Monterey Bay Aquarium: A Large Aquarium in California
One of the most respected and largest aquariums in the world can be found in Monterey, California. The location of this huge aquarium was formerly a sardine cannery and brewery on Cannery Row. It has been recorded that this aquarium has an attendance averaging at 1.8 million annually. It holds a variety of species and has 35,000 water plants and aqua animals. More than 600 species of aquatic flora and fauna can be found in the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Monterey Bay Aquarium houses different exhibits and has various water animals to see from school of anchovies to sharks and exotic marine animals. The California Giant Kelp found at 33-foot tank exhibit of the shore wing of the aquarium in California is one of the majestic species to watch. The giant kelps constitute the forest of the sea with diverse aquatic animals within it. This sea forest can be viewed at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Outer Bay exhibit of Monterey Bay Aquarium was the home of the juvenile Great White shark that has been successfully kept on public viewing for more than 16 days. The first great white shark, which was female was put in the aquarium starting September 2004 and was released on March 31, 2005.
Another great white shark was placed in the aquarium. It was juvenile male shark that was put in the exhibit on August 31, 2006. The third shark was then placed in August 28, 2007 after the second white shark was released from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Outer Bay exhibit.
Giant sunfish, different species of jellyfish, sting rays, sea otters and other 600 more species that you can find displayed at different exhibits of Monterey Bay Aquarium. A Kreisel Tank of the aquarium is used for housing and displaying jellyfish.
Monterey Bay Aquarium was opened on October 20, 1984. It was initially financed by David Packard, one of the founders of Hewlett-Packard. Julie Packard, a marine biologist and David Packard's daughter, is the recent chief executive officer of the aquarium.
Monterey Bay Aquarium has a close relationship with one of the world-renowned marine biology research institutes, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute based in Moss Landing, California. It is also the home to a consumer guide publication for responsible food purchasing, the Seafood Watch. The aquarium has made various commercial media appearances. One of which is the Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, a 1986 Hollywood film.
