Monterey Bay Aquarium Open Sea Exhibit
Introduction
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned public aquarium located in Monterey, California. It is home to thousands of marine animals, including fish, mammals, birds, and invertebrates. The aquarium features a number of exhibits, including the Open Sea Exhibit, which is one of the most popular attractions.
What is the Open Sea Exhibit?
The Open Sea Exhibit is a massive exhibit that is home to a variety of marine animals that live in the open ocean. It comprises 1 million gallons of water and is one of the largest aquarium exhibits in the world. Visitors can see a wide range of animals, including sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, and stingrays.
The Animals of the Open Sea Exhibit
The Open Sea Exhibit is home to a diverse range of marine animals. One of the most impressive animals in the exhibit is the great white shark. Visitors can see these majestic creatures up close as they swim through the exhibit's massive tank. Other animals in the exhibit include sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, tuna, and barracuda. Visitors can also see a variety of jellyfish, including moon jellyfish and Pacific sea nettles.
The Tank
The Open Sea Exhibit's tank is massive, measuring 90 feet long, 60 feet wide, and 28 feet deep. The tank is made of acrylic and is so large that it takes a team of scuba divers to clean it. The tank is also home to a kelp forest, which provides a natural habitat for many of the animals in the exhibit.
The Sardine School
One of the most impressive sights in the Open Sea Exhibit is the sardine school. Visitors can see thousands of sardines swimming in a coordinated school, creating a mesmerizing display. The sardine school is not only impressive to look at, but it also serves an important purpose in the ecosystem, as it provides food for many of the animals in the exhibit.
The Dangers of Overfishing
The Open Sea Exhibit also has a message about the dangers of overfishing. Many of the animals in the exhibit are threatened or endangered due to overfishing, and the aquarium aims to educate visitors about the importance of sustainable fishing practices. Visitors can learn about the impact of overfishing on the ocean's ecosystems and what they can do to help protect marine life.
The Future of the Open Sea Exhibit
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to the conservation of marine life, and the Open Sea Exhibit plays an important role in this mission. The aquarium is constantly working to improve the exhibit and provide the best possible habitat for the animals. Visitors can expect to see new animals and exhibits added to the Open Sea Exhibit in the future.
Conclusion
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Open Sea Exhibit is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the aquarium. Visitors can see a wide range of marine animals up close and learn about the dangers of overfishing and the importance of sustainable fishing practices. The exhibit is a testament to the aquarium's commitment to the conservation of marine life and provides a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
