Founded in 1984 by Hewlett-Packard co-founder David Packard and his daughter, marine biologist Julie Packard, the Monterey Bay Aquarium began with a mission to "inspire conservation of the oceans."  In the Aquarium's almost thirty year's of existence they have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.

 Anchoring the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, supporting advanced research and education through its sister institution, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, while continuing to host nearly 2 million visitors a year, the Aquarium has become a world class organization building community through public service, education, research, and conservation.