Dear Friends,
The National Aquarium is a regional and international leader in the quest to improve the health of the world's oceans. By connecting people with aquatic life, we make a better world for both.
Human impact on the world’s ecosystems is profound. As habitats are destroyed or degraded, the diversity of species and the complex relationships among them are threatened, with consequences for all living things—including humans.
Aquariums have both the capacity and the responsibility to increase public awareness of these issues and to implement conservation action programs. We participate in a variety of cooperative programs, and have initiated many programs of our own to help preserve the aquatic world.
We have all gained a better understanding of the fragility of this planet and how our day-to-day activities impact its well-being. Increasingly, conserving and protecting our natural resources frame everyday choices at the Aquarium. Simply stated, it has been central to our mission since we opened in 1981.
The Aquarium has the unique opportunity to demonstrate actions large and small that can lessen the impact humans have on our environment. We continually strive to improve our own practices and take the steps to make thoughtful choices that mitigate our environmental impact.
Through our true-to-nature exhibits, school outreach projects, and wetland restoration events, we demonstrate ways our visitors and community can become involved.
For our staff, we've introduced rewards for green commuting (walking, bicycling, taking public transit, or carpooling to work), launched an internal conservation committee to recommend best practices, and increased office recycling programs.
The National Aquarium is committed to inspiring people to enjoy, respect, and protect our aquatic world.
» Read more about specific steps the Aquarium takes to promote ocean health.
Thank you,
David M. Pittenger
Executive Director
National Aquarium
