Some fish relocated as Cabrillo Aquarium in San Pedro launches major $7 million upgrade

A $7 million project to replace its “Life Support System” for the care of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s animals is about to launch, requiring a relocation of some of the aquarium’s fish.

A batch of fish was collected early Monday by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

“Our animals are at the heart of what we do,” said Crislyn McKerron, executive director of the San Pedro facility at Cabrillo Beach.

The renovation, she added, “will allow us to provide them with the very best care possible. We are equally excited to enhance the visitor experience with updated exhibits, educational programs, and activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the renovation.”

The project marks a crucial step forward for the aquarium, staff members said, and provides staff with “cutting-edge tools” to maintain ideal living conditions for its animals.

The new system — essentially the heart and lungs of the aquarium’s network of tanks — replaces original machinery installed when the Frank Gehry-designed building opened in 1981. Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium funded the project’s design and the Port of Los Angeles and the Department of Recreation and Parks will cover the cost of construction, expected to take 10-12 months.

As work is underway, the aquarium also plans to refresh and improve the Exhibit Hall with new and interactive exhibits including a state-of-the-art Jelly Lab, bilingual exhibit labels, and colorful panels showcasing Southern California’s marine ecosystems.

To prepare for the renovation, the aquarium made several upgrades recently, including:

• Aquatic Nursery and Exploration Center: New exhibits featuring white abalone, seahorses, and the kelp forest and a climate change station.
• Outdoor Courtyard Educational Stations: Ocean-themed stations will offer new ways for guests to interact with staff to learn about ocean life.
• Upgraded Auditorium: A new sound system and projectors for higher quality programs featuring educational videos and speakers.

“We are open during construction and dedicated to making sure visitors have fund and learn a lot,” said Caroline Brady, executive director of the Friends of Cabrillo Aquarium, adding that the facility can be followed on social media for construction updates and upcoming programs. The aquarium is also seeking new annual support memberships and donations.

The aquarium will celebrate its 90th year in 2025.

It all began as a lifeguard’s table full of shells, blossoming into a museum in 1935 at the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse.

In 1981, the idea flourished into a full-fledged aquarium focusing on Southern California’s marine life and moving into the Frank Gehry-designed campus.

In 2007, the aquarium added an Exploration Center and Aquatic Nursery to provide additional conservation education, research opportunities, and career pathways for aspiring young scientists. It remains a popular spot for field trips and is the only free aquarium in the world accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The aquarium’s seaside location also offers easy access to shoreline habitats including a rocky shore sandy beach, a salt marsh and — through wale watching and other excursions — the deep ocean. Activities year round include a popular whale fiesta.

Visitors are free (with a suggested donation not required) of $7 for adults and $3 for children. Members receive parking privileges, special event invitations and a discount at the gift shop. Visit cabrillomarineaquarium.org/ for more information.