The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) is celebrating three decades of supporting marine life and inspiring ocean conservation on Oregon’s central coast.
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 as 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, OCAq 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-renown orca. After Keiko’s departure in 1998, OCAq transformed his habitat into Passages of the Deep, an acrylic tunnel that meanders through three ocean habitats, which opened to the public in 2000. In the same year, OCAq received accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, a status OCAq continues to maintain, denoting the highest standard of animal care and welfare.
Over the last three decades, OCAq has demonstrated an enduring commitment to coastal communities and ocean advocacy. As it enters its next 30 years, OCAq will continue to broaden its impact, increasing its ability to engage visitors and serve marine wildlife.
“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,” said OCAq President and CEO Carrie Lewis. “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.”
About the Oregon Coast Aquarium
Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of the ocean. For over three decades this non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow OCAq on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.
Press release and photos provided by the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Posted May 2022.
