Day 6 - Monterey Bay Aquarium

I had greatly anticipated this day to visit the aquarium, which surpassed all my expectations. The aquarium is situated in Monterey Bay on Cannery Row and was one of the old canneries. Every window in the aquarium has a spectacular view of the bay and is surrounded by water. I passed through a group of over 60 harbor seals resting on the beach when I was walking to the aquarium.

Everyone had told me about the tremendous kelp forest tank which occupies 3 floors of the aquarium. It is magnificent to view and to experience the diversity and web of life in the kelp forest. The sea otters depend on a healthy kelp forest and help to maintain it as well, so it is not consumed by sea urchins, which has threatened kelp forests in southern California regions. The otters place their young in the kelp, while they forage for food.

The film program at the aquarium was most informative with important relevant issues regarding conservation of our oceans that we must deal with as a global community. The programs were interactive with knowledgeable marine biologists from MBARI(Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) and were responsive to our questions.
I was able to see the following films:
EXPLORING MONTEREY CANYON
In this program, there is a link to scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute who are exploring the deep sea with robot submersibles. It was interactive and I was able to ask questions about the canyon and exciting discoveries and encounter fascinating animals in the cold, dark waters of Monterey Canyon. The marine biologists who presented the film were knowledgeable and responsive to questions.
SURVIVING SHARKS
Sharks are some of the most amazing—and misunderstood—animals in the sea. Peter Benchley, author of Jaws, explores the truth about sharks and the growing threats to their survival in this 20-minute film.
EMPTY OCEANS, EMPTY NETS
Overfishing is one of the biggest threats facing our oceans today. The film gave suggestions and actions to help solve this problem. In this 15-minute film, I was able to learn about some of the steps that can be taken to help keep our oceans healthy. Information about making sustainable seafood choices, is available through interactive Seafood Watch guide that can help to choose seafood that's good for one’s health and for the oceans was given out to everyone at the aquarium.
It is important to ask questions when shopping and eating out for fish. For example:
Where is the seafood from?
Is it farmed or wild-caught?
How is it caught?
There are concerns with how fish are caught or farmed or with the health of their habitat due to other human impacts. We need to avoid fish from sources that harm other marine life or the environment.
The aquarium provides hands-on/ stewardship programs for children of all ages, schools, educators, and is pro-active on many conservation issues to protect our oceans and wildlife. It was a transformational and educational experience. The galleries and exhibits are stunning; especially the coral, jellies, and ocean's edge. I enjoyed seeing the penguins, wetland and aquatic bird exhibit, sea otters,and outer bay areas.


Aquarium website: www.montereybayaquarium.org