PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Marine Science Center has opened a new exhibit, Bull Kelp: Our Remarkable Underwater Forests, at its visitors center.
“We’ve just launched a new exhibit at Flagship Landing in beautiful downtown Port Townsend” at 1001 Water St., said Executive Director Bee Redfield.
“This family friendly, 3D experience explores through sight and sound the vital ecosystem of kelp forests and marine life just off our shores.”
The exhibit, set up to suggest a dive in a bull kelp forest, is open to the public from noon to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday through the end of February. It will be closed on New Year’s Day. Admission is free, while donations are appreciated.
Kelp forests, found in cool marine waters around the world, are one of the most productive ecosystems, according to the center, which likens kelp forest communities to coral reefs and rain forests. In North America, kelp forests provide habitat for more than 1,000 species of plants and animals such as fish, invertebrates, sea otters, sea lions and whales, the center said in a press release.
The exhibit will travel to schools, libraries and other organizations, Redfield said.
“The nearshore, including kelp forests, are a priority habitat, but comparatively few people in our area have access and means to explore them,” she said.
“We know that education and outreach are an integral part of their protection and recovery, and we are excited to introduce this engaging science learning experience to students, families and adults throughout the region.”
Marine science center staff and volunteers created a modular kelp forest for the 2018 Wooden Boat Festival.
“From that experience, Program Director Diane Quinn, Aquarium Curator Ali Redman and exhibit designer Andrew Whiteman knew a richer experience could be created from the initial design,” according to the release.
A successful application for funding from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account helped center staff, volunteers, artists and artisans create the multi-sensory exhibit, the release said.
Artwork by Timbul Cahyono surrounds visitors as they walk through the immersive structure. Cahyono’s images of sea otters, swimming puffins and other sea creatures are printed on translucent fabric, providing a watery feel.
Visual artist and former AmeriCorps Marine Educator Mariah Vane created a host of kelp forest residents, including fluffy sea anemones, prickly sea urchins and articulated crabs. The kelp, animals and rocks are made from recycled or found materials such as holiday ornaments and packing foam.
“The beauty of the structure’s imagery extends to the carefully researched interpretive panels that accompany the exhibit. Whiteman took the lead writing the narratives, which incorporate text created by the Puget Sound Restoration Fund for its bull kelp StoryMap,” the release said.
The panels are printed on 100 percent recyclable PET material.
Center staff provided additional expertise and, together with volunteers, handled the bulk of the finishing work.
Designed to be highly portable, the structure includes a recorded soundscape that plays sea sounds on discreetly placed speakers, as well as an underwater video of a kelp forest by well-known documentary videographer Florian Graner. Ambient lighting simulates the nearshore habitat’s location to the sun.
Visitors are provided a handy field guide featuring the beautiful images from the installation, helpful for identifying the 40 creatures illustrated. Volunteer docents will be on hand to assist with interpretation.
