Inspiring Interest for Marine Invertebrates

Jarred specimens, a wheel of marine invertebrates, temporary tattoos, stickers, and more! That’s what was at the SOSA table for the Night of Science event!

Night of Science is a yearly student-led event of all things science – including lectures, guided tours, and of course, info booths! As part of our work to build awareness and value for marine invertebrate species, SOSA used this opportunity to invite visitors to explore the world of ocean invertebrates. We shared fun facts about krill, octopus, chiton, nautilus, and snail specimens brought from the @SenckenbergWorld collection. Visitors could spin a wheel of marine invertebrates and take home a temporary tattoo of the ocean animal they landed on. Enthusiasts could also take home stickers or postcards of some of their favorite marine invertebrates. Lots of fun was had but more importantly, we inspired curiosity (and maybe even love?) for some of the lesser-known ocean animals.

The fun did not stop at the SOSA booth. PhD student and SOSA Taxonomy Assistant, Henry Knauber, gave a late-night talk to over 100 attendees that shed light on the animals of the deep sea! Henry talked about different animals that live in the deep ocean, his research on deep-sea isopods, and the importance of describing, protecting, and building awareness for ocean species.

Events like the Night of Science are crucial in SOSA’s awareness building efforts. These experiences help to foster a positive emotional connection between humans and ocean animals, one that could someday be the foundation for creating meaningful change.