THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 24, 1996 TAG: 9607230111
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: 61 lines
Beth Firchau may have one of the most interesting - or scariest - jobs in Virginia. It depends on how you feel about sharks.
She's in charge of the sharks at the Virginia Marine Science Museum.
When the big fish were delivered to the museum's Norfolk Canyon Aquarium two weeks ago, she got in the carrying tank with them, helped pick them up and ease them into the deep tank. The sharks and other fish are in her care, which means making sure they're healthy and fed. She has a personal stake in this, because a well-fed shark is not interested in taking bites out of its care-giver.
She's a marine biologist, but she doubles as a pool chemist, veterinarian, plumber and electrician. She also oversees the dogfish and reef touch pool exhibits. She is an accomplished diver, but lately logs most of her hours in exhibit tanks like the museum's Norfolk Canyon.
Full name: Beth Firchau.
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio.
What brought you to the Beach? The opportunity to work with sharks.
Birthdate: Nov. 30, 1966.
Occupation: Marine aquarist.
Marital status: Single.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Having a sunny day and being able to go sailing.
Last smart thing you did: I was a new diver and I got into a tank with sharks for the first time; they were right there. The smartest thing I've ever done was to put myself in a situation where I could see how to handle myself. I gained a lot of confidence from that.
Last dumb thing you did: In my last job, I got bit by a giant green moray. It was totally out of the blue.
Favorite movies: Horror and suspense movies, with old houses and creaky floors. Being born close to Halloween, I love the dark side of things.
Favorite song: I don't really have a favorite. The music that really gets me excited is big bands from the '40s.
Last book read: ``From Potter's Field'' by Patricia Cornwell.
Hobbies: Reading, needlepoint, short story writing.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Being able to read people better.
Favorite restaurant: Chick's Beach Cafe.
Your favorite night on the town: Going to Chick's for dinner, to the Duck-In for a drink and then sitting on the beach.
Favorite TV shows: ``X-Files.''
Favorite sport: Scuba diving, hiking, bike riding. I'm up for anything.
Last vacation: Camping in the Keys.
Pets: A cat named Spenser.
Worst job: Working at a fast-food restaurant at Ohio State University. They fried wings and dipped them in disgusting hot sauce. It had rotten hours, rotten pay. I only lasted three days.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Moving out here. My dad always says you should break out of your safety zones.
What would you like as your epitaph? I would probably pick a verse from an old English poem: She worked hard; she tried her best. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT by CNB