Latest news with #MontereyBayAquarium
USA Today
10-07-2025
- USA Today
Summer camp kids greeted by alien-like sea creature, ‘pandemonium' ensues
Children aboard a whale-watching vessel out of Newport Beach, Ca., on Wednesday appear to have thoroughly enjoyed their encounter with a bizarre-looking Mola mola. The accompanying footage, courtesy of Newport Coastal Adventure, shows the summer-camp kids erupting in 'pandemonium' as the slab-like behemoth appears alongside the boat. 'It's so big!' one child remarks. 'Why is it so big?' another kid asks. ALSO: Young elk exhibits remarkable speed while fleeing wolves in Yellowstone Newport Coastal Adventure stated via Instagram: 'Also called Ocean Sunfish, they aren't always this approachable but sometimes we get really lucky with a great floater. It turns out to be an incredible experience no matter your age!' Ocean sunfish, which feed primarily on sea jellies, are the heaviest bony fishes on the planet. They can measure 10 feet and weigh up to 5,000 pounds. They're often called gentle giants because of their docile appearance during most encounters. From the Monterey Bay Aquarium: 'The ocean sunfish (Mola mola) looks like the invention of a mad scientist. Huge and flat, this silvery gray fish has a tiny mouth and big eyes that vanish into an even bigger body with a truncated tail.' To be sure, although California whale watchers seek the truly giant leviathans, they will gladly stop for a Mola mola encounter.
Chicago Tribune
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Shedd Aquarium names newest otter rescue after her California roots
No, she isn't green. Well, not her coat anyways. The newest addition to Shedd Aquarium's rescued sea otters officially has a name: Jade. The aquarium revealed the name Monday in a news release after a public vote. Winning over three other handpicked options, 'Jade' pays homage to Jade Cove south of Monterey, California, near where the otter was rescued. 'The rescued raft of sea otters serves as important ambassadors, connecting Chicagoans to coastlines and kelp forests that often feel far away, and we know how critical it is to connect on a personal level to care about it,' Andrea Oake, manager of sea otters and sea lions at Shedd Aquarium, said in a news release. The name reveal was the culmination of a five-day onsite vote in front of the aquarium's otter exhibit in the Abbott Oceanarium, spokesperson Kayley Galassini said. With voting open from June 20 through June 25, more than 2,000 votes were cast for their favorite otter-ly appropriate name. Guests picked from a list of choices provided by caretakers at Shedd, Galassini said. Other options included: Esa, for the Endangered Species Act; Marina, for the city where Jade was rescued; and Rey, for the Monterey Bay area. Jade was rescued on a beach in Marina, California, by the Monterey Bay Aquarium in June 2022, Shedd officials said. At rescue, Jade was estimated to be about 2 weeks old, and experts determined that the combination of rough sea conditions and low fog made it unlikely for her to reunite with her mother in the wild. In turn, she stayed at Monterey Bay Aquarium with around-the-clock care for six weeks before moving to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Jade arrived at Shedd on May 1. She'll be raised in Chicago until she's mature enough to potentially become a surrogate mother as part of Monterey Bay Aquarium's sea otter surrogacy program, an initiative Shedd has partnered with the California institution on for more than two years. Monterey Bay's surrogacy program uses non-releasable female sea otters as surrogate mothers to raise stranded dependent pups for return to the wild, the institution says. Aquarium of the Pacific joined the venture in 2020. And since 2022, Shedd has played a role in the program too, providing a temporary home for non-releasable female sea otters poised to one day return to California to raise rescued, orphaned pups, the aquarium said. The cross-country partnership started in October 2022, when Shedd took in two female otter pups from California — Willow and Suri. For more than two years, they grew up at Shedd. But on April 30, the pair were taken back to California to mother orphaned otter pups, according to Galassini. Shedd took in Jade with the intent of her following in Willow and Suri's footsteps. Jade has met several of Shedd's other rescued otters, which the aquarium in a news release said is a 'significant step in socialization as she continues to acclimate.' 'Our animal care team is happy with how well she's acclimated, and we're having a lot of fun getting to know her; she is very inquisitive but also calm and confident,' Oake, of Shedd, said in a statement. 'Guests might spot her wrapped up in her favorite enrichment item of carwash strips that mimics kelp or carrying smaller balls on her chest, or sometimes she's diving and leaping around the strips.'
