Aquarium Exhibits
A visitor typically starts in the pavilion with its plankton and sea shell exhibits. Guided groups are given a brief introduction and a question and answer session. Visitors then move to the touch tank room in which shallow sea water tables simulate tide flats. They then move into an area of larger multi thousand gallon open topped aquariums that are designed to resemble deeper offshore sea floor habitats such as limestone outcrops and sandy seafloors. They then move into the fish building that has a U shaped tank with approximately 10 species of rays and fishes. Beyond that exhibit, visitors move to the crab area, a series of outdoor tanks in which herds of fiddler crabs, blue crabs and horseshoe crabs are compared. The last building consists of sea urchins on limestone outcrops in a transparent building that allows both seaweeds and epiphytic algae to flourish. Beyond that, the sea turtle exhibit is found.Approximately 60% of the aquarium is devoted to permanent displays of larger species including grouper, spiny and slipper lobsters, moray eels, redfish, octopus, flounder, sharks, sea turtles and black sea bass. The remainder consists of continuously changing displays of smaller species such as hermit crabs, scallops, sea anemones, crabs, bryozoans, tunicates and sea squirts, small fish such as spiny box fish and cowfish, cockles, starfish, brittle stars, sponges, holothurians, mantis shrimp and numerous other marine invertebrates. See attached floor plans.
The interactive hands on touch tank format and the small size (average 500 gallons) of these latter aquariums allow visitors to experience a sense of immediacy and intimacy unlike anything possible in more conventional large public aquariums. This is repeatedly noted as the uniquely valuable aspect of our educational program by teachers (see enclosed letters by teachers).
In addition to the collection of living marine organisms, graphic displays also demonstrate the diversity, beauty and interdependence of the area's unique terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, including longleaf pine, springs and rivers as well as marine salt marshes, barrier beaches, sea grass meadows and limestone bottoms. These resources include the world's deepest spring at Wakulla Springs, the world's largest spring at Spring Creek, and one of the largest flowering sea grass meadows in the world. The largest surviving tracts of the almost extinct longleaf pine ecosystem occur here. Rare and endangered large species, such as bald eagles, manatees, wood storks and sea turtles are abundant. Regionally, public lands exceed one million acres.
Signs and storyboards throughout the facility describe the unique ecological aspects of the Big Bend and Panhandle coasts of Florida as well as the life cycles and food chains of various species. Habitats described range from shallow intertidal flats, oyster bars, and sea grass meadows to offshore rock outcrops and coral heads. The tanks are surrounded by graphics that identify the most common species as well as displays on the major marine ecosystems of the area such as oyster bars and sea grass meadows. Collectively, these exhibits communicate a coherent philosophy of the relationship of human well-being to natural settings.
GSML is the regional sea turtle stranding and rehabilitation facility with all necessary state and federal permits to handle sea turtles. In addition to resident loggerhead sea turtles, we treat and release up to 20 endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtles per year, most commonly for swallowed fishing hooks. All group tours receive a program on sea turtle biology and conservation in the course of their visit to GSML that involves both a large graphic exhibit on sea turtles as well as live sea turtles of several different species.
Visitors are allowed, under supervision, to handle and directly experience animals in shallow accessible touch tanks. When visitors handle living marine forms such as moon snails, sea hares, sea anemones, urchins, shrimp and other invertebrates, most are delighted to discover forms and textures of life that they never before knew existed. Since the experience includes many opportunities to handle animals that are totally new to most visitors, a key part of the program involves encouraging children to overcome fear of the unknown and in doing so to build new self esteem. Guides always take as much time as necessary to encourage fearful children to overcome their hesitation and praise them for doing so. However, no one is ever required to do anything they do not wish to do. GSML's policy on humane treatment of animals restricts handling to species that are known to tolerate it. More delicate species and species that could injure a human are in areas where handling is not permitted.
| SCHOOL FIELD TRIP COMMENTS | |
| Valdosta State University | "A really great time . . . learning so much about the habits and lifestyles . . . the environmental impact of development . . . appreciated your expertise . . . a great experience" |
| University of Georgia | "The visit . . . provided a wealth of information . . . an integral part of our introductory course" |
| Wakulla High School | ". . . benefits the world of science . . . provides a wonderful education in marine biology" |
| Rickard High School | " . . . so rewarding to see the excitement and awe on the faces of the students" |
| Hutto Middle School | "The Gulf Specimen Laboratory is very special to my students and me . . . an excellent facility for hands on learning" |
| Woodville Elementary | "The K-12 program is exceptional . . . an excellent vehicle to promote science". . . am very enriched to have had the lab and the expertise". . . " |
| Jefferson Elementary | "Very rewarding . . . the culminating activity . . . has always been rated number one among teachers and staff" |
| Grace Christian School | ". . . the best field trip they had ever been on . . . greatly enhanced their study of marine life . . . a wonderful school day". . . I wish all students could enjoy and experience". . . " |
| Mrs. Best's 5th grade | ". . . the work that you have done there is phenomenal . . . " |
| John G. Riley Elementary | ". . . hands on experience . . . is priceless . . . a powerful motivational key to learning . . . an asset to the educational community . . . make my life so much easier" |
| Quitman Elementary | ". . . a wonderful field trip . . . made a lasting impression . . . feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity" |
GULF SPECIMEN MARINE LAB • PO BOX 237 • PANACEA, FL 32346 USA • (850) 984-5297 • FAX (850) 984-5233
