Citizen Science Aquariums

Located at San Francisco's PIER 39, this aquarium focuses on the diverse aquatic life of San Francisco Bay and nearby waters. Features include 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels with sharks and rays swimming overhead, hands-on touch pools, and exhibits on watershed conservation. Home to over 20,000 marine animals. Offers educational programs focused on local marine ecosystems and conservation.

The public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium combines research with more than 5,000 fish in 60+ habitats. Featuring interactive exhibits on climate change, an impressive collection of seahorses and seadragons, and outdoor tide pools with panoramic ocean views. Offers cutting-edge marine research programs, educational initiatives, and citizen science opportunities.

Located in Seward, Alaska, the Alaska SeaLife Center is the only public aquarium in Alaska. Visitors can experience Alaskan marine wildlife up close, including seals, sea lions, salmon, rockfish, and invertebrates like king crabs and sea urchins. The center offers special encounters with some of its residents, like octopuses and puffins. Combines public education with marine research and wildlife rehabilitation programs.

Located on historic Cannery Row in Monterey, California, this renowned aquarium features a living kelp forest, colorful Pacific wildlife, sea otters, penguins, and deep-sea exhibits. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a leader in ocean conservation and education, dedicated to inspiring visitors to protect our oceans. Offers comprehensive school programs, teacher resources, and marine biology research opportunities.

Located on Elliott Bay, the Seattle Aquarium offers interactive education experiences with sea and river otters, seals, moon jellyfish, pufferfish, and sea anemones. Recently expanded with the new Ocean Pavilion, the aquarium is dedicated to marine conservation and educating visitors about the Puget Sound ecosystem. Features extensive research programs, marine animal rescue, and citizen science opportunities.

Located in Long Beach, California, this aquarium focuses on the Pacific Ocean's diverse ecosystems. Featuring more than 12,000 animals across 500 species, visitors can explore the Tropical Pacific Gallery with colorful coral reefs, the Northern Pacific Gallery with playful sea otters, and the mesmerizing Jellies exhibits. Offers comprehensive educational programs, research initiatives, and conservation education.