Skip to content

Help Shaw Centre celebrate 10 years by naming star octopus

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea to hold year of celebration as they hit a decade
15974620_web1_190315-PNR-10YearsShawCentreForSalishSea
The, as yet, unnamed octopus that will be named as part of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea’s 10 year anniversary activities. (Courtesy of Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea)

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea (SCSS) is ten years old this summer – help them celebrate by naming their new octopus.

On World Ocean Day, June 2, the centre plans to launch a year of events in celebration of their 10th birthday, which falls in June.

ALSO READ: Hundreds of floating ‘Sponge Bobs’ help track ocean current

“We’re mobilizing our plans to bring community members and alumni to map out and honour the anniversary in June,” said Pauline Finn, executive director of the SCSS.

At this time exact plans are still being developed, but Finn says she will seek community involvement, so attractive events and activities can be offered.

Before that dialogue happens, the centre offers a competition to name their new octopus. The theme is “local native plants” and the challenge is to think of a name, which tallies with the theme.

ALSO READ: Coast Guard tests new anti-oil slick equipment in Patricia Bay

The 10 pound cephalopod is likely to double in size and was collected off Tofino by Living Elements divers. It is expected to change colour from red to mottled to white. The centre says it will be released back into the wild after six months.

Professional aquarists oversee the octopus’ welfare and development, with activities and toys provided to keep it stimulated. The aquarium is keen to do this as maintaining its skills is vital before it can be re-introduced into the wild.

The octopus is described as being playful and enjoys frolicking in the current.

ALSO READ: BC Ferries’ marine super talks dodging whales

Stuck for somewhere to take the kids over spring break? Finn says they’ve got you covered with daily programs of events scheduled for spring break, including a temporary exhibit called Rafting the Pacific. Finn says there are a number of hands-on learning opportunities kids will love, such as a touch tank where visitors can interact with inter-tidal marine invertebrates, such as sea slugs and sea cucumbers. Volunteers, known as Oceaneers, will be on hand to help out and answer questions.

For information visit salishseacentre.com.



nick.murray@peninsulanewsreview.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter