Monterey Bay Aquarium Open Sea Tank Size
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction and research institution located in Monterey, California. The aquarium is known for its various exhibits, including the Open Sea exhibit, which is considered to be one of the largest aquarium exhibits in the world.
Open Sea Exhibit
The Open Sea exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a massive tank that holds over 1 million gallons of seawater. It is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, tuna, sea turtles, and jellyfish. The tank is designed to simulate the open ocean, with a variety of habitats and environments.
The Open Sea exhibit is divided into several sections, each representing a different part of the open ocean. These sections include the Kelp Forest, the Sandy Shoreline, the Bay of Monterey, and the Pelagic Zone. Each section has its own unique marine life and ecosystem.
Tank Size
The Open Sea tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world. The tank holds over 1 million gallons of seawater and measures 28 feet deep, 64 feet long, and 13 feet wide. The tank is made of acrylic panels that are 13 inches thick and weigh over 200,000 pounds.
The tank is designed to provide a natural environment for the marine life that lives in it. The water is filtered and circulated constantly to ensure that the animals have a healthy and safe environment. The tank is also equipped with artificial lighting and temperature control to mimic the natural ocean environment as closely as possible.
Marine Life in the Open Sea Tank
The Open Sea tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, tuna, sea turtles, and jellyfish. The tank also has several other species of fish and invertebrates, including eels, rays, and crabs.
The aquarium takes great care to ensure that the animals in the tank are healthy and well cared for. The staff at the aquarium regularly monitors the water quality and temperature, feeds the animals a balanced diet, and provides them with enrichment activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Research and Conservation
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is not just a tourist attraction, but also a research institution and conservation organization. The aquarium conducts research on a variety of marine topics, including oceanography, marine biology, and conservation.
The aquarium also works to conserve marine life and habitats through a variety of programs and initiatives. These include the Seafood Watch program, which helps consumers make sustainable seafood choices, and the Ocean Plastic Pollution Summit, which brings together experts to discuss solutions to the problem of ocean plastic pollution.
Conclusion
The Open Sea tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a marvel of modern engineering and a testament to the beauty and diversity of the ocean. The tank provides a natural environment for a variety of marine life and serves as a research institution and conservation organization. If you're ever in Monterey, California, be sure to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and see the Open Sea exhibit for yourself.
