The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium founded in 1978, opening to the public on October 20, 1984. Located in Monterey, California, it attracts nearly 2 million visitors annually and operates across the marine research, conservation, and education sectors.
Its core mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean through exhibits, research, and educational programs. The aquarium runs several notable initiatives, including the Seafood Watch Program, which guides consumers and businesses toward sustainable seafood choices, and Sea Otter Recovery Efforts, focused on the conservation of sea otters. It also manages Kelp Forest Resilience Programs aimed at strengthening kelp forest ecosystems.
Beyond its Monterey Bay location, the organisation conducts Global Ocean Conservation Work extending to broader marine environments. Its educational offerings include field trips for students, dedicated Teen Programs, and Online Courses on marine life and conservation. The aquarium also provides public live camera feeds, such as the Jelly Cam and Sea Otter Cam.
