Aquariums: Liten og stør

Not all of us dive. That's why aquariums are AMAZING! We have a glimpse into the deep blue without ever getting wet. Behind the glass, spiny stickleback, flat flounder, bright anemones, and sluggish snails dance about, either starring back at us or waving their long tentacles. This post is a tribute to the folks who keep these windows into the sea (and their inhabitants) healthy and happy, first off with the little aquarium at UiO, Steinbiten Akvarieforening, and then with the larger Drøbak Akvarium, just south of Oslo.

Biology students Daniel Neo, Mali Ramsfjell, and Sara Karlsen collecting donations for Steinbiten Akvarieforening, the student club that manages the aquarium in the Kristine Bonnevie Hus. Sign: Give us money and you get cake :)

The aquarium! Photo: Kelsey Lorberau

Steinbiten Akvarieforening is an active student club. They clean, stock, and maintain the 900 liter tank, which is no easy task. The aquarium has 30 or so species, ranging from saltwater plants, eelgrass, to the fish that hide in them, pipefish, most of which came from the Oslofjord or nearby. In order to keep all these critters happy, students check and clean the pumps, lights, cooler, and heater, making sure everything is flowing smoothly. I, for one, am pleased with the result and joined their member list with a donation. Who can ignore fresh, home-made cake and brownies???

Follow Steinbiten Akvarieforening: Blog or Facebook.

Trollkrabbe (Lithodes maja, a species of King Crab) Photo: Kelsey Lorberau

For a larger aquarium, with more tanks and space for larger critters, check out the...

Drøbak is a town ~35 km south of Oslo, known for its harbors, Oscarsborg Fortress, the Christmas House, and this lovely aquarium. The doors are open every day of the year, which is incredible, since it is a non-profit organization.




A view from the inside, Photo: Sondre Ski

The aquarium was established by Drøbak Båtforening and is managed by a board of five people. The day to day stuff is orchestrated by Jessica Marks, however, the aquarium would not be able to function without the generosity of volunteers. Local diving groups, schools, and private volunteers help with everything from collecting animals, to feeding the fish, and opening and closing the doors for the public.

The aquarium is a fantastic venue for telling the public about your research - the prefect place to convey information on everything from climate change to the evolution or ecology of aquatic animals. In fact, if you're up for it, volunteer some time to help make the aquarium even better. They always welcome a helping hand! Right now, they are specifically looking for someone who can help initiate the Drøbak Akvariums Venneforening (Friends of the Drøbak Aquarium).

Interested in helping or just want to pitch in once in a while or share a good idea? Drop a line to Jessica@drobakakvarium.no!

Follow the Drøbak Akvarium: Website and Facebook

Steinbit (Wolffish) from the Drøbak Aquarium. Photo: Sondre Ski