26-06-2025
- Business
LA restaurants Providence, Somni become city's 1st ever 3 Michelin-star eateries
Los Angeles has long been home to world-class restaurants, but this week, it officially joins the ranks of the global Michelin elite. For the first time ever, the Michelin Guide awarded its highest distinction of three stars to two LA restaurants: Providence, led by chef and co-owner Michael Cimarusti, and Somni, led by chef and owner Aitor Zabala. The 2025 Michelin Guide California, unveiled Wednesday night, recognizes the state's top restaurants using its iconic star system: one star means "high-quality cooking, worth a stop"; two stars is for "excellent cuisine, worth a detour"; and three stars signals "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey." 2 LA restaurants make history with city's 1st-ever 3 Michelin-star honors With its focus on sustainable, wild-caught seafood and a tasting menu known for precision and artistry, Providence has long been a leader in LA's fine dining scene since chef Cirmusti and partner Donato Poto opened the doors in 2005. Providence first earned a Michelin star in 2008 and the following year graduated to two stars. Since the guide's return to California in 2019, Providence consistently held its two stars and earned a Green Star in 2023 for sustainability. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Cirmusti and the team at Providence have reached what Michelin described as an "inflection point." The guide called the restaurant "a perfect example of purity and precision," in a press release, adding that Cimarusti's recent work has shown "a distinct personality and level of technical expertise that makes it one of the best restaurants in the world." With his restaurant, the New Jersey native fondly honors the place where he has deep roots, having spent much of his childhood summers fishing and cooking with his grandparents in Providence, Rhode Island -- an influence, not just for the moniker of his now three-starred restaurant, but as a leader in sustainable seafood. Cimarusti's passion for seafood conservation and sustainable practices extends well beyond the walls of his kitchens. He works closely with small fisheries and purveyors to source only sustainable, wild-caught seafood, and he has been a longtime collaborator with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program. Joining Providence in the newly minted three-star tier is Somni, the highly anticipated West Hollywood revival from chef Zabala that translates from Catalan to "dream." Somni reopened in late 2023 with a reimagined, immersive tasting experience, now featuring a 14-seat chef's counter and a multistage progression that begins with a patio reception. Michelin inspectors praised Somni's "cutting-edge, highly personal cuisine," noting the restaurant delivers "a theatrical, unforgettable dining experience." The Barcelona-born chef, who was previously awarded two stars with the original Somni, has returned to the top with a vision and a bold statement, wearing a shirt at the ceremony that read "Immigrants feed America." Michelin California 2025 Awards: Golden night for restaurants "Tonight marked a momentous evening for California and its culinary community," Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said. Also holding three stars in the state are The French Laundry, Benu, Quince, SingleThread, Addison and Atelier Crenn, making Providence and Somni the first restaurants in Los Angeles to join that elite global group. The Michelin Guide also awarded two new Two Stars to Sonoma's Enclos and San Francisco's Kiln, five new One Stars, and two Green Stars awarded to Enclos and Sons & Daughters, which brings the total number of Green Stars to 17. California, unsurprisingly is the single largest holder of Green Stars in North America.
