Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay, a 501c3 nonprofit Smithsonian Affiliated Aquarium in San Francisco

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Save the Ocean with Us!

Join EcoXpeditions at Aquarium of the Bay!

Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and California's only Smithsonian Affiliated Aquarium invites you to support EcoXpeditions—a transformative adventure travel and ocean conservation program. We are seeking $150,000 to provide 10 disadvantaged youth from the San Francisco Bay Area with a life-changing experience.

Program Highlights:

  • Eligibility: Youth from disadvantaged communities in the nine Bay Area counties.
  • Application Process: Participants will submit an essay on their concerns regarding ocean conservation, climate change, and the environment, followed by interviews with a panel of volunteers and Aquarium team members.
  • Training: Selected youth will receive classroom training, practice dives, dive instruction, and certification.
  • Final Expedition: A trip to Hawaii for hands-on conservation work, including coral reef restoration, multiple dives, and cultural experiences.
Impact:
This program offers a unique opportunity for youth to engage with ocean conservation, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. By supporting EcoXpeditions, you can help empower the next generation of ocean advocates.

Together, we can make a difference!

Donate now to help us create lasting change. Thank you for your support!



Ocean Conservation Programs at The Bay Academy


Overview
The Bay Academy, part of the Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39, is seeking $500,000 in funding to expand its Ocean Conservation Programs. As California's only Smithsonian Affiliated Aquarium, we aim to enhance public awareness and action regarding ocean conservation through a variety of educational initiatives.

Key Educational Initiatives

  1. Collaborative Field Research
    • Focus: Engage in research on ocean biodiversity and pollution.
    • Goal: Generate public awareness and encourage action among visitors.
    • Activities: Collaborate with local scientists and researchers to share findings with the public.
  2. Certificate Programs and E-Learning Modules
    • Target Audience: Students in Grades 7 to 12.
    • Content:
      • Bioacoustics: Explore marine animal communications and behaviors in San Francisco Bay.
      • Environmental Justice: Investigate the impacts of radioactive waste in the Hunters Point and Bayview Areas, connecting these issues to broader themes of pollution and social inequality.
    • Alignment: Programs designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards.
  3. Project WATERS
    • Description: An immersive program where students raise young rainbow trout in their classrooms.
    • Components:
      • Classroom education on local aquatic ecosystems.
      • Outdoor field experiences to foster a hands-on understanding of environmental stewardship.
    • Partnership: Collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  4. Specialized In-Aquarium Guided Tours
    • Purpose: Enhance educational visits for schools and community groups.
    • Benefit: Provide in-depth knowledge and insights from educators during tours.
Funding Goals

The requested funding will enable us to:

  • Expand our research capabilities and outreach efforts.
  • Develop and implement innovative educational programs.
  • Equip educators with resources to conduct specialized tours and workshops.

Conclusion

With your support, The Bay Academy can significantly impact ocean conservation education, empowering the next generation to protect our vital marine ecosystems. Together, we can foster a deeper understanding and commitment to preserving our oceans.


Tropical Reef Exhibit Overview

Overview
The Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and California's only Smithsonian Affiliated Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the upcoming Tropical Reef Exhibit. This vibrant installation will be a key attraction in the Discover the Bay Exhibit Gallery, captivating visitors with its stunning array of marine life and advanced technology.

Exhibit Details
  • Size: Nearly 400 gallons, 9 feet long with a 3-foot drop-off.
  • Purpose: To educate guests about tropical ecosystems and the differences between them and local habitats, emphasizing conservation efforts.
Funding Needs
We have successfully raised a majority of the necessary funds, but we still require $75,000 to bring this exhibit to life. Your support will help create an engaging, educational experience for all visitors.

Educational Goals
The Tropical Reef Exhibit will:
  • Attract attention with its colorful display of corals and fish.
  • Teach guests why tropical fish do not inhabit San Francisco Bay.
  • Highlight the unique characteristics of different ocean regions.
  • Encourage conversations about conservation, human impacts on reefs, and the connections between tropical and local marine environments.
Planned Inhabitants
The exhibit will showcase a variety of marine species, including:
  • Fish: Yellow Tang, Coral Beauty, Black Pyramid Butterfly, Bluegreen Chromis, Peacock Clownfish, Tomato Clownfish, Flam Hawkfish.
  • Corals: Califlower Coral, Blue Ridge Coral, Leafy Plate Montipora, Yellow Scroll Coral, Frogspawn Coral, Duncan Coral, Easter Egg Chalice Coral, Hairy Leather Coral, Acropora Coral.
  • Invertebrates: Bladdertipped Anemones, Emerald Crabs, Urchins, Berghia Nudibranchs, Shrimp, Snails.
Conclusion
The Tropical Reef Exhibit will not only be a visual feast but also a powerful educational tool. Join us in making this exhibit a reality and help inspire future generations to appreciate and protect our oceans. Your contribution will make a significant impact on conservation awareness and marine education at the Aquarium of the Bay.


Elevator Modernization 

Overview
The Aquarium of the Bay, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and California’s only Smithsonian Affiliated Aquarium, is committed to enhancing visitor safety and accessibility. To achieve this, we plan to modernize our main entrance elevator, a critical component of our guest experience. Although this upgrade may not be immediately visible to visitors, it is essential for ensuring a seamless and safe user experience.

Investment Details
The total cost for the elevator modernization project is $271,300. This investment addresses the wear and tear associated with aging technology and integrates advancements for improved operational efficiency.

Partnership
We are proud to collaborate with Schindler Elevator Corporation, a global leader in vertical transportation systems with over 140 years of experience. As the second-largest elevator installer worldwide, Schindler serves over one billion passengers daily, ensuring reliable and innovative solutions.

Key Features of the Modernization
  • Enhanced Safety: Incorporates the latest safety and fire technology, ensuring full compliance with all safety regulations.
  • Energy Efficiency: Designed for optimal power usage to support our sustainability goals.
  • Advanced Monitoring: Equipped with smoke and heat detectors, as well as relay monitor modules for real-time updates and maintenance alerts.
Conclusion
This modernization will significantly enhance the operational efficiency of our elevator, ensuring the Aquarium of the Bay continues to provide a safe and accessible environment for all visitors. We appreciate your consideration in supporting this important initiative. Thank you!
 


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