October 30, 2008
Saltwater aquarium offers TROY students a look at living reef
TROY – Students at Troy University are getting to see a living reef up close and personal thanks to a demonstration project sponsored jointly with the Wiregrass Research, Conservation and Development Council, the University and Aquarium Fantasies.
The Positive Water Management Practices Display and Aquatic Ecosystem Demonstration is located in the first floor atrium of the Math and Science Complex in McCall Hall on the Troy Campus, according to Janet Gaston, the instructor in the Department of Biological Science who spearheaded the effort.
In addition to the 180-gallon aquarium containing a saltwater reef and marine life, two wall-mounted bulletin board displays provide information on non-point source pollution, pollutants that can create public health hazards, factors that influence non-point source pollution, how watersheds work, services ecosystems provide to the environment and vegetation found along south Alabama rivers.
“This project serves as a focal point of interest that has led to community awareness of our watersheds and the positive conservation practices that will lead to the protection of our natural resources,” Gaston said. “The aquarium display demonstrates a balanced ecosystem and an awareness of the endangerment of our terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.”
Contact:
Andy Ellis or Clif Lusk
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
clusk@troy.edu