Seattle Aquarium 2008 Annual Report

2 0 0 8 A n n u a l R e p o r t

2 Seattle Aquarium Society Annual Report 2008

Leadership Directoryas of December 31, 2008

The Seattle Aquarium is owned and operated by the City of Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor; Timothy A. Gallagher, Superintendent. The Seattle Aquarium Society is the official nonprofit support organization for the Seattle Aquarium.

SeattLe aquarium Society BoarD of DirectorS

chairmanStuart T. Rolfe, Wright Hotels, Inc.

PreSiDent Ted Ackerley, Ackerley Partners, LLC

treaSurer Kevin L. Blair, Washington Trust Bank

SecretaryJ. Terry McLaughlin, retired, The Professional Basketball

Club, LLC

immeDiate PaSt PreSiDentJames P. Kerr, D.A. Davidson & Co.

Vice PreSiDent of faciLitieS PLanningDon Audleman, Capstone Partners, LLC

Vice PreSiDent of SPLaSh!Mary L. Bass, Wells Fargo

Vice PreSiDent of Puget SounD conSerVation & eDucationLesley Canfield, Community Volunteer

Vice PreSiDent of annuaL camPaignJ. Brian Hill, Sound Leasing Corporation

Vice PreSiDent of PuBLic PartnerShiPSGary T. Smith, Smith & Stark

Vice PreSiDent of recruitmentDan M. Guy III, Kibble & Prentice

Catherine Irby Arnold, Union Bank of California Scott Balsam, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Gini Beck, Community VolunteerDianne L. Bell, Verizon BusinessRobert G. Bergquist, WidemileJohn C. Blackman, Argosy CruisesJohn B. Brown, Technology EntrepeneurWilliam J. Chapin, Seattle Seahawks & Seattle Sounders FCLinda B. Cuddy, Community VolunteerBob Donegan, IvarsCarmen Esparza, Esparza + Business CommunicationSusan L. Gates, Charter BankJames C. Gurke, Getty ImagesRon Harris-White, Seattle Public UtilitiesLinda K. Johnson, retired, VisioLee C. Keller, The Keller Group, Ltd.Charles H. Kellogg, Blue Hill, LLCKatherine A. Krogslund, University of WashingtonPaul J. Kundtz, Riddell Williams P.S.Trish S. Markey, Community VolunteerChristopher D. McReynolds, OceanWorks Group, LLCSteve Moore, Twenty20 CorporationJeffrey A. Nomura, NordstromGregory P. Owens, Alaska Trust CompanyRobert J. Pasterick, The Boeing CompanySharon K. Philpott, Ernst & Young Linda Springmann, Holland America LineWilliam W. Stelle Jr., K & L Preston Gates Ellis LLPChristopher Sullivan, Seattle Marriott WaterfrontAron M. Thompson, Global Wealth Management,

Merrill LynchScott C. Tretheway, Callisons, Inc.George V. Willoughby Jr., retired, King Broadcasting

ex-officioJohn R. Braden, Director, Seattle AquariumWilliam C. Arntz, Director EmeritusTimothy A. Gallagher, Superintendent,

Seattle Department of Parks & Recreation

SeattLe aquarium Society aDminiStrationRobert W. Davidson, Chief Executive OfficerRyan Dean, Director of Finance & Information SystemsLori Montoya, Director of Development & Special EventsMarsha Savery, Director of Marketing,

Membership & Guest ImpressionSusan Bullerdick, COSEE Operations ManagerRebekah Crowley, Executive AssistantJennifer Englert, Membership & Development AssociateJamie Gunn, Membership Manager & Print ProductionJenny Hoefel, Auction & Special Events Manager Charles Hopper, Audio Visual AdministratorJennie Leichtling, Annual Fund & Foundation ManagerTamsyn Phillip, Special Events CoordinatorAllie Serious, Database & Operations SpecialistBrian Standeford, Office Manager & Reception

SeattLe aquarium aDminiStrationJohn R. Braden, DirectorRobert Anderson, Facilities Operations ManagerTraci Belting, Curator of Mammals & BirdsTim Carpenter, Curator of Fish & InvertebratesC.J. Casson, Curator of Life SciencesMichael Darling, Graphics & Exhibits Supervisor Sue Donohue-Smith, Guest & Volunteer Services ManagerAndrea DosSantos, Interpretation CuratorTim Kuniholm, Director of MarketingShawn Larson, Curator of Conservation Research

& Animal Health CoordinatorMark Plunkett, Conservation CuratorKathy Sider, Manager of Conservation EducationCherie Williams, Education CuratorAlfredo Verzosa, Strategic Advisor

tranSition Working grouPS

Joint Working grouPJan Oscherwitz, Chair

BuSineSS PLanJ. Terry McLaughlin, Chair

faciLitieSDon Audleman, Chair

negotiationSPaul J. Kundtz, Chair

StakehoLDerSGary T. Smith, Chair

SeattLe aquarium Society meDaLiStSWilliam D. Ruckelshaus 2004William C. Arntz 2005G. Ross Heath, Ph.D. 2006Sylvia A. Earle, Ph.D. 2007Julie Packard 2008Kathy Fletcher 2009

SeattLe aquarium reSearch aWarD reciPientSShawn E. Larson, Ph.D. 2004Angela D. Smith 2005Kenneth C. Balcomb III 2006Phillip S. Levin, Ph.D. 2007Julia K. Parrish, Ph.D. 2008Jan A. Newton, Ph.D. 2009

Donations to the Seattle Aquarium Society are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code 501 (c)(3). Donations can be made by calling (206) 682-3474 or visiting seattleaquarium.org.

3Seattle Aquarium Society Annual Report 2008

The evidence is in for 2008: we have genuinely added an “evening shift” to the Seattle Aquarium – one that brings new audiences into the Ackerley Foundation Puget Sound Hall for a full range of events ranging from congressional hearings and scientific discussions to weddings and waterfront civic receptions.

This grand space, part of our 2007 expansion, serves as a powerful new tool with which we achieve our mission – Inspiring Conservation of our Marine Environment – and solidifies our place as the regional platform for marine conservation groups, dialog, information and education.

The Seattle Aquarium occupies a unique niche. We are neither a research university nor commercial entertainment destination; neither a school nor a conven-tion center. But we encompass elements of all these things. Our Aquarium “franchise” gives us license to be the largest public platform for marine conservation education in the Northwest. It also gives us the standing to welcome all who have a stake in Puget Sound and the oceans beyond, to enter our space and enjoy the rich symbolism we create through our exhibits, our location, and our architecture.

The magic of Window on Washing-ton Waters, our 120,000-gallon showcase exhibit, is reflected on the faces of the enthralled children who visit us. It is also seen in the wonder of the corporate, civic, government and scientific leaders who convene at the Aquarium – and can’t help but feel awe for the majesty of the living panorama before their eyes. The energy

and commitment of our interpretive divers, who tell stories of the Sound and answer questions from inside the exhibit, can be felt by every member of the captivated audience.

The Aquarium’s credibility as a serious partner for Northwest, national and inter-national organizations was plainly evident in 2008, as represented by the diverse groups who held events at the Aquarium and/or partnered with us in programs and research. Throughout the following pages, we’ll share highlights of our year with you: the events with which we were involved; our partnerships; our conservation, outreach and education efforts; our research activities and the many ways we are working to engage the public in creating a healthy marine environment for all.

