Green Daily

• several shark exhibits, including having the only white shark in captivity -- they have another white shark on display right now!
• some of the most charming sea otters in the world, many of whom arrived there after being rescued from environmental disasters
• groundbreaking tuna research and conservation studies
  
• the kid-friendly, hands-on Splash Zone and Penguin Cam
  

Seafood Watch
Perhaps the Monterey Bay Aquarium's greatest impact comes from the Seafood Watch program. Started back in 1999 in response to requests from members, the aquarium puts out a pocket guide to sustainable seafood choices, including a sustainable sushi guide that is a cooperative effort with Blue Ocean Institute and Environmental Defense Fund. Amazingly, in 2008 the aquarium and Seafood Watch convinced food service giant ARAMARK to commit to fully sustainable seafood purchase practices within 10 years.

Each year the Seafood Watch program showcases the delicious variety of sustainable cuisine at a "Cooking for Solutions" celebration with internationally recognized chefs like Alice Waters of the restaurant Chez Panisse and Martin Yan of "Yan Can Cook". Bon Appétit Magazine gave the Monterey Bay Aquarium their Tastemaker Award in recognition of Seafood Watch program's influence. There's even an iPhone app for Seafood Watch!

Honors Galore!
Other honors and awards have also rolled in over the years. The aquarium was featured in a National Geographic cover story. Trip Advisor called it one of the top 10 attractions in the U.S. Parents Magazine called it the top aquarium for kids, and Travel + Leisure named it one of the "10 Places to See Before You're 10".

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has even gone Hollywood. In 1986 the aquarium had a supporting role in "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." In 2007, the dancing penguin movie "Happy Feet" partnered with Seafood Watch to to include a pocket guide with the DVD.

For conservationists, food lovers, and families with curious kids, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is definitely worth a visit next time you're in the Northern California neighborhood. Help them celebrate 25 years, and hopefully (at least) 25 more!