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LA GALERIE DES LUMIÈRE FOLIO The Gallery of Lights Dive into a new world PRESS RELEASE NEW IN 2016
LA GALERIE DES LUMIÈRE FOLIO
The GalleryofLights Dive into a new world
Press release New iN 2016
LA GALERIE DES LUMIÈRE FOLIO
Why did you imagine this new universe?
« Many of our visitors seek to live a spectacular and unique experience. For them, we have imagined an «immersive» area, with a gallery of aquariums staged in a journey punctuated by
innovative technologies (HD animated movie, interactive displays, etc.). This descent to the depths will be a surprising and poetic
adventure into: light and its mysteries.»
MATHIEU COUTANT, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR.
Opening in February 2016100 m2 of additional visiting space5 new aquariumsDesign and production: Coutant Group
NEW IN
2016
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CONTENTS05. An innovative space for scientific mediation:
Light in all shapes and sizes
06. 5 new aquariums:Exceptional settings for bewitching phenomenon
07. Abyssal zone, an unknown world
08. The abyss characteristics
09. What species can be discovered inThe Gallery of lights?
10. Draw with the plankton
11. Important dates at the Aquarium La Rochelle
The Gallery of lights in the exhibition
1st floor
LA GALERIE DES LUMIÈRE FOLIO
The Gallery of Lights
Dive into a new world, for a magical journey to the great depths. Here, in the darkness, marine species light up and reveal their vibrant colors.
From the surface to the mysterious abyss zone, let yourself be carried away by a magical experience and discover the secrets of light.
Hold your breath; keep your senses sharp, the immersion in the Gallery of lights will amaze you.
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Let the show begin...On the ceiling, the surface of the water reveals a manta ray passing against the light. Follow its graceful strokes; it will take a series of settings with captivating wonders.
Beneath the surface, life lights up
When light disappears
at a depth of 150 m, 99% of sunlight is absorbed. Beyond 1 000 m, total darkness reigns. sunlight is made up of several luminous radiations each corresponding to a particular colour. Together, these radiations constitute the light spectrum.
Light in all shapes and sizes: luminescence phenomenon
The darkness of the abyss reveals its hidden secrets. in this place where the absence of light, the extreme pressure and the low temperatures create an environment hostile to all forms of life, the alchemy of the elements offers an unexpected show.
Fluorescence is a surface’s ability, when it is lit up by specific radiation to emit different radiations. species are then metamorphosed: coral, Cerianthus and Jewel anemones light up in surprising colors.
Bioluminescence is the capacity that various living organisms have of producing light by means of a chemical reaction.
During this, a molecule known as luciferin (from the latin lucifer: light-bringer) combines with oxygen in the presence of an enzyme, the luciferase. energy is then freed in the form of light rather than heat – a cold light; you can hold a firefly without getting burnt
Iridescence is an optical phenomenon. iridescent surfaces are composed of regularly laid-out microstructures that reflect different light wavelengths (colors) depending on direction. such surfaces appear to change color as you change the angle from which you look at them.
80% of the fauna inhabiting the depths
emit light.
+ FOCUS ON WHY IS EVERYTHING BLUE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA?
Light is absorbed by the water. Red light is absorbed by the surface of the water. It can no
longer be reflected and a goldfish will thus appear grey. Blue light is the light that penetrates deepest in the water.
Below 60 meters, it is the only light that can be reflected by elements of the environment.
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‘An innovative space for scientific mediationUnderstanding light-related phenomena in the ocean: bioluminescence, fluorescence, iridescence… what is its role, its effects? How do species react, adapt? Find the answers to these questions in a fun, educational and interactive way!
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5 new aquariums. Exceptional settings for bewitching phenomenon
Pineapple fishCertain animals’ tissues contain light-producing bacteria. For the Pineapple fish, these particular bacteria are located in specialized organs. The bacteria in question are permanently luminescent but the fish can control light emission by concealing the luminous organ.
Jewel anemonesThese little anemones tend to come in a range of bright colors: green, violet, orange, pink and so on. Their hundred or so tentacles are arranged in 3 rings around the mouth. They develop on hard substrata (rocks or wrecks) and prefer rougth, murky waters, and may therefore be observed beneath rocky overhangs or at cave entrances.