Thank you for your support of the Seattle Aquarium. We look forward to continuing our journey with you.

Sincerely,

Seattle aquarium Society

ted ackerley, PresidentStuart t. rolfe, Chairmanrobert W. Davidson, CEO

Seattle aquarium

John Braden, Director

Dear Friend of the Seattle Aquarium,

We are neither a research university nor a commercial

entertainment destination. We are not a school or a

convention center. But we encompass

elements of all these things.


the Seattle aquarium: an overview

The Seattle Aquarium, a family-friendly venue located on the central Seattle waterfront, is owned and operated by the City of Seattle, Department of Parks and Recreation. The Seattle Aquarium Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the official non-profit organization for the Seattle Aquarium.

The Aquarium serves educational and entertain-ment needs for families and adults. We exhibit 369 different marine species representing Puget Sound and coastal Washington animals. We also have a tropical exhibit area with fish and living corals representing Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region. Our collection of animals is utilized to entertain and engage our guests with husbandry and conservation information.

Opened in 1977 with $5.4m in funding from King County Forward Thrust bonds, the Seattle Aquarium has hosted 20 million visitors in its 31-year history – including a record-breaking 815,000 visitors in 2008, 521,00 of which were residents of Washington State. Approximately 50% of the 800,000 guests who visit the Aquarium in a given year are locals; the remain-

ing tourists are defined as those coming from outside the tri-county area. In 2008, we had approximately 21,000 member families representing 58,000 individuals in our community —making the Seattle Aquari-um one of the top membership organizations among its peers.

Over 1.6 million children in school groups have vis-ited the Aquarium and benefited from its formal and informal educational programming; 50,000 of those in 2008.

The successful completion of our expansion in 2007, including new exhibits and the Ackerley Foundation Puget Sound Hall, helped bring even more guests into the Aquarium. Coupled with our new café and catering service, the new space has expanded our reach into the community for celebra-tions and informative gatherings alike—including significant marine conservation events focused on policy and community education.

On August 18, 2008, the Seattle City Council adopted a resolution setting forth principles to be met in an operating agreement between the City of Seattle and the Seattle Aquarium Society for integrating the Aquarium and Aquarium Society into a single nonprofit organization.

This change will bring the Seattle Aquarium in line with all other major U.S. aquariums, and help attract new resources for future exhibits and programs. Four working groups were created by the Society Board, with more than 20 members working on due diligence efforts.

A transition joint working group, led by Jan Oscherwitz from the City Finance Department and Tim Gallagher, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, worked to identify and resolve key issues necessary to bring an agreement to the City Council for action during 2009.

Shift to integrated

organization

Seattle Aquariumhas hosted

20 millionvisitors . . .


Puget Sound Partnership Action Agenda kickoff

On December 1, 2008, 400 officials and community members convened at the Seattle Aquarium to launch the Puget Sound Partnership’s Puget Sound Action Agenda, the group’s plan to restore Puget Sound to health by 2020. Speakers included Partnership Chair Bill Ruckelshaus, U.S. Sena-tor Patty Murray, Congressman Jay Inslee, State Representative Dave Upthegrove, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Jay Manning and others (photo above).

Seattle Aquarium Society President’s Dinner

With generous sponsorship from the T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan, the Seattle Aquarium Society honored two important marine conservation leaders during its annual President’s Dinner on January 27, 2009. The Seattle Aquarium Society Medal was awarded to Kathy Fletcher, founder of People for Puget Sound, a citizens’ organization formed in 1991 to protect and restore Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits. The research grant award was given Jan A. Newton, Ph.D, Principal Oceanographer with the UW Applied Physics Laboratory and an affiliate Assistant Professor with the UW School of Oceanography.

U.S. Senate Ocean Acidification HearingWhen Senator Maria Cantwell deter-

mined the need for a field hearing on how the Pacific Ocean’s increased acidity is affecting marine life, she chose the Seattle Aquarium as her venue – evidence of the relationship that policymakers are develop-ing with the organization.

The public hearing, called by Cantwell and Congressman Jay Inslee, was held on May 27, 2008 before an audience of 150 people. The agenda included a discussion of how climate change and development impact Puget Sound. Speakers included leading scientists, public officials and business owners.

We are the gathering place

The region’s gathering place for marine conservation issuesA new mission (Inspiring Conservation of our Marine Environment)

adopted in 2005 and the expanded space that opened in 2007 set the stage for the Seattle Aquarium to take its place as the region’s premier venue for sharing information on marine conservation issues. Exemplifying that status, the Aquarium hosted numerous important events in 2008, several of which are highlighted here.

Aquarium Director John Braden, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee, Aquarium Society CEO Bob Davidson

U.S. Senator Patty Murray


Moving toward a common goal with NOAA

The Seattle Aquarium partners with NOAA to share information with the public regarding important marine conservation issues – for example, the dwindling popu-lation of our region’s orcas (see orca card sidebar, right).

The Aquarium’s five-year Ocean Science education program is funded by the NOAA Ocean Literacy Grant, and is directed toward teachers, students and their families. Teachers attend a four-day professional development workshop that provides content training in marine eco-systems, ocean conservation, and near-shore field investigations on local beaches. They also receive a beach kit and cur-riculum with activities and resources that provide a framework for ocean science learning in the classroom. Students partici-pate in two field trips; one to the Seattle Aquarium or Feiro Marine Life Center and an additional Naturalist-led trip to explore a beach close to their school. Hands-on family workshops are also held to train parents and chaperones on basic science inquiry skills and beach etiquette.

Ocean Science serves many schools with diverse student populations and high participation in the free and reduced lunch program. In 2008, Ocean Science reached approximately 100 classrooms and provided professional development workshops for approximately 40 new teachers in its Seattle and Olympic Peninsula locations.

orca trading cards: pocket-size killer whales

The Seattle Aquarium’s orca trading cards, first produced in 2004 for our local J pod, were expanded in 2008 to

include K and L pods. Each of the 83 cards features a unique whale,

conservation messaging and orca facts. Over 1,000,000 cards have been produced; they are distributed through schools, the Aquarium’s Family Orca

Center and our gift shop.

Increasing ocean literacy and environ-mental stewardship with COSEE-OLC

COSEE-Ocean Learning Communities (COSEE-OLC) is a National Science Founda-tion-funded partnership among the UW College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences, the UW College of Education and the Seattle Aquarium. Other contributors include the Seattle Aquarium Society, the Ocean Inquiry Project, Washington Sea Grant and other Washington Marine Education/Con-servation groups.

COSEE-OLC cultivates and studies Ocean Learning Communities, expanding social networks around ocean science and linking scientists, organizations, volunteers and interested parties to increase ocean literacy and help citizens become better stewards of their marine environment.

The Seattle Aquarium has recently partnered with COSEE-OLC on a variety of events, including “An Evening with Sylvia Earle,” which was also co-hosted by the Environmental Education Association of Washington. Attracting a spirited audi-ence was the awards ceremony for the Ocean Science High School Orca Bowl, which brought over 120 students, teach-ers, scientists, families and community members to the Seattle Aquarium after a day of competition at the UW. During “An Evening with a Polar Scientist”, Dr. Christo-pher Krembs, a biological oceanographer in the Polar Science Center of the UW Applied Physics Laboratory, presented his research on microbial mechanisms that alter the sea ice environment. His audience included over 100 marine educators and leaders of marine organizations.

