As you enjoy Alberta's waterbodies, you'll see plenty activity on and in the water—birds, fish, and various types of vegetation. But what if you could look closer, down to the magnified or microscopic level? What things would you see? What small creatures would be beneath the surface, and what could we learn about the role water plays in our ecosystem?
That's where the Aquatic Biosphere Project (Aquatic Biosphere) comes in. Aquatic Biosphere is a volunteer-driven non-profit charity aimed at helping Albertans understand the significance of their water. Their vision is to educate, empower, and inspire people to play an active role in conserving our aquatic ecosystems.
Aquatic Biosphere began as the Aquarium Society of Alberta but soon evolved beyond the confines of an aquarium model. The organization shifted its focus to tell the expansive "story of water," a major part of Aquatic Biosphere, tracing its journey from the Rocky Mountains across the prairies to the Arctic and Gulf of Mexico. Project Director, Lee Burton states, "We combine conservation, education, and research to make these stories accessible to the public."
The idea to tell Alberta's water story began as a sort of a "food truck" but modified to support conservation initiatives as part of Aquatic Biosphere's Explore Water program. Working with project management and biology students at MacEwan University, the concept evolved into The Minnow—essentially a mobile aquarium and research centre.
With the help of various organizations including Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), The Minnow was able to get all the components together over a few years. An ACA Conservation, Community, and Education Grant specifically funded the toolboxes and the build of the frameworks inside The Minnow, so that solar cells and plug-ins for laptops and microscopes could be installed—basically everything a field researcher might need. "It's been a community initiative from the start," Lee emphasizes. "Without support from an enthusiastic community and some clever volunteers, none of this would have been possible."
The Minnow and our communities
From live aquatic invertebrates to cutting-edge technology like an interactive map and augmented reality app, The Minnow offers visitors an up-close view of Alberta's diverse aquatic ecosystems. Fully solar-powered, The Minnow features four feet of tanks visible from both inside or outside that exhibit locally sampled aquatic insects!
What species will you see when you look closer? In early spring, there might be juvenile giant water bugs or caddisflies that have just emerged out of the mud. In the fall you may see more snails and leeches, which can be hard to find as they hide under rocks. Scuds, a freshwater invertebrate and relative to a shrimp, can tell us more about fish populations in streams or ponds.
Lee describes interacting with our communities and seeing their responses to The Minnow, "It really fills my cup when you see young faces light up not only when they play with the interactive map, but when they see the little bugs in the tanks, and they go 'oh! that's in our water?' And these bugs are really cool. Some of the hardware on these insects, like mandibles and gills, are just incredible. Under a microscope or a magnifying glass, we have some incredible life forms here in the province."
The wrap on the outside of The Minnow tells the story of water throughout Alberta—from Rocky Mountain springs to prairie wetlands to lakebeds. The intention was to represent the entire ecosystem and what inhabits it both from the macro and micro perspective. You'll find all kinds of species displayed on The Minnow: moose, beavers, dragonflies, trout, and sturgeon. You'll even spot invasive species like wild boar and goldfish. Visitors can play games, identify invasive species, and maybe even spot a hidden Sasquatch!
Inspiring conservation
Lee and his colleagues at Aquatic Biosphere view the impact on conservation through the communication of science, discovering what's in Alberta's water and what it indicates about our ecosystem. Their hope is that interactive mobile stations like these will inspire the next generation of conservationists, explorers, and environmentalists.
While The Minnow primarily serves as an educational tool, its potential as a field research station is significant. Equipped with solar panels, microscopes, and even an underwater drone, it's ready to support scientific studies. Initial projects have included researching invasive species like Prussian carp.
Looking ahead, Aquatic Biosphere envisions a fleet of mobile units travelling across Alberta, each tailored for different purposes. From immersive experiences with virtual reality goggles to large-scale exhibits, the possibilities are endless.
"This initiative showcases how education and research can overlap," Lee notes. The team plans to expand The Minnow's research capabilities, collaborating with students to explore bioindicators—organisms that reveal the health of aquatic ecosystems. There is even potential to expand the Explore Water program even further with multiple stations like The Minnow being used in several different communities. "We love the idea of decentralized education," Lee says. "Imagine a province-wide network of these units supporting conservation and inspiring the next generation of environmentalists."
At its heart, Aquatic Biosphere aims to foster a deeper connection between people and Alberta's aquatic ecosystems. With programs like the award-winning Water We Doing Podcast, which drives interest towards The Minnow through conversations on water conservation and ecology, live exhibits of aquatic insects, and interactive games—the initiative sparks curiosity and awareness.
As Aquatic Biosphere continues along its journey, one thing is clear, it's not just about conserving water—it's about preserving the stories and futures that flow with it.
Interested in bringing The Minnow to your community or event? Inquire through explorewater.ca, the Aquatic Biosphere's online hub for resources, an award-winning podcast, and more!
Photo credit (top): Aquatic Biosphere/Advist Global.
