The Marine Eco System Exhibit at the Smithsonian has closed.  We feel this is a real shame as it was such an asset to the Museum.   This web will remain posted for the time.  A big thanks to Bill Hoffman and his staff for all of their hard work there over the years.

Welcome to the Exploring Marine Ecosystems Exhibit web site.

Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, contain 90% of its life, and comprise most of its ecosystems. Without marine ecosystems, life on Earth could not survive. Marine ecosystems maintain the chemistry of our atmosphere, help regulate global climate, supply vast amounts of food, and contribute key ingredients to many medicines and industrial products. In addition, marine ecosystems, with their unique array of organisms and diverse range of habitats, have an intrinsic value that is immeasurable.

Located in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, the Exploring Marine Ecosystems Exhibit explores two marine ecosystems, a tropical coral reef and a temperate rocky coast. On display in this exhibit are models of these ecosystems - living systems comprising numerous plant and animal species interacting with each other and their environment. Two ecosystems that are thousands of miles apart in nature are only a few feet apart in the exhibit, enabling visitors to observe similarities and differences up close. Visitors are also able to walk through a simulated kelp forest, learn about conservation issues facing these two ecosystems, and view scientists at work behind the scenes.

Just as the exhibit itself does, this website serves to educate about the nature and importance of marine ecosystems, to define many of the components of marine ecosystems, and to instill an appreciation for these ecosystems and the role people play in them. Some of the things you will be able to do in this website include:

• Walk though the various zones of the exhibit
• Learn how scientists recreate the environments of the coral reef and rocky coast ecosystems
• Get an introduction to the biology of some of these marine organisms
• Read about research being conducted by scientists within the exhibit and other departments within the museum concerned about marine ecosystems
• Learn what needs to be considered before setting up your own marine aquarium
• Ask questions of the exhibit scientists

So come discover what marine ecosystems are, how they work, how they affect you, and how you affect them.