Pacific Currents

Our research has paved the way for shark artificial insemination to become a standard practice at aquariums and has applications for conservation of wild sharks.

A new exhibit at the Aquarium this summer will showcase baby animals from the ocean and highlight the significant and groundbreaking births that have happened here. Also in this issue, read about our new desert tortoise, penguin breeding season, and rescued sea otter pups.

In the fall of 2020 the Bobcat Fire destroyed mountain areas where biologists had just released critically endangered frogs. Zoos and aquariums including the Aquarium of the Pacific took action to save them. Also in this issue, read about the arrival of a new rescued sea otter pup and a sandbar shark in Shark Lagoon.

Cephalopods have a sizable fan base among humans. We love them for their otherworldly appearance, their camouflaging and puzzle-solving abilities, and their fascinating mythology and lore. Meet the Aquarium’s cephalopods, including flamboyant cuttlefish, pamaja squid, and the giant Pacific octopus. Other stories in this issue cover a major bird rescue effort. In July the Aquarium helped rescue hundreds of elegant tern chicks that were falling into the water from a nesting site on two barges in Long Beach Harbor. Also, read about Ollie the sea otter’s move to another facility.

This issue of Pacific Currents focuses on coral reefs. Read about an important study on reef sharks around the world, our efforts to help preserve one of the planet’s most pristine reef ecosystems, and our latest exhibit Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities. Also learn about our efforts to help save a local frog species and to learn more about the endangered black sea bass.

In this new virtual issue, hear from experts on how to help kids adjust to virtual learning, meet new animals at the Aquarium, learn about our many new virtual offerings from Animal Encounters to Gallery Tours, enjoy kid’s activities, and more.

Bioluminescence, or the ability some plants and animals have to create their own light, is a widespread phenomenon in the ocean. Some marine animals use it for defense, and others to attract a mate.

Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the ocean. This summer at the Aquarium, explore coral reefs and learn what is being done to help them survive and thrive in a changing ocean.

Since 2000 the Aquarium has rehabilitated and released fifteen sea turtles that were found stranded or injured along our coast. Learn how the veterinary team cares for these animals and what you can do to help sea turtles.

Learn more about the various innovations and potential solutions seen in Pacific Visions to make our cities and communities more sustainable. Find out what you can do to help get closer to making these future cities a reality.