Partnerships: leveraging our capabilitiesAligning with like-minded efforts, groups and organizations increase the Aquarium’s reach into our com-

munity, and adds dimension to our marine conservation mission. In 2008, our work to engage the public in that mission was expanded by linkages with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation, the University of Washington (UW), and many of our region’s schools – through a variety of innovative, nationally funded programs.

NOAA Administrator Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher tours the Aquarium

World renowned ocean explorer and author Sylvia A. Earle, PhD and N.W. Indian Fisheries Commission Chairman Billy Frank at the COSEE/Environmental Education Association at the Aquarium

One of the Orca Bowl teams


Conservation education: bringing the vision of a healthy Sound to life

The Aquarium’s first lecture series, “Sound Conversations,” launched in 2008 with four talk-show style events featur-ing regional marine experts. Each event focused on a different issue facing our marine environment. Hosted by KING 5 Meteorologist Jeff Renner, the series was attended by approximately 800 guests who engaged in dialogue and enjoyed perspectives from the evenings’ speak-ers. They included: David Dicks, Executive

Director of the Puget Sound Partnership; KC Golden, Policy Director of Climate Solutions; Dr. Julia Parrish, Associate Professor of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington; and Ken Balcomb, Executive Director and Principal Investigator at The Center for Whale Research. The inaugural series was deemed such a success that plans were quickly made for a second series in 2009.

in 2008:• Approximately 52,000 students were served by Aquarium education

programs through exhibits, classes, and special outreach and field-based programs.

• The Marine Conservation Education Fund from the Seattle Aquarium Society provided free bus transportation, admission and classes to nearly 8,600 K-12 students, and over 1,800 preschoolers.

• Approximately 3,650 pre-kindergarten children attended classes at the Aquarium, and staff conducted outreach programs with 600 preschool-aged children in area schools and HeadStart programs for a total of 4,250 children served.

“Sound Conversations” lecture series an informative success

connecting with students: by the numbers

At the Seattle Aquarium, our vision is a community in which all citizens understand how they are connected to their environment and what they can do to care for it. As a vital marine education resource for the Puget Sound region, our ongoing goal is finding innova-tive, effective ways to reach the public. We believe conservation education is the best strategy to

raise awareness, increase under-standing and provide a call to action about Puget Sound and oceanic environmental issues.

The Seattle Aquarium’s Conservation Education Team develops individualized programming to reach a wide array of audiences: pre- kindergarten through grade 12 students, the general public, scientists, community (cont’d)

. . . our ongoing goal is finding

innovative, effective ways

to reach the public . . .


The Seattle Aquarium teamed up with Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Chef’s Collaborative in a national effort to promote sustainable sushi in October, 2008. Over 200 guests sampled ocean-friendly sushi rolls created by local chefs in honor of the Aquarium’s commitment to conservation education.

The sushi guide lists 40-plus sustain-able options to help protect the oceans

and marine life. The Aquarium is distrib-uting it to local environmental groups, the Seattle Chefs Collaborative and the Washington State Chefs Association. In addition to the new guides, over 200,000 Seafood Watch pocket guides were distributed through the Aquarium and its eleven restaurant and culinary school partners in 2008.

Approximately 150 salmon scientists, fishery managers and maritime law enforcement officers from Russia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Canada and the United States met at the Seattle Aquarium in 2008 for a reception for the annual meeting

of the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission. The group oversees the international ban on fishing for Pacific Salmon in international waters and coordinates scientific research on the salmon ecosystem in the open ocean.

Seattle Aquarium part of nationwide sushi guide launch

North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission gathers at the Seattle Aquarium

leaders, diverse communities and populations, and more. The experiences we offer are rich and many: classes, talks, demonstrations, events and lectures in our facility; camps, field programs and marine biology family programs along our local beaches and rivers. But regardless of their target audience or location, all our programs are designed to do the same thing: fulfill our mission – Inspiring Conservation of our Marine Environment – while delighting, engaging, and informing every participant.

The Seattle Aquarium thanks the Wells Fargo Foundation for their support of our education programs.


Beach Naturalist program completes its 10th season

Funded by the King Conservation District in partnership with Water Re-source Inventory Areas 8 and 9, the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Aquarium Society, the Beach Naturalist program provides informal education on Puget Sound beaches in the Seattle area. In 2008, the program expanded from nine to ten local beaches, and the number of Beach Naturalist volunteers reached an all-time high of 157; 90 of those returning from previous years. Beach Naturalists made 27,311 contacts with beachgoers on 14 low tide dates, sharing tidepool animal information, hands-on beach explorations and conservation messages. With a special focus on salmon, 1,069 salmon-related conversations were recorded. To carry out the program, the Beach Naturalists – who are trained and supervised by the Aquarium – donated over 1,600 hours of beach time.

Citizen Science reaches underserved students in the Seattle area

Led by the Seattle Aquarium, Citizen Science is a high school nearshore moni-toring program that provides training to students in the classroom, at the Aquari-um, and on seven local beaches. Trained students then conduct research and field investigations related to projects of their own design on their designated beaches. The resulting data is made available for use by marine researchers, scientists and land-use decision-makers. Participants also share findings from their field investi-gations during student symposiums.

In 2008, the Citizen Science program reached 175 students at seven Seattle- area high schools – two of which have high percentages of ethnic diversity and participation in the free and reduced lunch program. Citizen Science is funded by the Educational Legacy Fund and The Rodman Foundation.

Cedar River Naturalists greet the public during sockeye salmon run

At six sites along the Cedar River in Fall 2008, 5,422 visitors received informa-tion about the life cycle and conservation of sockeye salmon from 57 trained natural-ists. The number of visitors represents an increase of over 20% from the preceding year. The Cedar River Naturalist program is sponsored by Friends of the Cedar River Watershed, and funded by the King Conservation District in partnership with Watershed Resource Inventory Area 8 and Brown Bear Car Wash. Program partners are the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Public Utilities, Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Renton.

Seattle Aquarium celebrates World Ocean Day

The public was invited to the Aquar-ium for World Ocean festivities in June, 2008. The fun-filled weekend featured special talks, activities and expert guests focused on the topic of whales, particu-larly our region’s orca population.

Seattle Aquarium joins International Aquarium Congress

Aquarium Director John Braden, Curator of Life Science C.J. Casson, and Society CEO Robert Davidson joined leaders from over 300 aquariums for the 7th International Aquarium Congress in Shanghai, China in October 2008.

The Seattle Aquarium recognizes that the key to caring about the health of our marine environment lies in experiencing it: the public must see and understand our local waters and oceans before they can be inspired to preserve them. That is why a vital part of the Seattle Aquarium’s work involves going out to area beaches

and rivers to engage the public in hands-on educational and marine conservation activities. We also host a variety of special events and celebrations in our facility to deepen public understanding about particular animals or marine issues. Following are a few highlights from our 2008 activities.

outreach: bringing our message into the community


Serving the underserved in our community

Providing Aquarium access for underserved schoolchildren

The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Devel-opment provided $100,000 to fund the Marine Conservation Education Fund which provides transportation and admis-sions costs for low-income, ESL and special needs classrooms to the Seattle Aquarium. From 2008 – 2009 we expect approximately 10,000 less advantaged youths to benefit from this support.

