The Aquarium of the Pacific added three new marine species found in Southern California to its Marine Species Report Card to engage the public in ocean conservation. This first of its kind, digital, and free public resource combines the work of scientists, researchers, government agencies, and others from more than a dozen institutions to assess the status of now thirty-three key California coastal species.
“People are an integral part of conservation, and with greater awareness comes more possibility for stewardship. The Report Card is one of many tools the Aquarium is using to activate stewardship in our community, benefiting the conservation of our marine species,” said Jeff Flocken, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO.
The Aquarium gathered leading experts from across the state to develop this tool, which can serve as a resource and guide for action and ongoing research on the state of California’s marine species.
The list now includes new species accounts on the cabezon (fish), horn shark, and sheep crab. Each animal’s account includes photos, facts about the species, information on the threats they face in the wild, and an arrow icon that indicates the population trend of each animal in the state of California and whether it is increasing, declining, or stable. All three newly added species are showing a stable-with-fluctuations population trend.
For most species, the accounts provide stories on conservation actions. The Aquarium has been working to help many of these marine mammals, birds, invertebrates (animals without backbones), fish, kelp, and more. Some of its conservation projects include growing and outplanting endangered white abalone for restoration efforts in the wild, preserving bull kelp, helping rescued southern sea otters, monitoring and rehabilitating green sea turtles, documenting local whale populations through the photo I.D. program, raising baby sunflower sea stars, and contributing to the community science initiative, Spotting Giant Sea Bass.
The Aquarium also offers opportunities for the public to help SoCal marine life, including its monthly wetlands habitat restoration, beach cleanups, and other volunteering opportunities.
“The Report Card provides an entry point for our community to learn more about their ocean neighbors,” said Jennie Dean, Aquarium of the Pacific vice president of education and conservation. “We enhance connection to the species we have onsite at key exhibits with signage and distribution of limited-edition trading cards.”
When visiting the Aquarium, the public can see more than a dozen species listed on the report card, including the cabezon, horn shark, and sheep crab. The Aquarium also offers daily harbor tours and whale watches aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises, which provide the chance for the public to see and learn about other species listed on the report card, including eastern north Pacific gray whales, brown pelicans, harbor seals, California sea lions, and giant kelp.
To assess changes to populations of species, long-term monitoring programs are vital as are programs to restore California’s coastal ecosystems. To learn more, you can visit pacific.to/msrc to access the Marine Species Report Card online, which launched in 2025 and now includes three new species.
The non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place dedicated to connecting people to and conserving nature. The Aquarium’s vision is to foster an inclusive community that works together to create our sustainable future. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Stars of the Sea featuring Our Living Coastline, the Southern California Gallery, Pacific Visions, and Shark Lagoon. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring a variety of guest speakers.
The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for twelve months and other special benefits. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.