Sanctuary Reef

Become the size of a shrimp as you step inside a coral reef cove!

Enter a semi-enclosed area covered with 10 X larger-than-life replicas of reef creatures found in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The cove forms a small theater for the videoconference programs. The exhibit exterior includes displays on coral anatomy, biodiversity on the reef, the National Marine Sanctuaries, scientific research on corals, watersheds and neighboring habitats, human impacts and conservation.

Exhibit Features

• Interior reef sculptures display adaptations and survival strategies of reef animals, including coloring, interspecies relationships, feeding and sheltering.
• Interactive videoconference system is situated in the “bow” end.
• Exterior panels:
  • Coral Polyps: Diagrams and description of coral anatomy, structure and function.
  • Coral Communities: Diorama of highly-specialized animals viewed through scuba masks, and movable “coins” describing economic benefits of biodiversity.
  • Living Links: Graphic and looping video of connected habitats, including mangrove forests, sea grass beds and patch reefs. Lionfish graphic and impact of invasive species.
  • On the Line: Game fishing display relating appropriate fishing practices and sustainable dining behaviors.
  • Marine Meltdown: Effects of carbon dioxide emissions on ocean chemistry, including bleaching, warming and sea level rise. Interactive on ocean acidification.
  • Marine Sanctuaries: Map of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and globe with all National Marine Sanctuaries and major tropical coral reefs of the world.
  • Science on the Job: Description of new discoveries in coral biology and field work in coral culture and reef restoration.
  • Give Reefs Relief: Graphic display of watershed linkages to coral habitats and list of responsible citizen actions.

Details

Footprint: The exhibit is shaped like an overturned ship’s bow. The footprint is 16 ft. x 18 ft (approximately 300 sq ft). The canopy is 10 ft. high.

Electrical/Internet Requirement: The exhibit needs a 110 VAC electrical connection. It draws less than 5 amps. The exhibit is equipped with three video players, one large flatscreen television (interior), two small screen monitors (exterior) and a Polycom Videoconferencing System (interior). The Polycom is used for the interactive video programs (see below) and requires an Ethernet connection to the Internet. The interior video player has a looping video that runs when the Polycom is not connected.

Interactive Video Programs: Interactive video programs will be scheduled according to the your needs. Eight videoconference programs are included in the rental fee. More programs may be scheduled at an additional charge. A successful test connection from the exhibit to SeaTrek studios prior to the programs is required.

Assembly: This exhibit must be assembled and disassembled by Mote staff. This service is included in the rental fee. The exhibit is made up of seven rolling modular components that fit together. The canopy, tall corals and damsel fish are shipped in a separate crate. Each module and the crate fit through a standard doorway. 15 small folding chairs for live programs are available upon request at no extra charge.

Educational Materials: Schools that rent the exhibit, or visit the exhibit at another site, may wish to use the companion content unit. This unit provides information on coral reefs, lesson plans, vocabulary, standards alignment and evaluation materials. There is no charge for the content unit.

• Sanctuary Reef Content Unit [PDF, 8.5 M]
  

Media Kit: A media kit is included with rental. This includes short promotional video, press release template, Fun Fact sheet and color posters.

Shipping: Shipping rates vary with location and season. Mote staff or the host site will arrange shipping. The host is responsible for inbound shipping charges.

Insurance: Proof of liability and property insurance is required for exhibit rental.

Exhibit Rental and Information

$6,000 for one month period. Includes 8 live interactive videoconference programs. Additional weeks may be added, depending on availability, at a rate of $1,250 per week, including 2 live interactive videoconference programs per week. Additional videoconference programs may be added for an additional cost, depending on staff availability.

If you interested in bringing a SeaTrek Traveling Exhibit to your venue, or have any questions about this program, please contact:

Kasey Gaylord-Opalweski
Site Coordinator
contact @ seatrek.org
941-388-4441 x 263.