Monterey Bay Aquarium was founded in 1984 on the location of a former sardine cannery on the Pacific Ocean shoreline on Cannery Row in Monterey, California. Every year around 1.8 million visitors come to see the aquariums’ 35,000 plants and animals representing 623 marine species. The aquarium circulates ocean water being pumped from Monterey Bay.
The aquarium has several exhibits for public. However, there are two main must-see attractions at Monterey Bay Aquarium. First is the Ocean’s Edge Wing where visitors can view the coastal marine life in California. The centerpiece of Ocean’s Edge Wing is a viewing tank, which is 10-meter high and contains 1.3 million gallons. This is the first aquarium in the world that was able to grow live Giant Kelps. In order to grow California Giant Kelp, water movement is needed. The aquarium uses a wave machine located at the top of the tank. Giant Kelps absorb nutrients from the water surrounding it. Sunlight is allowed through the open top of the tank. Another exhibit worth seeing in the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the 4.5 million-liter tank located in the Outer Bay Wing. This tank showcases one of the largest singled-paned windows of the world. It is actually composed of 5 panes glued together seamlessly, which were successfully crafted by a Japanese company.
A visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium will allow people to view sea life exhibit including stingrays, jellyfish, and an 11-lb lobster, which is already more than 50 years old. There are also a number of other native marine species available for viewing above and below and above the waterline. The jellyfish are also being displayed in an aquarium called the Kreisel tank. This tank produces circular flow in order to support and suspend the jellyfish. Both children and old will surely enjoy seeing different creatures in the aquariums.