The National Aquarium, with venues in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, DC, is home to more than 16,000 animals representing more than 600 species, weighing as much as 500 pounds or as little as the weight of a paper clip.  Through exhibits, interactions, programs and events, the National Aquarium provides transforming experiences that spark action and drive people to make conservation a part of their daily actions.  

Our expertise in the following areas is what defines the National Aquarium. We have experts on staff in the areas of biology, conservation, evironmental education, animal science, economic development, and more. Our experts can be a great resource for your stories. The National Aquarium is:

Globally engaged in Aquatic Conservation
From Costa Rica to the Chesapeake Bay, National Aquarium programs help people apply practical and pragmatic solutions for protecting marine life and coastlines. Our biological experts are:

  • In Costa Rica protecting breeding ground for sea turtles.
  • In the Bahamas studying invasive lionfish to protect coral reefs.
  • In the Chesapeake Bay region restoring wetlands and shoreline habitats, and rehabilitating stranded marine life.
  • Engaged in shark conservation with partners including Discovery Channel’s Shark Week programming.

A World-Class Entertainment Attraction
The visitor experience is a priority, and exhibits at the Baltimore and DC venues connect the public to environmental challenges around us. For many of the 1.6 million visitors each year, their visit is their first step toward making their own commitment to conservation. Our expert curators and exhibit developers are eager to share the stories our exhibits hold;

  • Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance offers a telling story of the health of our oceans. 
  • Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes is an award winning exhibit that explores fire and flood. 
  • The newly renovated Washington D.C. venue highlights are our National Marine Sanctuaries.

Committed to Education on the Aquatic Environment
By getting their boots in the water and putting their hands in the earth, the many thousands of students who participate in the National Aquarium’s education programs make emotional connections that create lasting enthusiasm for the environment. Our educators are engaged and making an impact on young people;

  • Over 70,000 Maryland and Washington DC school children visit free each year.
  • Over 1,000 teachers receive curriculum training each year.
  • Over $400,000 in scholarships have been awarded for summer youth programs.
  • Programs are on-site, in schools and hands-on in the field.

A Sought-After Partner
By establishing alliances and creating partnerships around the world, the National Aquarium collaborates with like-minded organizations to achieve more together. Our experience has helped us secure strong partners;

  • Government partners include NOAA, EPA, Maryland DNR and MDE
  • Non-profit partners include The Ocean Project, Monterey Bay Aquarium and UMBI
  • Corporate partners such as Animal Planet, Pepsi, Amtrak, SunTrust
  • Community partners include Destination DC, Visit Baltimore, BOPA and Enoch Pratt Libraries

An Economic Engine
The National Aquarium is one of the most visited aquariums in the United States, generating millions in tax dollars and tourism revenue. We employ a dedicated staff of professionals, attract preeminent marine biologists to the institution and maintain a robust core of volunteers.

  • With two venues, the National Aquarium attracts over 1.4 million visitors each year
  • Since remodeling, the Washington venue has welcomed over 175,000 visitors.
  • In a recent survey, the National Aquarium was the #1 reason people visited the Inner Harbor.
  • The National Aquarium hires local businesses to support our operations
  • Over 650 volunteers donate their time and skills as exhibit guides, divers, and through hands-on work with our conservation department.

Please contact the media relations department if you are looking for experts to help with your next story.