Fluorescent coralsCertain corals live in symbiosis with microalgae. like all plants, these latter have need of light, which is not always in sufficient supply underwater. Thanks to their fluorescent components, the corals concerned can process the light they receive to make it usable by their algae, emitting continuous radiations visible in the dark.
Japanese Giant Spider Crab it has a leg span of up to 3.5 meters from claw to claw, including 37 cm for the body itself, and weighs 20 kg. it is the largest living arthropod. it inhabits the Pacific Ocean floor from Tokyo Bay to Taiwan. adult specimens’ carapaces do not vary greatly in size – it is the claws that go on growing. The species can live for up to 100 years.
Gorgoniasunlight is absorbed when it enters water. red disappears after the first meters, then green and finally blue, the radiation that penetrates to the greatest depth. This phenomenon can be observed by modifying the light of the gorgonia’s aquarium.
Aquariums created for these
particular species, by Coutant Aquariums
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The term « abyss » or « abyssal zone » refers to ocean regions over 2 000 meters deep.
abyssal zone exploration began in the 19th century, with one of the earliest oceanographic expeditions sailing abroad the HMs Challenger. Numerous samples were brought to the surface and soundings made at depths of over 8 000 m. as yet, there has been little exploration of abyssal trenches. However, plains lying between 3 000 and 6 000 meters below the surface have been subject to research using manned or surface-guided vessels. even today, though, 95% of the ocean deeps remain unexplored, while the moon’s surface has been a great deal more accurately mapped. The abyss account for more than 80% of ocean surface areas and 2/3 of them are made up of abyssal plains – vast sediment-covered stretches located at depths of between 4 000 to 6 000 m.
Oceanic trenches deeper than 6 000 m only account for 2% of ocean surface areas. several thousand kilometers long, they can reach depths in excess of 10 000 meters.
The Abyss,An unknown worldenter a vessel and unravel the mysteries of this world without light. From the observation post, meet its strange and fascinating inhabitants, with many powers…
+ FOCUS ONTHE MARIANA TRENCH
This trench situated in the Pacific Ocean is the deepest point of earth with a reached depth of 10 912 meters.
Observation post of the vessel’s Gallery of lights
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Pressure
average pressure on the sea’s surface is 1,013 hPa (1.013 bars). it increases underwater by 1 bar every 10 meters. Pressure in abyssal zone is higher than 200 bars, reaching 1 000 bars in oceanic trenches – a pressure of one metric ton per cm².
Light
sunlight is absorbed progressively as it enters water. There is no trace of it in abyssal zones, and development of algae is therefore impossible. The only light sources in the depths are of animal origin – bioluminescence. Over 80% of fauna inhabiting the depths emit light.
Species
Because of the extreme conditions prevailing in abyssal zones, it was long believed that life was impossible in their depths. However, most major groups of marine animals are represented there (fish, shellfish, echinoderms, worms, etc.). They have often developed adaptations to the dark, high pressure and scarcity of food. as no plant life can exist at such depths, ecosystems depend on “abyssal snow” – organic debris fallen from the surface – as their main food source. such regions are sparsely populated and animal growth is slow.
Temperature
water temperature on the surface varies depending on season and geographical region. However, below a certain depth known as the thermocline, temperatures are cold and not to vary significantly. at 1 000 meters, the temperature is 5 or 6°C, and then drops progressively to reach an average of 2°C
No other habitat on earth has such a constant temperature than
In the ocean depths
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Painting : Jean-Michel Bénier
The characteristics of the abyss
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What species can be discovered in the Gallery of Lights?Only 5% of the abyss species have been discovered. Most have evocative names: the Tripod fish, the Dumbo octopod, the Dragon fish, the Pelican eel, the Flashlight fish, the spook fish. From the observation post, meet its strange inhabitants, with many powers…But beware, the giant crabs are watching you…
The Tripod fishits fins’ rays are up to a meter in length. it uses them as stilts to hold itself above the ocean floor and take advantage of the currents that bring it tiny shrimps and fish. its long fins also enable it to sense any vibrations created by animals approaching along the muddy seabed. This species produces ova and spermatozoa at the same time, and is one of the rare creatures capable of self- fertilization.
