Aquarium Audio

On November 15, 1806, the Corps of Discovery reached the mouth of the Columbia River, completing a 4,000 mile journey to the Pacific Coast. They would spend the next four months adding to science’s knowledge of the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants before beginning their long journey home.

E'Mon White, who attends Long Beach Renaissance High School for the Arts, has demonstrated an outstanding academic record, winning numerous honors for her achievements. She plays an active role in the student council and school clubs. Her community service includes work as a volunteer at the Veterans Administration Hospital and as a Youth President at Long Beach NAACP. In addition, she performs in plays, shows, competitions, and has taken a leadership role in dance and drama clubs. White plans to attend California State University, Long Beach to pursue a career as a teacher. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Aquarium is honoring Long Beach students who have shown outstanding efforts in the areas of science, environment, ocean science/marine biology, promoting cultural diversity, and exceptional community service.

Since the middle of the nineteenth century scientists have recorded an increase in the global sea level. Higher sea levels may intensify the impact of hurricanes and typhoons to coastal communities. Preserving natural shorelines could be key to lessening storm damage in a warmer world.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Aquarium is honoring Long Beach students who have shown outstanding efforts in the areas of science, environment, ocean science/marine biology, promoting cultural diversity, and exceptional community service. Simmie Sims, who attends Long Beach Renaissance High School, has demonstrated outstanding service in the community through his involvement in youth groups, his school, and his church. He has used his talents as a singer, dancer, writer, director, and actor to create a multi-ethnic dance group at school that brings students of various ethnic backgrounds together to promote cultural interaction. He also works as a volunteer with first and second graders, with the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach, and at the American Cancer Society.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Aquarium is honoring Long Beach students who have shown outstanding efforts in the areas of science, environment, ocean science/marine biology, promoting cultural diversity, and exceptional community service. Eagan is an eleven-year old honor student who has shown dedicated service to the local and global community as well as in inspiring conservation of the planet.

The Common Goldeneye spends part of its year on freshwater lakes, and part on the coastal ocean. Like other sea ducks, they have an adaptation that allows them to drink saltwater safely.

Global trade is dominated by ocean transport, but along with goods and commodities ships may also transport biological invaders. Managing ballast water to protect ecosystems and ports from these alien stowaways is a critical tool.

A watershed is where rainwater and snowmelt collects and flows to the ocean. As the water flows down streams and rivers, it carries along part of what it touches, from sand and rocks to trash and pollution. A new Aquarium exhibit shows how a local watershed works.

Mangrove forests are a feature of tropical coastlines. In addition to protecting shorelines from erosion and waves, they support a thriving population of fish and invertebrates. The loss of mangrove forests to deforestation and development bodes poorly for shoreline protection and fisheries.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Aquarium is honoring Long Beach students who have shown outstanding efforts in the areas of science, environment, ocean science/marine biology, promoting cultural diversity, and exceptional community service. Arellano is an eleven-year old outstanding student who is a NAACP Youth Scholar that has been recognized for exemplary work in community service.

The Gulf of California is home to a diverse assemblage of wildlife. This diversity is a reflection of the Gulf's distinctive geography. Impacts to wildlife from a variety of sources threaten many of the rare and endangered species that make the Gulf their home.

Surgeonfish are colorful members of coral reef communities throughout the tropical Pacific Ocean, popular with divers and aquarists. Their brilliant colors are a warning to potential predators of their sharp defenses.

As kids head back to classes this September, they aren't the only ones in school. Most species of fish form large aggregations called "schools" as well. The reasons why range from safety in numbers to finding food more easily to saving energy while swimming.

Seabirds nest in remote rookeries, often on high cliffs. Their eggs are adapted to survive the sometimes harsh, highly vertical environment where the birds nest.

Check out our "kid friendly" podcast that's all about sharks! This exclusive podcast includes terms that people of all ages can understand. You'll learn how sharks use their senses of hearing, smell, touch, taste, and sight. They also have a sixth sense, the ability to sense electricity.