Past Projects - Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

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Past Projects

Chase and Encircle Stress Study

Mystic Aquarium scientists participated in a series of studies investigating the potential effects of repeated chase and encirclement on northeastern offshore spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata attenuata) and eastern spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris orentalis ). The studies were mandated by Congress to investigate whether the eastern tropical Pacific tuna fishery is having a significant adverse impact on these dolphin stocks.

DNA Vaccination in Penguins

Immunization using DNA , or nucleic acid vaccination, represents a potentially powerful, effective, and low-risk method for vaccination. Short, circular pieces of DNA called plasmids can be engineered to contain nucleic acid sequences which encode an antigen known to elicit a protective immune response in the host species.
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Stranded Seal Tracking Study

Mystic Aquarium is a founding member of the Northeast Regional Stranding Network, and rescues stranded marine mammals on the coast of Connecticut , Rhode Island and Fisher’s Island , NY . Prior to 1999, the most commonly stranded seal species in our response area were harbor seals and grey seals. Since then we have seen increasing numbers of harp and hooded seals strand in our area.
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Steller Sea Lion Vitamin Study

Within the United States there are two stocks of wild Steller sea lions. The eastern stock is currently listed as a threatened species, though is fairly stable, whereas the western stock continues to decline and is listed as an endangered species. There are many theories as to why the western stock has declined so drastically.
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Penguin Salt Supplementation Study

African penguins are commonly displayed in zoos and aquariums throughout North America . Only a few facilities maintain their birds in saltwater exhibits, while the remainder are in freshwater. Supplementation with salt has been a long-standing practice in many facilities, yet there is disagreement amongst facilities as to whether penguins kept in freshwater require salt supplementation in their diets.