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Best aquariums in US for families
With summer on the horizon, families are no doubt already deep in their vacation planning modes. While theme parks, water parks, national parks and beaches are top draws, why not consider adding in an aquarium visit? Aquariums are great for families as they offer a unique blend of education, entertainment and opportunities for bonding. On a recent visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it wasn't only the five-year-olds that were fascinated. Aquariums hold multigenerational appeal, teaching about marine life, ecosystems and conservation in a way that any age can understand and appreciate. Here are some of the best aquariums in the U.S., renowned for their impressive exhibits, educational programs and family-friendly experiences. Look for one close to home or one to include in your summer travels. And be sure to set aside ample time for exploration. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta As the largest aquarium in the U.S. and one of the world's most spectacular, Georgia Aquarium boasts over 11 million gallons of water across seven major galleries. The aquarium is home to whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, manta rays, beluga whales, sea otters and African penguins. Its focus is on marine animals from icy, cold environments. But there's so much to see here, we recommend not rushing through this impressive aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, Calif. Located in the idyllic seaside town of Monterey on Cannery Row, this has always been one of my favorites and happens to be one of the most celebrated aquariums in the world due to its groundbreaking exhibits, dedicated marine conservation works and stunning oceanfront setting. On a recent visit however, I was more than impressed by the added exhibits and upgrades offering guests a front-row seat to life above and below the abundantly blessed waters of the Pacific. Visitors will see unforgettable sea life - which includes the deep, dark undersea cavernous environment where exotic life exists - along with celebrating local creatures from the Monterey Bay environs. National Aquarium, Baltimore Transport yourself to the underwater wonders of the world. No visit to the Baltimore Harbor is complete without exploring the National Aquarium, featuring thousands of animals representing many parts of the globe, including the Amazon Rain Forest, an Australian river gorge and Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Though all these displays are impressive, don't miss the local love, a 10,000 square-foot floating wetland that mimics the Chesapeake Bay's original tidal marsh habitat. Afterward, enjoy exploring the vibrant waterfront. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans Situated on the Mississippi River waterfront of downtown New Orleans, the aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, many endangered and ranging from penguins and sea otters to jellyfish and seahorses. Though many visitors don't think about visiting an aquarium while in New Orleans, you should. When it reopened in June 2023 after a massive renovation, the aquarium became the only facility in the world to house both an aquarium and an insectarium under one roof. Newport Aquarium, Newport, Ky. Who would think that Kentucky would have one of the country's best aquariums? Located just across the river from downtown Cincinnati, the aquarium houses thousands of the world's most exotic aquatic creatures. The all-new Coral Reef Tunnel is stunning, a new jellyfish exhibit has opened, and a favorite attraction is the Shark Bridge, a suspended rope bridge over a shark tank, allowing visitors to walk only inches away from sharks, rays and fish. Mermaids Cove has returned as an interactive event where guests can meet performers dressed as mermaids and touch a stingray. Mermaids will also be at Coral Reef Tunnel and a meet and greet at the Shark Ray Bay Theater. New England Aquarium, Boston Situated on Boston's Central Wharf, this renowned marine science center and aquarium has been captivating visitors since 1969. The Giant Ocean Tank lies at the heart of the aquarium, a cylindrical 200,000-gallon exhibit simulating a colorful Caribbean coral reef. The four-story tank is home to Myrtle, a beloved green sea turtle who has been a resident since 1970, along with other sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels and a variety of tropical fish. The tank also features a spiral walkway with 67 windows, allowing visitors to view the marine life from multiple angles. Other exhibits include a shark and ray touch tank, coral reef, penguin colony and the Amazon Rainforest, housing poison dart frogs, piranhas and anacondas. Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii This award-winning aquarium connects visitors with Hawaii's marine life, where you can journey through a 54-foot-long underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, visit Turtle Lagoon with its majestic honu (sea turtles) and venture below the water's surface with life-sized koholā (humpback whales) in the mesmerizing "Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi" 3D Sphere Experience. Guests can take a ukulele lesson, discover the art of fishnet weaving and learn how to prepare traditional Hawaiian foods. Of utmost importance, the aquarium, along with the Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center helps restore coral reefs along with rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago One of the most popular Chicago attractions and one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, Shedd opened in 1930 and houses over 32,000 animals representing more than 1,500 species across five million gallons of water. Some of its most popular highlights include Amazon Rising, an 8,600-square-foot walkthrough re-creating the flooded forests of the Amazon River; Wild Reef, an impressive simulation of a Philippine coral reef and home to sharks, rays and other vibrant sea life; and the Abbott Oceanarium, the largest indoor mammal facility in the world. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego Though it's not a large aquarium, it's quite impressive. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium serves as the public outreach for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Our grandchildren loved the Seadragons and Seahorses exhibit, the pint-sized penguins, the shark and ray viewing area of Blue Beach and the impressive interactive tide pool filled with sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, lobsters, abalone and more. Opening on May 22, 2025, Living Seas will take guests on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of our ocean planet - from the colder waters of the Pacific Northwest and the beauty of Coastal California to the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Oregon Coast Aquarium When an aquarium celebrates its local marine ecosystems, that's a good sign. Offering immersive experiences representing the Pacific Northwest, the aquarium spans 23 acres along Yaquina Bay and is home to over 64,000 animals across 375 species. Visitors can step back to prehistoric times in Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline, watch sea lions and harbor seals play in the Pacific waters or search for a glimpse of the elusive giant Pacific octopus. One of the top features of the venue is the Seabird Aviary, housing exotic tufted puffins, common murres and rhinoceros auklets. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Well-known for its dedication to wildlife preservation, this aquarium located in downtown Tampa's Channel District offers a fascinating look into the world's aquatic and terrestrial animals. The Mosaic Exhibit Hall features rotating sea life exhibits, while the Wetlands Trail provides an immersive journey through Florida's ecosystems, which include a mangrove forest, cypress swamp and freshwater swamp, home to alligators, otters, turtles and a free-flight aviary. Odysea Aquarium, Scottsdale, Ariz. The desert meets the ocean at Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, boasting the largest aquarium in the Southwest. The state-of-the-art facility features an impressive array of sea life including sharks, otters, sea lions, penguins, sloths and more. As one of the most fascinating and immersive aquatic experiences, the OdySea Voyager features a 20-minute rotating journey through four major exhibits aboard a stadium-seating "submarine" with 46-foot viewing windows. Those looking for even more adventure can don a wetsuit and helmet and head eight feet underwater on the SeaTREK Helmet Diving encounter. _________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmaker introduces aggressive new bill to block future development along iconic US coastline: 'Prevent new drilling before it starts'
A politician has introduced a bill that they hope will protect a crucial part of California's ecosystem from future fossil fuel drilling projects. On April 22, HR 2882, or the Central Coast of California Conservation Act of 2025, was introduced with the hope of protecting the state's vital shoreline. According to the bill, the "Secretary of the Interior may not issue a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in any area of the Central California Planning Area." The CCPA is comprised of 11 Central California counties that boast diverse landscapes and thriving agricultural industries. U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, who authored and introduced the bill, explained the reading behind the legislation. "The Central Coast of California Conservation Act would prevent new drilling before it starts, protecting the biodiversity of our waters and the businesses and communities that rely on them," Panetta said in a news release. "On Earth Day, and every day, we must take action to ensure we are living up to the legacy of our home to protect the incredible beauty and bounty that our ocean provides for the next generation." According to the release, U.S. coastal counties support 54.6 million jobs and $10 trillion in goods and services and pay $4 trillion in wages. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reports that the state's agriculture industry exported $23.6 billion worth of goods in 2022. In 2018, the first Trump administration unveiled a plan to open up offshore drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In one of President Donald Trump's first executive orders during his second term, he sought to "unleash" American energy. This included energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters. Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard explained that the oil production from offshore drilling projects could have devastating effects on communities. "Californians experienced too many times the heartbreaking impacts of these spills and know that thriving coastal communities and their economies depend on a healthy, vibrant ocean," Packard said. Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