The Black Dragonfishit has luminous organs along its belly as well as at the tip of a long barbel beneath the chin, used to light up and pinpoint its prey (fish and shellfish). Males are much smaller than females (5 cm as against 53 cm) and have no teeth, pelvic fin or barbell. Only females undertake vertical migration, descending into the depths by day and returning to the surface at night.
The Dumbo OctopodThis species of octopus is a largely benthic creature. it glides over the ocean floor in search of worms, bivalves and shellfish. it moves by creating impulses with its arms, squirting water, or waving its “ears” like fins.The male and female differ in size and in the way their suckers are arranged. as there is no specific breeding season, the female lays eggs all year round.
The Lanternfish family (myctophidae)They account for 90% of deep-sea biomass (with over 300 species). Their many luminous organs enable identification of species as well as determination of the individual specimen’s gender. They stay at depths of between 300 to 1500 meters during the day and swim to the surface at night, so avoiding predators and following the vertical migration of the zooplankton they feed on.
+ FOCUS ON PILULE ET PIGEON
Animation and sound design studio, they have created the animated movie of the vessel in
collaboration with the team of the Aquarium.
la Galerie Des lUMiÈre FOLIO
Draw with the plankton
While leaving this timeless space,stroke the surface of the water one more time.
Plankton will draw a fi nal constellation for one last surprise.
Waves of light... The luminous phenomenon occasionallyobserved on the surface of rough seas is due to marine
organisms belonging to the plankton family.
shock or friction causes deformation of their cellular membrane – a mechanical action that sparks off a chemical reaction oxidizing
the luciferins in the presence of an enzyme, the luciferase.The reaction causes emissions of photons that create a luminous
halo around the source of disturbance..
la Galerie Des lUMiÈre FOLIO
Important dates at the Aquarium 2000-2016
February: Opening of the Gallery of Lights
a new universe, 100 m² of additional visiting space, 5 new aquariums, an immersive scenography, surprising species: in this unique area the visitor dive into the depths to discover, from the surface to the abyssal zone, the mysteries of light. HD movie, screenings and interactive technologies, this new area will offer a beautiful, educational and fun experience.
2016
Opening of the coastal area
in February 2012, a new space has open in the exhibition of the aquarium la rochelle and reveals a new dimension of the foreshore. Discrete ecosystem, living with the tides, the foreshore holds many mysteries. with its technical and biological know-how, the aquarium la rochelle recreates here a unique vision of rocks battered by the waves and populated with seaweed rarely kept in aquariums. Modern aquariums specially designed for observations, microscopes and spherical aquariums offer a new look at the species of our coastline. Thus, amateur fishing on foot or curious walker, each and every one will take time in the contemplation of this strange universe, until every detail...
Opening of an area dedicated to jellyfish
Breathtaking Jellyfish... at the turn of the atlantic the jellyfish ballet becomes denser. The pretty intriguing, old 650 million years circling overhead and a new surprise decor. One room is entirely dedicated to them. There, inhabitants housed in new aquariums technology specially designed by Coutant aquariums: one of them contains 2 500 liters of seawater. it will accommodate the asian blue jellyfish, jelly blubber or more local rhizostoma pulmo known by the common name of marmoue, reproduced at the aquarium. in the middle of the room, the visitor moves around a funny all round aquarium filled with Cassiopea jellyfish living in the mangroves. The english call it «upside down» as this species always has its head facing the floor. This area is also about the breeding of jellyfish, zooplankton, phytoplankton ... The trip to the land of surprises is just beginning.
2012
2009
2001
1st April: Inauguration of the latest in large-scale European Aquariums in the centre of La Rochelle. This Aquarium has a surface of 8 414 m² and 3 000 000 liters of seawater.
2000
21st December : Opening of the Aquarium La Rochelle on the Big Yachts Basin.
la Galerie Des lUMiÈre FOLIO
Quai louis Prunier17002 la rochelle Cedex 1 - France
Tél. +33 (0)5 46 34 00 00
To dream and understand the sea
#aquariumlarochelle
Contact [email protected]
www.aquarium-larochelle.com
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