(June 12, 2008) -- The Aquarium of the Pacific held a media event Thursday (June 12) to publicize its 10th anniversay exhibit highlighting what it calls "the top ten most important issues facing our ocean."

In a release, the Aquarium says its new exhibit -- "Ocean on the Edge" -- will "cover issues and solutions regarding: global warming and its ocean impacts; environmental threats to people living on our planet's coasts; ocean pollution and human health; loss of diversity of marine life; coral bleaching; overfishing; ocean governance; ocean trade; human population growth and the need for sustainable consumption and development; and energy from the sea."

LB photojournalist Diana Lejins captured these scenes:

Lion fish. Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Charlie the Otter. Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Jellies. (Don't tread on me.) Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Kari Olson with Nurse Shark. Photo credit: Diana Lejins

An Aquarium resident not underwater: one of many colorful Lorikeets. Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Aquarium star power. Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

An Aquarium release describes its new "Ocean on the Edge" exhibits as follows:

[begin release text]

Global Warming: Humans are now the most powerful force driving changes in the Earth's climate system. The World Ocean has absorbed 85 percent of human-caused global warming, impacting marine life and committing us to a warmer world. Warm ocean surface temperatures also fuel storms, increasing the power of tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Explore what we as individuals and as a nation can do now to decrease global climate change and its impact on the ocean.

Risks to Coastal Communities: More than half of the world's population already lives within 50 miles of the coast. Coastal communities are now at a greater risk with more development along the coast, rising sea levels, more intense storms, and the rapid disappearance of wetlands, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, which help shield coastlines. Find out what we can do to adapt to these changes and help protect coastal communities.

Ocean Pollution: Most of the problems in the World Ocean result from the waste products of human activity on land. More than 75 percent of ocean pollution enters via runoff and the air. The discharge of major industrial polluters in the U.S. has been cleaned, but ocean pollution from individual sources continues to be a problem for people as well as animals. Find out how we as individuals can take responsibility for our ocean to help both human and ocean health.

Biodiversity Loss: The ocean contains over 98 percent of the planet's living space, but less than five percent of the water and only two percent of the sea floor have been explored. Marine plants and animals offer a rich source of new medicines: deep sea sponges are among the best sources of new cancer treatments. The greatest threats to marine biodiversity are coming from habitat destruction, overfishing, and global climate change. Find out what you can do to help protect ocean species and how the population explosion of sea jellies fits into the picture as you view them in this gallery.

Threats to Coral Reefs: Coral reefs are home and nurseries to one-quarter of all marine species. Healthy coral ecosystems help protect coastal communities from powerful storms and tsunamis, acting like shock-absorbers. Chemical compounds extracted from reef organisms have been effective in treating AIDS, arthritis, asthma, cancer, and other inflammatory diseases. One-quarter of the world's coral reefs have died because of human development and global warming. Find out more about the threats facing coral reefs and how we can help save these important marine ecosystems before it is too late.

Food from the Sea: The ocean seemed like an inexhaustible source of seafood, but overfishing, pollution, and destruction of marine habitats threaten a major food supply and protein source for one-fifth of the world's population. In the last decade, one-third of all major commercial fish stocks have collapsed to less than ten percent of their maximum numbers. At this rate, nearly all commercial fisheries could collapse in 50 years. Find out how we can help secure a sustainable supply of seafood for future generations.

Ocean Governance: There is no coherent global management structure to protect the ocean and its resources for future generations. Nations do cooperate on ocean conservation through the United Nations. UNCLOS, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is the most comprehensive of its ocean treaties. It obligates nations "to protect and preserve marine environments," and declares, "the problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be considered as a whole." The U.S. is the only industrialized nation that has not signed the treaty. Find out what we as individuals can do to help make global ocean conservation changes possible.

Ocean Trade: Almost all global trade travels by sea -- 95 percent of all cargo weight. Pound-for-pound, ships are the most efficient mode of transport, but ships and ports pose environmental challenges. Problems range from pollution to transport of unintended cargo -- invasive species that can displace local plants and animals. Find out more about the impacts of our consumer demands on the oceans and what we can be done.

Human Population Growth: Our population is expected to reach over nine billion by the year 2050. The majority of the growth is in developing countries in the Southern Hemisphere, where most of the ocean's biodiversity is concentrated. Pressures on resources and ecosystems are already tremendous. Sustainable development and resources will be critical. Find out more through this exhibit, and explore our planet's population growth from 1500 through 2050.

Energy from the Sea: The World Ocean is a resource for energy, both renewable and non-renewable. More than 25 percent of all U.S. oil and gas production comes from the nation's offshore oil reserves. Harnessing renewable energy from the ocean could add an important source of clean energy for a better, more sustainable future. Explore ways the ocean can be used as a resource for "green" energy.

The Aquarium's operating entity describes itself as "a not-for-profit institution, is dedicated to instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems."

It maintains a website at www.aquariumofpacific.org.