Aquarium invites visitors behind the scenes

What does an otter trainer do? What do seabirds eat? What can you learn by dissecting a salmon? Get answers to these questions and more at the Seattle Aquarium's Winter Break Fantastic Fishtival, which ends Sunday.

It's free with admission and no advance registration is required. There are hands-on arts and crafts, storytelling and talks and demonstrations.

This weekend's Fishtival lineup:

Today (otters)

10:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.: ice-toy demonstration.

11:30 a.m.: meet an otter trainer.

12:30 p.m.: meet an otter biologist.

2 p.m.: diving with otters.

Saturday (seabirds and shorebirds)

11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.: diving-bird feeding.

12:30 p.m.: shorebird feeding.

Sunday (salmon)

12:30 and 2:45 p.m.: salmon dissection.

— Rachel Dooley, Seattle Times staff