Making a Difference at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Take a tour through the Monterey Bay Aquarium and you’re bound to see them. Beyond the schools of fish, bat rays and penguins, there’s another special member that’s instrumental to ocean life.

“We have volunteers literally involved in supporting inspiration to help the conservation of the ocean throughout the aquarium” says Director of Volunteer Engagement Laraine Lomax.

At any given time, 1,200 volunteers make up the non-profit’s deep roots. Volunteers serve in many positions from teaching and mentoring millions of students, to working as divers, animal care givers and exhibit guides.

Louie Okamoto is a volunteer guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He helps to translate exhibits in both English and Japanese. “Students can visualize and connect to the animal in a way they never have before and to be able to combine Japanese culture with American culture and use ocean conservation as a vehicle, that’s my dream.”

Behind the scenes, you’ll find volunteers like Amy Hwareham. For 20 years she’s been dedicated to administrative and clerical work.

“It gives people the knowledge of what they have here, in their own home, and how they can change things to preserve the ocean” says Hwareham.

“When these individual go on to the floor, when they’re behind the scenes, they allow us to carry forward a message that the ecosystems equality is at risk” says Lomax.

Helping to make a difference by inspiring conservation and providing solutions to protect one of earth’s greatest treasures.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is hosting an informational meeting for volunteers on March 21st.

For more information about volunteering, head to www.montereybayaquarium.org