"Something that we try to do wherever we possibly can is to keep our maintenance activities away from the public so we don't spoil the experience for folks," said Paul Clarkson, the Aquarium's director of husbandry operations. The dedication to a seamless visitor experience highlights the behind-the-scenes efforts taken by the staff to ensure maintenance work does not disrupt the enjoyment of guests visiting the Aquarium.
"Nature is very complex, and you find when you're trying to recreate living exhibits how complicated it is," said Aquarium co-founder Julie Packard. She emphasizes the challenges faced in mimicking natural ecosystems, noting that while it's impossible to perfectly replicate nature, it is crucial to identify and incorporate the essential elements needed to create thriving exhibits.
Packard explained they had to decide how big and deep to make the tank, how much water motion there should be and how much current the kelp plants would need to effectively simulate the ocean. This careful planning demonstrates the strategic thought and research necessary for developing engaging and scientifically accurate marine life exhibits.
For the Kelp Forest, you want maximum sunlight but you need it to be oriented in a way so it maximizes sunlight, Packard said, but then you don't want sun coming in through the acrylic windows so visitors can't see into the tank. This highlights the intricate balance needed in aquarium design, where visibility for guests must be prioritized alongside the environmental needs of the marine life housed within.
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