Honoring Monterey Bay Aquarium 40 years of pioneering ocean conservation and education. We’re grateful to be a part of their journey, with MERGE4 socks available in their gift shop. Thank you for your dedication to marine life and the planet. And thank you Julie Packard for all you do!
Today, October 20, 2024 marks 40 years since the Monterey Bay Aquarium first opened our doors to the public. I remember that day as if it were yesterday – the excitement, the anxiety, the joy – as thousands of people streamed in the doors throughout the day. I remember the looks on their faces as they got their first look at what we hoped would be an inspiring, transformational experience of the living ocean just outside our doors. Forty years later, I’m absolutely in awe of all that our team has accomplished to make the Aquarium a globally renowned institution, known for bringing to light the authentic ocean and the myriad forms of life that teem under its surface. I'm equally awed by the many ways we've been able to engage others and take action to protect and restore the ocean. The beautiful Monterey Bay inspired the creation of the aquarium that bears its name. In the long run, the true test of our success is the health of the bay itself, and the ocean beyond. This morning, the bay is teeming with life in a spectacle of wheeling pelicans, soaring gulls, rafting sea otters, and – beyond the kelp forest – humpback whales, as if to say, “See, the ocean can recover, if humans give it half a chance.” I can’t wait to see what’s next for the ocean. It’s a heavy lift to achieve our vision of a flourishing ocean and thriving people, but we’re on our way. My deepest thanks to each and every one of you for sharing the journey with us! https://lnkd.in/gX4N-gjJ #ActForTheOcean #inspiration #awe #MarineLife #aquarium #anniversary #40Years #NationalMarineSanctuary @