When Nature’s Fury Meets Aquatic Life: How Long Island Aquarium Stores Shield Their Precious Livestock From Hurricane Devastation
Long Island’s position as a barrier island makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, with Atlantic storms gaining power and traveling long distances to reach our shores, especially from August through October. For local aquarium stores housing thousands of delicate marine and freshwater species, hurricane preparedness isn’t just about protecting property—it’s about safeguarding irreplaceable living ecosystems that can take years to rebuild.
The Critical Nature of Aquarium Emergency Planning
Unlike traditional retail businesses, aquarium stores face unique challenges during hurricane events. The life support criteria that must be managed during an emergency include dissolved gasses (primarily oxygen), light (for corals), temperature, and in long-term emergencies, nitrogenous wastes. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, the Aquarium of the Americas lost many of their 10,000 specimens when their emergency generators failed due to flooding, highlighting the devastating consequences of inadequate emergency preparedness.
For Long Island aquarium retailers, the stakes are equally high. Nassau’s Office of Emergency Management stands ready to assist during hurricane season, which officially runs from June through November, but individual businesses must develop comprehensive protocols to protect their livestock during these critical periods.
Essential Emergency Protocols for Aquarium Livestock Protection
Successful hurricane preparedness for aquarium stores requires a multi-layered approach addressing both immediate survival needs and long-term recovery planning. Essential preparations include using check valves on air lines to prevent back-siphoning, cleaning filters before the storm, protecting glass tanks from flying debris, and having battery-operated air pumps available.
Temperature regulation becomes critical during power outages. During winter storms, aquariums can be insulated with blankets or newspapers, while alternate power sources like generators can run heaters, pumps, and filters. For emergency fish transport, heavy-duty zip-top plastic bags filled with one-third water and two-thirds air, or buckets and large jars, provide temporary housing solutions.
Feeding protocols also require adjustment during emergencies. Experts recommend not feeding fish during power outages, as most fish can survive days or even weeks without food. This reduces waste production and oxygen consumption when filtration systems may be compromised.
Island Fish and Reef: A Model of Professional Preparedness
Located in Bohemia, Suffolk County, aquarium store long island Island Fish and Reef exemplifies the professional approach needed for effective hurricane preparedness. Their goal is to provide each client with an unmatched professional level of care for all aquatic shapes and sizes, and they are fully licensed and insured with competitive pricing.
The company’s operational structure supports emergency responsiveness. Their fleet of four service vehicles operates seven days a week, ensuring availability in scheduling and ultimately a stress-free aquarium experience. This infrastructure proves invaluable during hurricane events when rapid response can mean the difference between livestock survival and catastrophic loss.
Island Fish and Reef got started in 2003 with a large retail store that ultimately became focused on providing installation and maintenance clients with white glove service, and today they boast 4 service vans, a brick and mortar base of operations, and many happy clients. Their experience spans more than 18 years as the go-to aquarium shop among aquarium owners throughout Long Island, with a highly knowledgeable team comprised of experts specializing in all aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater, planted, saltwater, and reef.
Advanced Emergency Equipment and Backup Systems
Professional aquarium stores invest in sophisticated backup systems that go beyond basic battery-powered air pumps. When power is not functioning, portable emergency aeration equipment should be moved from secure locations to ponds or tanks with the lowest dissolved oxygen levels. This targeted approach maximizes the effectiveness of limited emergency resources.
Coral preservation requires special consideration during emergencies. Corals can survive for varying lengths of time out of water if kept from drying out completely, with some live corals routinely shipped “damp” wrapped in plastic sheeting or damp newspaper. Soaking paper towels in seawater and draping them over corals and live rock can keep them alive for anywhere from four to perhaps as long as 36 hours.
Post-Storm Recovery and Documentation
Hurricane preparedness extends beyond the storm itself to include comprehensive recovery protocols. Businesses should begin to collect, enumerate, and document dead fish, damaged feed, and other losses as soon as possible, as it may not be possible to adequately document losses due to scavenging and decay later in the recovery process.
As soon as possible after a storm, livestock should be moved out of any flooded areas to dry and covered locations, with immediate checks for injuries and first aid rendered as needed, while serious injuries will require veterinary attention.
The Importance of Professional Partnerships
For aquarium enthusiasts and smaller retailers, partnering with established professionals like Island Fish and Reef can provide crucial support during hurricane events. The company’s team is very knowledgeable, professional, and always goes the extra mile, sourcing fish, corals, and equipment while coming up with creative custom solutions to any problem that arises.
Their team services systems seven days a week plus emergencies, with all maintenance involving water testing, algae scrubbing, water amendments, filter material changes, inhabitant and equipment inspections, feeding when needed, and light equipment cleaning. This comprehensive approach ensures that even during hurricane recovery, aquatic systems receive the professional care needed for livestock survival.
As Long Island continues to face the increasing threat of severe weather events, the aquarium industry’s commitment to emergency preparedness serves as a model for protecting valuable living resources. Through proper planning, professional equipment, and partnerships with experienced service providers, local aquarium stores can weather even the most challenging storms while safeguarding the diverse aquatic life that brings joy to countless Long Island families and businesses.