May 23, 2022 9;30 a.m.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is celebrating 30 years of supporting marine life and inspiring ocean conservation on the state’s central coast.

A release said OCAq was originally founded as a way to stimulate the economy in the Yaquina Bay area while also serving year-round residents, and became incorporated at a 501-c-3 nonprofit educational organization in 1984.

After eight years of planning and fundraising, doors opened to the public on May 23, 1992. Nine months later, OCAq had hosted its first million visitors. Since then the organization has continued to connect generations with the wonders of the Oregon coast.

In 1996, OCAq gained international recognition for the role it played in rehabilitating Keiko, the world-renowned orca. After Keiko’s departure in 1998, the aquarium transformed his habitat into Passages of the Deep, an acrylic tunnel snaking through three ocean habitats, which opened to the public in 2000.

That year, OCAq received accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, denoting the highest standard of animal care and welfare.

OCAq President and CEO Carrie Lewis said, “The Aquarium began as an idea to encourage growth in our coastal communities, and over the last thirty years, we’ve done that and so much more. We’ve rehabilitated endangered species, we’ve fostered strong ties with our community partners, and we’ve introduced millions to the splendor of the Oregon coast. The next thirty years are bound to be just as rewarding”

Find out more at: https://aquarium.org/

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