Seattle Aquarium hosts Latino Family Night

In partnership with the Environmental Science Center (ESC) of South King County, the Aquarium hosted Latino families from community partner organizations New Futures and Para los Niños for an evening of bilingual talks about invertebrates, marine mammals and the giant Pacific octopus in February, 2008. The group of over 580 enjoyed crafts, coloring activities, and a squid dissection station where students could demonstrate what they had learned in the ESC after-school science program.

The Aquarium’s high school intern program

With funding from the Peg & Rick Young Foundation, the internship pro-gram at the Seattle Aquarium provides participants with practical, hands-on learning experience and knowledge in the aquarium field. High school interns work with Life Science and Education staff to learn what it takes to work in the aquarium industry. In 2008, one intern was recruited from the International District Housing Al-liance and for the first time, two students from the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program in Seattle Public Schools, supported by the UW, joined the program. To mentor and assist in the training of our 2008 interns, two for-mer interns were hired. Interns completed and presented final projects to Aquarium staff and visitors that showcased what they learned from their assigned Life Sci-ence area (water quality, fish and inverte-brate, and marine mammals).

What started with the Asian Pacific Islander community is now continuing with other groups


The Aquarium designs its programs to be engag-ing and informative for a broad array of audiences – both in our facility and in the community – to ensure that we touch our region’s diverse populations with our marine conservation message.

The Aquarium’s work in serving underserved pop-ulations began with the Public Education Conservation Fund (formerly called SPLASH), which provides free Aquarium admission, classes and bus transportation to schools with 40% or more of the students qualifying for the free and reduced lunch program.

In 2004 the Aquarium expanded its work with un-derserved populations. As part of the process related to the Aquarium’s proposal to make seven of our local

beaches marine sanctuaries, Aquarium staff members began talks with members of the Asian Pacific Islander community – the most frequent users of our local beaches for food. Those discussions led to an under-standing that there was a need for youth program-ming within that community, which in turn led to the Aquarium’s High School intern program.

What started with the Asian Pacific Islander com-munity is now continuing with other groups. Through an alignment with the Environmental Science Center of South King County, the Aquarium is now becom-ing involved with another set of populations, primarily Latino. Details on more of the Aquarium’s outreach efforts can be found on page 9.

Aquarium’s Puget Sound Conservation card deck offered in Spanish

In 2008, the Aquarium distributed 4,000 copies of our Puget Sound Conser-vation resource deck to the general public and conservation partners throughout the Sound funded by The Russell Family Foundation and the Rotary Club of Seattle. To expand our outreach to diverse audi-ences, a Spanish version was printed late in the year.

Makah Tribal schoolchildren enjoy an Aquarium overnight, then perform at Salmon Homecoming Education Day

In September, 2008 fourth and fifth graders from the Makah Tribe’s Neah Bay Elementary came to the Seattle Aquarium for a special Ocean Science program. Sixty-two students were treated to dinner and a NightWatch overnight at the Aquarium. For the opening festivities of the Salmon Homecoming Education Day the next day, the students donned their traditional regalia, then sang and performed for 500 Seattle-area school-children. In addition to Neah Bay Elemen-tary, eight schools – including another Tribal school – participated in the Salmon Homecoming celebration; most serving low-income communities of color with high participation in the free and reduced lunch program.

Puget Sound Science puts tools in the hands of teachers

The Puget Sound Science program, funded by the Amgen Foundation, provides teachers with the tools, expertise and curriculum materials to lead their own conservation-minded field trips to our local beaches. In 2008, 33 teachers at 14 schools attended a teacher workshop that allowed them to share their new knowledge with 761 students and 179 chaperones.


noaa derelict fishing gear project

In addition to a rich diversity of amazing sea life, Puget Sound is also home to an unfortunate variety of derelict fishing gear – such as gill nets and crab pots – that can catch and kill marine life. In 2008, NOAA came to the Seattle Aquarium with a request to study how long seabirds take to degrade in local waters as a measurement of the catch by derelict fishing gear. Aquarium biologists and researchers com-pleted the study by placing three modified crab traps and two underwater cameras in the waters below Pier 59, then used time-lapse photography to film the decomposition of deceased birds within them. This will allow researchers to understand how long a deceased bird has been trapped in a derelict net. CONSERVATION WORKSHOP IIISEATTLE AQUARIUM 2008

COWSHARKCONSERVATION WORKSHOP IIISEATTLE AQUARIUM 2008

COWSHARK

STICKER: 5” X 5”

research: benefiting animals, citizens, scientists – and the environment

The research arm of the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Aquarium Research Center for Conservation and Husbandry (SEARCCH), was formalized in 2002. It is guided by a mission that emphasizes “pursuing knowledge to Inspire Conservation of our Marine Environment” and has undertaken 14 projects, most focused on species that are exhibited at the Seattle Aquarium. Results from these research efforts contribute to Aquarium exhibits, interpretation and programming. They also support the extension of knowledge throughout the fields of marine biology and marine ecology.

In addition to the continuation of the work high-lighted below, SEARCCH embarked on two exciting

collaborations with outside researchers in 2008. Both projects involved extensive work underwater – a good fit for the Seattle Aquarium, according to Curator of Conservation Research Shawn Larson, Ph.D. “People come to us for underwater work because we’re good at it,” she says. “We have extremely well-trained divers and great gear – and we are skilled at managing many things underwater such as cameras and other research equipment.” For the first project, in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Aquarium divers set and monitored 15 acoustic receivers throughout Puget Sound. The second is detailed below.

alaskan sea otters: Aquarium biologists extracted and analyzed over 250 pre-fur trade sea otter bones to compare the genetic relation-ships and diversity of sea otter popula-tions living then and now. They found that sea otters haven’t lost significant popula-tion structure – but have lost significant diversity that may affect their ability to adapt to changing environments.

Sixgill sharks: With funding from the Royal Caribbean In-ternational Ocean Fund and the National Geographic Society, Aquarium biologists analyzed over 350 Washington sixgills and over 200 Washington and California sevengills for genetic diversity, individuals relatedness, geneflow between popula-

tions and species differences using 14 polymorphic markers. Biologists also began extracting data on sixgill size, sex and relative abundance from over 3,000 hours of archived videotape filmed from the Aquarium’s sixgill research station under Pier 59.

neah Bay reef surveys: With funding from the Foley/Frischkorn Wildlife & Conservation Fund, in memory of Louise H. Foley, the Aquarium complet-ed its fourth year of counting fish at sites in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The informa-tion collected will allow researchers to document population fluctuations over time, possibly validating existing conser-vation management policies or providing data to help to create new ones.

aquarium hosts cowshark conservation Workshop

“Cowshark” is the common name for sixgill and sevengill sharks – and the Aquarium hosted its third work-shop devoted to them in 2008, garnering participation from 35 U.S. and Canadian delegates. Topics included the role of cowsharks in Puget Sound’s ecology, cowshark population genetics, and the status of state management of sixgill and sevengill sharks.

