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Reflections From Monterey Bay Aquarium Vice President Michael Sutton

Inspiring Action for Ocean Conservation

"Aquariums can play a unique role in building the political will for conservation action." —Michael Sutton

Traditionally, aquariums, zoos, museums and science centers have largely focused on exhibits, research, education and public awareness programs. Scientists from such organizations have long conducted field research and exploration worldwide in the best traditions of the New York Zoological Society (now Wildlife Conservation Society). Likewise, aquariums and zoos have always felt comfortable in the education and awareness-building niche. But conservation policy, advocacy and lobbying have been mostly taboo among these public institutions. No longer!

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, designed to resemble the sardine cannery that once occupied the site on historic Cannery Row, is one of many institutions now taking a more active role in conservation. © Monterey Bay Aquarium/Rick Browne

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is among a growing number of aquariums and zoos taking on such roles. The Aquarium’s mission is simple: To inspire conservation of the ocean that makes up 70 percent of the Earth. Since the Aquarium first opened its doors to the public 25 years ago, we have inspired more than 46 million people worldwide to care about the ocean. We have achieved this not only through innovative exhibits but also through cutting-edge conservation programs and personal interactions with industry leaders and government officials.

During the past decade, our Seafood Watch program, originally created to build consumer awareness of sustainable seafood, has distributed more than 32 million Seafood Watch wallet cards nationwide. Beyond building salience about overfishing and consumer choices, the program has successfully influenced some of the largest corporate seafood buyers in the nation to purchase their seafood from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Sustainable seafood is well on its way to becoming a commercial norm.

In 2004, the Aquarium created the Center for the Future of the Oceans (CFFO) to take its involvement in ocean conservation to the next level. Since then, we have helped win a number of significant conservation achievements, including the creation of marine reserves in California, the adoption of a West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health and the ongoing development of the United States’ first comprehensive ocean policy.

Aquarist Stephanie Cantabene feeds resident sea otters Mae and Maggie while they lounge in buckets as part of an enrichment activity. The Aquariums' otters inspired a California politician to pass more stringent protections for this iconic California sea mammal. © Monterey Bay Aquarium/Randy Wilder

While effective advocacy must be grounded in science and law, politics often carries the day. Conservation advocacy does not always involve aggressive litigation and direct action, although those approaches can be important. Sometimes, behind-the-scenes work with government officials and industry leaders is even more effective. In this way, aquariums can play a unique role in building the political will for conservation action.

It turns out politicians like to visit aquariums and zoos with their families, their colleagues, to host evening events, to hold press conferences and so forth. In fact, in 2006 a member of the California Assembly visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium with his family and was so taken by sea otters and their plight—the species is listed as threatened—that he successfully sponsored legislation to protect otters from landborne pathogens and raise additional funds for otter research.

Most conservation groups have strong “authority brands” but lack the “attraction brand” that goes with bricks and mortar. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has both, and that confers significant advantages for an advocacy program. It also represents a boon for membership and fundraising, as supporters recognize the effectiveness of the Aquarium in both illuminating and protecting the oceans.

At Point Sur, California, legislators created a marine reserve that helps protect the largest persistent kelp forest on California’s Coast. The kelp is important habitat for sea otters. Kip Evans

As a result, there’s little doubt the Monterey Bay Aquarium “punches above its weight” in the ocean policy arena. After all, public opinion research suggests that we are the most trusted voice for the ocean in California and beyond. I suspect this credibility likewise applies to other similar institutions, including museums, zoos and science centers. Indeed, we have partnered with dozens of colleague organizations for many years to help them become more effective in ocean advocacy and spread the word about sustainable seafood.

The next 25 years at the Monterey Bay Aquarium promise to be every bit as exciting and full of hope as our first quarter century. As we deal with increasingly serious threats to our planetary environment—including climate change, deforestation, overfishing, freshwater shortages, development and pollution—there will be new opportunities for public institutions such as aquariums, museums, zoos and science centers to weigh in. They can help people not only understand but appreciate and take steps to protect our environment. For the sake of our planet and human well-being alike, I hope they will.