Protecting and conserving our ocean is paramount to our health, as it serves as a source of food, oxygen and medicine for our well-being. The ocean also plays a vital role in regulating the planet’s temperature, absorbing carbon dioxide and storing heat, thereby helping to mitigate the effects of our changing global climate. Despite this monumental importance and the countless benefits to ourselves and our planet, the ocean needs a strong voice to be better cherished for its essential value to our humanity.

Since opening its doors 40 years ago on Oct. 20, 1984, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has been that voice. It is a world leader in inspiring ocean conservation, focusing on storytelling through the lens of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s incredible habitats and marine life. Understanding that the path to change only comes by identifying problems and implementing solutions, the aquarium has educated more than 70 million visitors on the diversity and fragility of ocean communities. Brad Rutherford, aquarium deputy director, says, “No other aquarium was taking that approach when we opened, and it’s been a powerful way to connect with people and encourage them to take action to protect the ocean.”

Through nearly 200 beautifully engaging exhibits, visitors deepen their knowledge of the ocean world, but more importantly, they see how our ocean is threatened by ever expanding human-caused impacts: climate change, plastic pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat loss and vanishing species, to name a few. This ocean story also needs to be told.

The aquarium leads the call for action by bringing these issues to the forefront and encouraging positive change now and for the future. From creating robust conservation science programs that inform policymakers and eliminating single-use plastic packaging in its gift stores, to inspiring a new generation of youth leaders, the aquarium has become an ocean champion.

“By engaging our members, guests and supporters, building alliances and doing the hard work, we’ve really made a difference for the ocean over the past 40 years,” Rutherford says.

When educating students, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s school programs manager, Pamela Wade, takes the approach that “it is important that the conservation actions shared are developmentally appropriate and within a student’s control. Building empathy for wildlife is an important first step toward conservation.”

This connection fuels curiosity, imagination and engagement.

“When working with older students, I invite them to participate in projects that benefit their local communities,” says Wade.

Dedication to ocean conservation goes beyond the aquarium walls, having impacts from global climate action and promoting sustainable seafood to more locally focused efforts, such as the Sea Otter Program that supports the recovery of threatened Southern sea otters. This species plays a key role in maintaining healthy iconic kelp forests in sanctuary waters.

Aquarium staff also support local conservation through participation on the sanctuary’s advisory council, in which members provide input on sanctuary management, science and stewardship. Wade currently serves as the council’s chair and says she is “proud to work to build connections with community members who are also dedicated to protecting the ocean.”

Not only is the Monterey Bay Aquarium a 40-year landmark for our community, but it is globally celebrated for inspiring change, hope and optimism towards creating a healthier ocean planet. Since the Aquarium’s beginnings, its commitment to innovation, education and advocacy have risen to meet our environmental challenges ahead, giving the ocean a voice for a better future.

“So many people have fallen in love with our exhibits and Monterey Bay’s marine life,” says Rutherford. “They’ve truly embraced this place as their own — it’s a remarkable achievement. I’m so grateful to be part of it.”

Superintendent Lisa Wooninck and her staff at NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary conduct research, education and resource protection in one of most biodiverse marine protected areas in the world. Learn about new and exciting stories by the sanctuary within these articles Lisa can be reached at lisa.wooninck@noaa.gov. To learn more about the sanctuary, visit montereybay.noaa.gov.