2008 Seattle Aquarium research highlights


Nuka: grand dame of the

Aquarium’s sea otters

Nuka, a survivor of the Valdez

oil spill in 1989, is the oldest

sea otter currently living at

the Seattle Aquarium.

New Aquarium resident Pinky The Aquarium was delighted to welcome a new Pacific harbor seal in 2008. Pinky was obtained from the Oregon Coast Aquarium in exchange for Q, a male harbor seal and longtime Seattle Aquarium resident.

exhibits that further and exemplify our conservation mission

The Aquarium’s 120,000- gallon showpiece exhibit, Window on Washington Waters, serves as an awe-inspiring gateway to the many exhibits and experiences we’ve designed to further our mission. Sometimes our conservation work is evident, as with our daily interpre-tation shows. And other times it is less obvious, as in our Pacific Coral Reef exhibit.

The Seattle Aquarium displays 20 to 30 species of corals. None of it is brought in from the wild; new corals are sourced through trade with other institutions, via aqua-culture facilities – or through the Aquarium’s own propagation program. Acquiring new coral species without impacting their wild populations is clearly a good thing from a conservation stand-point. “We want to reduce our environmental impact,” says biolo-gist Andrew Sim. “Propagating coral ourselves lessens our need to get it elsewhere.”


The Seattle Aquarium is tremendously fortunate to have many enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. The primary role of this dedicated group is to enhance our guest experience through effective interpretation – in fact, over 30% of the Aquarium’s total volunteer hours for 2008 were applied to education and interpretation. Volunteers also support Aquarium staff in countless ways, particularly in the Life Sciences area, where tasks include maintaining

exhibits, monitoring animal behavior, preparing food and feeding animals.

The Aquarium’s high school volunteer program contin-ued to be popular in 2008, with 201 students from 50 high schools donating over 13,000 hours of time. This program is funded in part by the Educational Legacy Fund, which also provided funding for a new online training program for volunteers in 2008.

Volunteers: giving the gift of time and expertise

going green at the Seattle aquarium: 2008 highlights Participated in the City of Seattle’s

Climate Action Now “Give Your Car the Summer Off” campaign that encouraged residents to use more climate-friendly ways to visit.

Installed an octopus bike rack, produced in partnership with the South Seattle Community College Welding Fabrication Program and Aquarium staff.

Completed replacement of hundreds of bulbs with LED and low-wattage units.

Installed water barrels to hold rain-water for irrigating the Aquarium’s plants and reduce demands on the Cedar River watershed. Biologist Marla Tullio was awarded the Aquarium’s first “Green Hero” award for her role in leading this effort.

Seattle aquarium volunteers 2006-2008

694 Active Volunteers

63,568 Total Hours

$1,078,097 Total In-Kind Value2006


65,387 Total Hours



68,686 Total Hours


Volunteers Neal and Heidi clean the bird exhibit areas and set out the bird’s morning meals


The Aquarium’s café and catering business, which debuted with the opening of our expanded space in 2007, completed its first full year of operations in 2008. Offering a range of family-friendly fare — including sustainable seafood choices — the café proved to be a hit with guests.

Having an in-house caterer also allows us to host or rent the Aquarium out for evening gatherings such as corporate din-ners, weddings, civic receptions, convention events and more. This brings new people and potential donors through our doors – and greatly increases the number of hours that the Aquarium

is filled with activity during any given month. In 2008, 92 private and civic evening events were held at the Aquarium and attend-ed by over 20,000 guests.

The Aquarium’s expanded store continued to be a popular stop. Along with its thoughtful selection of books, educational toys, gifts and souvenirs, some of the store’s most sought-after items included beach guides and local field guides.

Concession business at the Seattle Aquarium contributed nearly $900,000 to the institution in 2008. These funds are used for program support.

“Let Leonard In” wins bigIn February, 2008, the Seattle Aquari-

um was delighted to receive the “Best of the Best” RACie award at the National Retail and Advertising Association’s annual Retail Advertising Conference for its multi-media “Let Leonard In” campaign. The campaign, developed in partnership with Copacino+Fujikado agency, was also singled out for two additional rewards: “Single Media, Broadcast” and “Multi-Media.”

The campaign is centered on Leonard, a hapless goldfish who wants more than anything to get into the Aquarium — to no avail.

“UseLess” bag the oppositeThe Aquarium introduced its

own reusable shopping bag in 2008. Featuring a tongue-in-cheek “Use-Less” headline, the cleverly designed bag offers suggestions for consuming fewer resources along with ten rea-sons to choose a reusable bag instead of paper or plastic. Over 4,000 of the bags were sold in the Aquarium’s gift store, and many more were given to teachers, educators and attendees of Aquarium events throughout the year.

Benefits of membershipThe number of Aquarium

members grew in 2008 – and no wonder, considering the special perks and event invitations that accompany membership. For example, thanks to the expanded space and a new 16’ projection screen, the Aquarium was able to host a series of members-only family movie nights throughout the year.

café, catering and store enhance the aquarium experience


april 24: Pan asian Women Leadership initiative eventTo expose the Aquarium’s mission and facil-ity to a new audience, Gobo Enterprises’ Brenda Handley and Aquarium Society Board Member Trish Markey orchestrated an intimate evening event for the Pan Asian Women Leadership Initiative in the Ackerley Foundation Puget Sound Hall.

July 4:

fish & fireworksSponsored by Foss Maritime, over 700 guests celebrated Independence Day with the Seattle Aquarium, enjoying a prime view of Ivar’s Fireworks over Elliott Bay.

September 17:

Sixgill Shark nightHundreds of interested people attended a night of research, food, and fun – watching our sixgill shark research in action as we ob-served these mysterious creatures beneath our pier.

october 26:

trick or treat on the WaterfrontSponsored by T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan and featuring local favorite kids’ band Recess Monkey.

november 15-16:

family Science WeekendSponsored by Puget Sound Energy. This fun-filled weekend provided an opportunity for families to discover science together through exciting interactive experiments and presentations from local scientists, meteorologists, and researchers.

november 20:

finding VinoSponsored by Union Bank of California. This perennially popular wine-tasting event thanks existing Aquarium donors and culti-vates new supporters.

Splash! fundraising galaChaired by Mary L. Bass and attracting almost 600 attendees,

Splash! 2008 raised nearly $1,000,000 in gross revenue with raise the paddle support for Seattle Aquarium Education Programs. Special thanks to Title Sponsor Wells Fargo and Presenting Sponsor The Boeing Company.

2008 Special events

fundraising

D.A. Davidson & Co. Otter Open Golf Classic

One hundred and twenty golfers participated in our annual golf fundraiser at the Broadmoor Golf Club, raising $130,000 gross reve-nue and chaired by Brian Hill and Steve Moore. The event’s reception was sponsored by Pinnacle; KING 5’s John Curley served as the emcee and auctioneer.


