Learn about the secret life of plankton

Plankton are the primary food source for almost all fish larvae, as well as a critical source of food for large aquatic animals such as fish and whales. Plankton plays a crucial role in maintaining the ocean’s complicated ecosystem.
Plankton consists of any organisms that live in the water and are incapable of swimming against the current. Plankton range in size from microscopic organisms to larger organisms, such as jellyfish. Plankton are not limited to salt water; they are also found in fresh water ponds and lakes.
Allison Smith, education coordinator for the Museum of Coastal Carolina, will share more information about the secret life of plankton at 11 a.m. Oct. 6 at the museum. Come learn about plankton and, as a special treat, visit the large inflatable right whale that will be in the museum’s parking lot that day.
Visit the museum at 21 East Second St. on Ocean Isle Beach. Admission is free for museum members. Non-member all-day admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for children ages 3-4, and free for ages 2 and younger. For more information, call 579-1016 or visit www.MuseumPlanetarium.org.