What's New

Save the Date: Cooking for Solutions

During this wonderful two-day celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, great chefs from the United States and around the world share their passion for fine dining and environmentally sustainable living.

Tickets for Aquarium members are now on sale. Tickets for the general public will go on sale January 19, 2009.

Spotted Comb Jellies in the Drifters Gallery

Spotted comb jellies drift along ocean currents, but they also swim on their own. They’re actually expert rowers; they beat “combs” or rows of tiny hair like oars to move through the water. As they swim, these combs diffract light and shimmer in beautiful rainbow colors.

These breathtaking jellies made their world debut at the Aquarium in 2002, and are now on exhibit in the Drifters gallery in the Outer Bay exhibit.

Calling All Jellyfish Fans—Moon Jellies are Back

You can now see moon jellies—of Jellies: Living Art fame—in the Outer Bay exhibit. Some of these luminous jellies are so big and full, you’d think you’re looking at the moon in the sky, while others have bells no bigger than bottle caps. These mesmerizing orbs pulse through the water with energy and grace.

Did you know moon jellies once journeyed into space? In 1991, 2,500 juvenile moon jellies hitched a ride into orbit aboard the space shuttle Columbia, as part of a study on effects of weightlessness. Next time you visit, be sure to check out these moonlike space travelers.

White Shark Tag Reports in Early

The data tag fitted on the young white shark we released from the Outer Bay exhibit in early September popped free and has reported in ahead of schedule. Data recorded on the tag, which we recovered at the Channel Islands near Santa Barbara, shows that the shark remained near the Channel Islands and was doing well in the wild.

2008: A Year of Saving the Oceans

This year, the Aquarium Ocean Action Team has weighed in on a number of important ocean issues, and invited you to join us in speaking out or stepping up. Thank you for taking action—from supporting legislations or other measures to making small but significant changes in your life—and thank you for being a voice for our oceans.

The Seafood Watch Sushi Pocket Guide is Here

Now sushi lovers have a way to make seafood choices that please the palate and safeguard the world's ocean wildlife. The Seafood Watch sushi pocket guide ranks popular sushi selections based on whether they are prepared using seafood that's caught or farmed in ways that harm the ocean.

Seafood Watch on Your Cell Phone

We've made it even easier to carry the most up-to-date Seafood Watch recommendations—they're now available for cell phones and other mobile devices with an Internet connection. Use your phone to log on to mobile.seafoodwatch.org and you'll be automatically directed to our online pocket guides, just in time for you to order your next seafood meal.

Aquarium on List of "10 Places to See Before You're 10"

Travel + Leisure Magazine has named Monterey Bay Aquarium on its list of top U.S. destinations for young travelers, selecting the Aquarium for a spot on its "10 Places to See Before You're 10."

Seafood Watch Wins Top Award from Bon Appétit

Bon Appétit Magazine has named Monterey Bay Aquarium as its “Tastemaker of the Year” for 2008, recognizing our Seafood Watch program for its influential role in transforming seafood buying habits across the United States.

Become an Aquarium Volunteer Guide

Help us bring the wonders of the ocean to Aquarium visitors! Information meetings for Apprentice Guides will be held Thursday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 13, 2009 in our Guide Training Center. To become a guide, you must be at least 18 years old, and are required to attend the information meeting plus six evening training sessions. For questions or more information, please contact Volunteer Resources (831) 648-4867. Guide applications are available online.