BALANCE SHEET 2008 2007assets Cash and Investments $ 6,380 $ 4,065 Receivables and Other 2,118 4,546Long Term Receivables 296 690

total assets $ 8,794 $ 9,301 Liabilities and net assets Payables and Other $ 870 $ 640Leashold Financing 4,880 5,097

total Liabilities $ 5,750 $ 5,737 Unrestricted Net Assets $ 1,504 $ 1,454 Temporarily Restr. Net Assets 1,540 2,110

total net assets 3,044 3,564

total Liabilities and net assets $ 8,794 $ 9,301

REVENUE and EXPENSE 2008 2007 revenue New Currents Campaign $ 40 $ 4,597 Other Contributions/Fundraising 1,614 1,405 Program-related Revenue 450 404 Aquarium Concessions 886 426 Miscellaneous 114 147

total revenues $ 3,104 $ 6,979

expense Program Expenses New Currents Project $ 629 $ 7,537 Other Program Expense 2,178 1,675 Fundraising 343 355 Management and General 474 325

total expenses $ 3,624 $ 9,893 change in net assets $ (520) $ (2,914) net assets, Beginning of year $ 3,564 $ 6,478 net assets, end of year $ 3,044 $ 3,564

operating revenue $10,822

Society and aquarium Society only

operating expense $10,771

annual attendance

The Society earned the highest rating–four stars (exceptional) – from independent charity evaluator, Charity Navigator. This rating indicates that the Seattle Aquarium Society exceeds industry standards for organizational efficiency and outperforms most charity organizations serving similar causes. For more information please see charitynavigator.com

The statements shown above are condensed versions of our audited financial statements and do not include footnote disclosures. A copy of our audit report contain-ing financial statements and accompanying footnotes is available upon request. Please contact Ryan Dean at 206-838-3906 or [email protected] to obtain a copy.

2008 Financial Information ($ in '000's)

admissions 63%

education/ conservation 20%

animal care 20%

716,461

722,775 693,852

811,000

2004

2005 2006

2007

2008

815,000

membership 2%

fundraising 3%

management/ general/other 24%

aquariumoperations 19%

admissions/ cashiers/ Volunteers 12%

membership 12%

contributions/ fundraising/grants 9%

other 3%

enterprise 10%

education/ conservation 3%


education Program SupportersAlan & Kimberly LippmanAon FoundationEducational Legacy FundKing Conservation DistrictKing CountyNational Oceanic and

Atmospheric AdministrationNational Science FoundationNorthwest Zoo & Aquarium AllianceThe Rodman FoundationRotary Club of SeattleSalmon Homecoming AllianceT. Rowe Price College Savings PlanWells Fargo Foundation

research SupportersAmgenAmgen FoundationAquarium of the Bay FoundationBenaroya Research Institute at

Virginia MasonCaryn B. CaryThe Foley/Frischkorn Conservation Fund

in memory of Loise H. FoleyKalamazoo CollegeNational Geographic SocietyNational Oceanic and

Atmospheric AdministrationValerie ParrishRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.Sasquatch BooksTilden School

intern and Program Volunteer SupportersAmgen FoundationCoca-Cola Bottling CompanyEducational Legacy FundPeg & Rick Young FoundationNorrie Walker

Puget Sound orca outreachCenter for Whale ResearchKiller Whale TalesNational Oceanic and

Atmospheric AdministrationPacific Life FoundationSalish Sea Hydrophone NetworkThe Whale MuseumThe Whale Trail

Legal counselRiddell Williams P.S.

generouS Program DonorS

© Center for Whale Research


corporations and foundationsAlaska AirlinesAmgenAmgen FoundationArgosy CruisesArtcraft PrintingAT&TThe Boeing CompanyBonza BashBulls-Eye BookkeepingCity of SeattleClark NuberCopacino + FujikadoCreative AccompliceThe Development LTDDiscuren Charitable FoundationEducation Trust of AlaskaFiduciary Charitable FoundationFortune Fish CompanyGetty ImagesGray Line of SeattleHolland America LineIntracorp Real Estate LLCThe Clams at Ivar’sJ.P. Morgan / ChaseThe Justen Company LLCKING TVLeewens CorporationLittle Family FoundationLudke FoundationMackay Restaurant GroupMacy’s FoundationModern Dog Design Co.Microsoft CorporationNorman Archibald Charitable FoundationThe Offield Family FoundationPacific Office AutomationPuget Sound EnergyPyramid CommunicationsQFCRaven FoundationRepublic Parking Northwest Inc.Riddell Williams P.S.Rigel Community FundSage FoundationThe Seattle FoundationSeattle SeahawksTuttle Charitable TrustTwo Herons FoundationWells Fargo FoundationWeyerhaeuser Company FoundationWiancko Charitable FoundationWWW Foundation

individual Donorsocean advocate Barry & Ginger AckerleyPhil & Geda ConditLinda & Ted JohnsonFrancis KwapilEmery RhodesStephanie Wagner, in memory of

Sound citizen Tom Alberg & Judi BeckKristine & Stanley BatyByron & Sheila BishopJohn & Mary BlackmanHerbert Bridge John & Adrienne BrownRichard & Susan ChavezJackie CostiganTerry & Linda FinnKatharyn Alvord GerlichMary & Stan HarrelsonJohn & Katy HarrisLarry & Ritchie HoodScott & Debbie HornerMike & Diane JohanssonDuff & Sharon KennedyKaren Koon & Brad EdwardsA. Kirk & Janet LantermanStanley & Janet McCammonMary Kay McCawCarol-Ann O’MackJohn & Deanna OppenheimerNed & Susan PalmerPrentice FamilyStuart & Lee Rolfe

orca clan Charles & Linda BarboKelley & Carlene Balcomb-BartokGini & Harrell BeckPaul & Debbi BrainerdEd & Fiona BulenBob & Kathy CartwrightKevin & Cary ClarkFrancisca EricksonRuss & Marie EvansJames & Christina GurkeDan & Wendy Ershig GuySteve & Angie MooreBruce & Jeannie NordstromJon & Judith RunstadAron & Sara ThompsonRobin & Elizabeth Wallwork

otter clubTed & Danielle AckerleyMiller AdamsJohn & Christina AlbertChap & Eve AlvordLucius & Phoebe AndrewCatherine Irby & Schuyler ArnoldWilliam & Deirdre ArntzDon & Carol AudlemanSteven & Connie BallmerScott & Debbie BalsamJimmy & Patty BarrierMary L. BassDianne BellRobert & Norma BergquistJohn & Kelli BernhardMichael Berry & HaeJa JagoeChris & Jill BirkelandEric Black, in honor of Kevin & Katy BlairRobert & Sara BlairJabez Blumenthal & Julie EdsforthJohn Braden & M. Kristin JohnsenLinda BrenemanRobert & Eileen BrennanTracy & Amy BriggsDavid Brodsky & Juliet FirmansjahDarrell & Cathy BryanBrad & Lesley CanfieldJohn & Beverly CareyWilliam CaspersonLance & Emily ConnRalph & Lisa ConnerAdam Crowley & Ashley AndrewStephen & Linda CuddyJohn & Lacey CurleyF.K. & Lois CurtisMichael Darling & Shelley VoieRobert & Molly DavidsonJeffrey & Jill DixonBob & Lisa DoneganJames & Mary DunnamCarmen & Jose EsparzaDonald Fleming & Elizabeth HannaDennis Forsyth & Elaine SpencerSarah & Katherine FrinkSusan Gates & Jack PaauwDavid Goldberg & Elizabeth Storch GoldbergDave & Debbie GrantRobert & Allison GraysonBert & Barbara GregoryKurt & Alison GrevstadMark & Carolyn GuidryChristopher & Amy Gulick, in honor of Duncan Haas & Birgit WalbaumRon & Paula Harris-WhiteEdward HeffernanHarold & Mary HillBrian & Heather HillCharlie & Nancy HoganWayne Holt & Phyllis KaidenSean Howard & Bridget BaissBrian & Traci JanssenJudith Jesiolowski & David ThompsonLee Keller & Mike RuschCharles & Leslie KelloggJames P. & Leslie M. KerrFrederick & Elizabeth KingDoug & Sharon Koss

