Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
20
THE OPEN OCEAN
B Y 1987 THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM was doing so well financially
that the possibility of a major expansion began to be discussed. The
aquarium's fiscal philosophy was modeled after David Packard's direc-
tive that from the day the aquarium opened its doors it must be self-
supporting and avoid taking on debt. After three years of exception-
ally high attendance and low operating costs the aquarium had
accumulated considerable capital—enough, it seemed, to support ma-
jor expansion. In addition, David and Lucile Packard had recently do-
nated the old cannery next door to the aquarium for a possible ex-
pansion, having purchased it in the first place, apparently, to control
future commercial development.
With the finances and site pretty much in hand, the next important
issue had to be decided: What subject matter would the new wing fo-
cus on? Numerous exhibit themes were briefly considered during brain-
storming sessions, and the aquarium eventually decided on the open
ocean and the deep sea—the two largest and least-known habitats on
earth—as the major topics. Not only would they make potentially ex-
citing and innovative exhibits, but they would also complete the in-
terpretation of the habitats of Monterey Bay.
Earlier in 1987 David Packard had founded the Monterey Bay
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