfish at the Cleveland Aquarium.  It has a new addition: plastic bags.

Cleveland aquarist J.J. Soski (Look familiar?  She is my daughter) gave a program on the "Persistence of Plastics" on Wednesday night.  It was rather eye-opening. 

The problem with plastic, it persists for a very long time. Who "needs" a drink straw that lasts 10-20 years?

Several plastic bags are floating in the Jellyfish tank as an educational effort (not as a permanent display.)  It clearly proves how difficult it is to see the difference between bags and Jellies, even for people.

Another new feature is this giant Jellyfish created from used plastic.  J.J. stands in front of her artwork, to give perspective to  its awesome height.

Great Cleveland Aquarium has been hosting beach clean-ups at Villa Angela.  Go to their Facebook page to learn more about this volunteer effort.  This photo from JJ's presentation is an accounting of the junk plastic collected on clean-ups.

As a birder, I was already familiar with the terrible toll plastics are taking on our sea birds.  The death rate of Albatrosses is staggering, as her presentation showed.

Aquatic conservationist are deeply concerned for the small fish as well.  Sure, they can't eat a pop bottle lid or a six-pack ring, but these tiny shipping beads,called nurdles, are neutrally buoyant (they float IN water- not on it) and look like "tasty" fish eggs. 

 However, there it no nutritional value from plastic- only full bellies and sick fish result.

Be part of the solution!  Bring your plastic bags to the Cleveland Aquarium for recycling. Trade in twenty  or more bags for one of these nifty cloth bag with the Greater Cleveland Aquarium logo.  Get one of your own.

Hurry, this offer is only good while they last- and they are going fast!

JJ and the Jellyfish

Today's post strays a bit from the botanical world, but hopefully you will find it of interest too.

Moon Jellyfish, Aurelia aurita

 The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has just opened a new exhibit that gets my "glowing" review!

 The aquarium was created within the powerhouse building for the Cleveland's old trolley system.  In one of the old smokestacks of the building, you will find this sign.  Look up!

Circling above your head, bathed in blue light are the craziest creatures you could want to see.

The circular tank is perfectly suited to these Moon Jellyfish, an aquatic species which drift along with the currents. 

 There are literally tons (of water) of displays featuring a wide assortment of sea and fresh water life. It would be hard to pick a favorite. My good friends Hugh and Judy Kolo-Rose and my daughter JJ (center) were admiring the fishes.

Wonderpus photogenicus

 But my favorite might be this octopus, the amazing Wonderpus.  

Seriously, who named it that?  Its official scientific name is Wonderpus photogenicus.  

                     Get outta here!  I just had to take a picture, because it is so "photogenic".

Great Lakes Brewery

If you visit the aquarium plan a side trip to the nearby Great Lakes Brewery, just a few blocks away.  Sitting in the outdoors cafe is like being in Charleston, S.C., only we have better beer.  This is the perfect way to end the day with a little botany:  Common Hops, Humulus lupulus.   You know, botany in liquid form...