annuaL funD contriButorS


Katherine KrogslundPaul & Anne KundtzNorman & Paula LauIvan LeeMichael & Jeri LeePeter Levine & Susan OxholmRalph & Linda LipeAlan & Kimberley LippmanEdmund Littlefield, Jr. & Julia DerbySteve & Diane LoebPui MaKathy Mares & Joseph WalterSeamas & Trish MarkeyAnna McAllister & Michael StrassburgerBruce & Jolene McCawJ. Terry & Kathleen McLaughlinMike & Dana McLeanChris & Katie McReynoldsJean Mernaugh & Hans HoffmanRichard & Kathy MiyauchiDaniela Motte & Lilia MontanoCheryl MunozCarl & Lynn NelsonDwight & Barbara NewellJeffrey & Phyllis NomuraJohn & Sharon OkamotoJohn & Kell OlerudRonald & Bev OstrowskiGreg & Barbara OwensRobert & Rachel PasterickScott Patrick, in memory of Florence PattenCaroline Paulsen & Brock GrubbJennifer & Robert PetersLouis & Barbara PetersonSharon Philpott & Stephen FinnJames & Gaye PigottJudy PigottJeff & Susan RennerJacki Roberts & John GossmanLynn RowleyWilliam D. & Jill S. RuckelshausJeff Sanderson & Lara JordanPeter SchaeferFrank & Harriet ShrontzGary Smith & Karen Smith EkbladSarah SoutterFrank & Linda SpringmannWilliam & Claudia StellePhil & Susan StollerClyde & Karen SummervilleBill Suttell & Debbi StewartDavid & Maryanne Tagney JonesDave & Mary Kay TalbotEric & Christine ThuesenDavid & Chris TowneLee TranScott & Sara TretheweyDouglas & Janet TrueRobert UyNorrie WalkerCynthia Wayburn & James RoushAdam WeissmanPeter & Stephanie WielandGeorge & Colleen WilloughbyDavid & Sally Wright

octopus circleRob & Sue AbramsonDon & Carla AlberFraser & Deirdre BlackElisabeth & Edgar BottlerDavid Bradlee & Kathryn GardowSheila Wyckoff-Dickey & Charles DickeyBetti Fujikado & Dereck SooClare Hodgson Meeker & Daniel GrauszJared & Susanna GustafsonSteve Haynes & Val StyrlundMark & Martha JenkinsDeborah Jensen, Ph.D. & Steve MallochStephanie & Aaron KornblumLaura LundgrenLaura & Ian MacNeilNeil & Nancy McReynoldsMelvyn & Rosalind PollFrank PritchardTed & Molly ReischlingJohn & Kirsten SharpAndrew ShortGary & Susan StrandScot & Donna StudebakerPhilip & Dawn TakeuchiDick & Linda TardifRobert Elliott & Margaret TaylorJohn & Barbara TrenaryA. Scott & Rochelle Whelan

oyster catcherBrian & Chrissy AcarreguiDan Amdur & Angela BergmanJerry AnchesL. A. David Andrew, IVDanny & Julie BarthEric & Christine BehlingTrond & Debbie BodalBecky BogardJay & Loui BondMichel & Valerie BrotmanCarl Buckholz & Mary PachekRex & JoAnn ClarkMike & Maribeth DayJay DeanCornelia Dude & Margaret FoleyMike Dunn & Joan FrydenlundMark DyceAndrea & Todd FasulloWilliam Bryant & Barbara FeaseyFrancoise & Valerie FelibertiRobert & Lucie FjeldstadMichael & Shalisan FosterJoseph & Terri GaffneyWilliam & Nanette GarrisonMark HansonHamilton & Nancy HarrisChristopher & Julie HughesThomas & Janice HusebyChris & Kira Jones-SorensonEdgar & Sandra KirsoppWilliam & Molly LaPatraJohn & Kristin LatousekMichael Laube & Kyle WinslowPhilippe & Juliet LeDorzeOmar P. Lee & Christine L. LeeJennie & Ivan LeichtlingOwen & Paige LloydScott & Charlene LundbergChad & Jennifer MackayChris & Lois MadisonJohn Marks & Linda QuirkGwenn & Dennis MaxfieldJames & Brooke McCurdyArnold & Judy NessGary & Mary OaklandJohn & Deanna OppenheimerRichard & Margy PetersonThomas & Brooke PigottMark & Michelle PotvinDouglas & Carol RicardJohn & Tina RialJohn & Sarah RindlaubDavid & Manya RossRobin Cheryl RussellLangdon & Anne SimonsTom Skerritt & Julie TokashikiJana & Scott SleightJohn & Cristie StappDon Stark & Karen HudesmanJulie Takasugi & Frank WessbecherWilliam & Connie WaddingtonDon & Jeannie WelshCarol WrightH.S. Wright III & Kate Janeway


title SponsorWells Fargo

Presenting SponsorThe Boeing Company

conservation education fund SponsorSafeco Insurance Foundation

Legacy SponsorMacy’s

hotel SponsorSeattle Marriott Waterfront

aquarium reception SponsorSodexo Leisure Services

art contest PartnerT. Rowe Price College Savings Plan

t-shirt SponsorMithūn

gold Sponsors Holland America LineJ.P. Morgan / Chase

Bronze SponsorsArgosy CruisesD.A. Davidson & Co.K&L Gates LLPKathy Casey Food StudiosKibble & PrenticeLane Powell PCOcean WorksSound Leasing Corporation Space Needle LLCTurner ConstructionWright Hotels, Inc.

gold PatronsPhil & Geda ConditLinda & Ted Johnson

Bronze PatronsThe Ginger & Barry Ackerley FoundationMary Kay McCawSteve & Angie Moore

table captains & hostsRob & Sue AbramsonMary L. BassGini & Harrell BeckTracy & Amy BriggsJohn & Adrienne BrownBrad & Lesley CanfieldCopacino + FujikadoRobert & Molly DavidsonDDB SeattleErnst & Young LLPFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterJefferson WellsKurt & Alison GrevstadLee C. Keller & Gary T. SmithLaborers International UnionTerry & Kathleen McLaughlinTom & Brooke PigottMarsha Savery & Greg Poitevin

Riddell Williams P.S. Marsha Savery & Greg PoitevenTurner ConstructionUBS Financial Services, Inc.U.S. BankWards Cove Packing CompanyWashington Trust BankGeorge & Colleen Willoughby

top Bidders & DonorsRob & Sue AbramsonBarry & Ginger AckerleyRobert & Renee AngelKevin & Patrice AuldScott & Debbie BalsamCharles & Linda BarboJohn Bates & Carolyn CorviKristine & Stanley BatyJack & Molly BeaudoinGini & Harrell BeckJohn & Mary BlackmanRobert & Sara BlairLinda BrenemanGreg & Katie BronsteinJohn & Adrienne BrownBrown Family FoundationBrad & Lesley CanfieldRichard & Suzan ChavezKevin & Cary ClarkPhil & Geda ConditJackie CostiganRuss & Marie EvansRobert & Lucie FjeldstadKurt & Alison GrevstadJames & Christina GurkeJ. Brian & Heather HillCharlie & Nancy HoganLarry & Ritchie HoodMike & Diane JohanssonLinda & Ted JohnsonPatrick & Cindy KelleyDuff & Sharon KennedyJames P. & Leslie M. KerrDouglas & Cheryle KightDoug & Sharon KossA. Kirk & Janet LantermanPhilippe & Juliet Le DorzeMichael & Jeri LeeIan & Laura MacNeilAnna McAllister & Michael StrassburgerMary Kay McCawMichael & Erin McMillenChris & Katie McReynoldsSteve & Angie MooreJeffrey & Phyllis NomuraCarol-Ann O’MackRonald & Bev OstrowskiRob & Rachel PasterickSharon Philpott & Stephen FinnChristopher & Julie PrenticeDrake & Charlotte PruittJohn & Sarah RindlaubStuart & Lee RolfeBill Suttell & Debbi StewartRobert & Kit Taylor

Aron & Sara ThompsonTurner Construction CompanyWes & Bernie WardMartha Wyckoff & Jerry Tone

in-kind & auction item DonorsTed & Danielle AckerleyACT TheatreAlaska AirlinesAlexandria Nicole CellarsAlteon Training LLC aMaurice CellarsArgosy CruisesArt Wolfe, Inc.Assaggio RistoranteAudrey Beaulac / StyleJohn Bates & Carolyn CorviGini & Harrell BeckCarl & Renee BehnkeWilliam BilikiBilly O WinesButch BlumButler ValetCaffé AppassionatoThe Capital GrilleDale & Leslie ChihulyChocolate ManLisa ClevelandPhil & Geda ConditDeborah Klein Dimensional IllustrationsTom DouglasEric DunhamDunham CellarsLisa Dupar & Jonathan ZimmerFour SeasonsEl GauchoErin AirThe Fairmont Olympic HotelSusan Gates & Jack PaauwGetty ImagesJames & Christina GurkeDan & Wendy Ershig GuyMatt & Sarah HasselbeckHotel AndraIsland Tug & Barge Co.Ivar’s Restaurants & Seafood BarsTraci & Brian JanssenLinda & Ted JohnsonCarol Ann JoyceJW MarriottK2 SportsJames P. & Leslie M. KerrKING 5 Katherine KrogslundLazy Creek Lake HouseLufthansa German AirlinesSeamas & Trish MarkeyMackay Restaurant GroupIan & Laura MacNeilRaed MasoMatthews CellarsMenashe & Sons JewelersMichael Rosenberg PhotographyMithunMonterey Marriott

SPLaSh! 2008Splash! is our signature fundraising event of the year. Special thanks to Mary L. Bass, Vice President, Wells Fargo, our Splash! 2008 Chair.


title SponsorD.A. Davidson & Co.

reception SponsorPinnacle Realty

activity SponsorUnion Bank of California

hole SponsorsCapstone PartnersCCS PrintingConvergent Wealth AdvisorsDimensions SystemsMeucci and CompanyNanaWall SystemsPacific Portfolio ConsultingPier 57San Juan NavigationSherwood Forest FarmsSound Leasing CorporationTwenty20 Inc.Wright Hotels, Inc.

contest SupportersAlvin Goldfarb JewelersBarrier MotorsCutter & BuckThe Clams at Ivar’s

foursome & auction SupportersAckerley Partners, LLCACT TheatreAlaskan AmberAnheuser-BuschAudio ActiveBasel CellarsBeam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.The Boeing CompanyBroadmoor Golf ClubCaffé AppassionatoCascade Trade, Inc.CB Richard EllisJohn CurleyD.A. Davidson & Co.The Development LTDDiane’s Market Kitchen Eagle Nook Wilderness Resort and SpaFenwick & West LLPFinal Touch DetailGolf Events, LLCStan & Mary HarrelsonBill HaselmanHilton Seattle HotelHoodsport WineryHotel 1000Hotel AndraThe Clams at Ivar’sThe Keller GroupKenmore AirKatherine KrogslundLufthansa German AirlinesBruce & Jolene McCawRichard MiyauchiNetwork Appliance Jeff & Phyllis NomuraK&L Distributors

Pike Place BrewingPrint West, Inc.OceanWorksOki GolfSeattle Aquarium Society QuiltersSeattle Seahawks Pro-AmSodexo Leisure ServicesSooks EnterprisesSpace Needle LLCEric ThuesenTurner ConstructionUvex SportsVirginia Mason Medical CenterWashington Partners, LLCWashington Trust BankWired EnergyWoodland Park Zoo

Steve & Angie MooreNaficy Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation CenterJeffrey & Phyllis NomuraNorth Creek MedicineOceanaire Seafood RoomPetra Wine VaultQwest CommunicationsRebecca Douglas PhotographyStuart & Lee RolfeMariusz RynkiewiczSalish Lodge and SpaSan Francisco MarriottSuvir SaranSeattle Aquarium Society QuiltersSeattle Aquarium StoreSeattle Glassblowing StudioThe Seattle MarinersSeattle SeahawksSeattle Sonics and StormSeattle Sounders FCGary Smith & Karen Smith EkbladSodexo Leisure ServicesSouthwest Airlines Co. Small VineyardsSpace Needle LLCSur La TableTiffany & Co.Susan Van RooyenVia TribunaliViceroy Palm SpringsVolterraWaikiki Beach Marriott Resort & SpaWaterfront Seafood GrillWest MarineWild GingerWoodland Park Zoo

otter oPen goLf cLaSSic

aquarium eVent SPonSorS

finDing Vino Wine PartnerS

The Otter Open Golf Classic is an important annual event providing support for the Seattle Aquarium. Special thanks to J. Brian Hill and Steve Moore, our 2008 Chairs.

Foss Maritime CompanyMetropolitan Improvement DistrictPuget Sound EnergyT. Rowe Price College Savings PlanUnion Bank of California

Andrew Will WineryCedergreen CellersChandler Reach VineyardsDunham CellarsMaryhill WineryOlsen EstatesPortalis Wine Shop & Wine BarRed Sky WineryReininger WineryRyan Patrick VineyardsWalla Walla VintnersWilridge WineryWoodhouse Family Cellars

Every day, each of us makes choices that impact the health of the majestic natural resource we all share — our own Puget Sound. Let’s become educated, take action and work together

to protect this rare and beautiful body of water, and preserve the rich diversity of life dwelling within. We can make a difference — and the positive steps we take today

will ripple forward for generations to come.

Inspiring Conservation of our Marine Environment

Seattle Aquarium 2008 Annual Report

Documents

Transcript of Seattle Aquarium 2008 Annual Report