2019-11-05T19:51:36-06:00 2018-12-31 GRANT THORNTON LLP 101 CALIFORNIA STREET SUITE 2700 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94111 990 2018-01-01 942487469 Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation % JOHN DAVIS MONT 8316484800 886 Cannery Row Monterey CA 93940 TROY GRANDE CFO 8316484800 2019-10-31 true QI WEN LIANG P01270238 4159863900 2019-10-30 65.229.9.138 94336920193095000001 2019-11-05 P 48C18CAFE3C076D77EFDA4A28EEA087709B0C379 48C18CAFE3C076D77EFDA4A28EEA087709B0C379 2018 2020-03-31 21:24:44Z Julie Packard 886 Cannery Row Monterey CA 93940 366279595 false X www.montereybayaquarium.org X 1978 CA THE MISSION OF THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM IS TO INSPIRE CONSERVATION OF THE OCEAN. 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FIN 48 (ASC 740) FOOTNOTE SCHEDULE D, PART X, LINE 2: THE FOLLOWING FOOTNOTE APPEARED IN THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR BOTH MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM FOUNDATION AND MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM SUPPORT SERVICES ("MBASS"), A RELATED ORGANIZATION: THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM FOUNDATION AND MBASS FOLLOW GUIDANCE THAT CLARIFIES THE ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN TAX POSITIONS TAKEN OR EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN IN A TAX RETURN, INCLUDING ISSUES RELATING TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT RECOGNITION AND MEASUREMENT. THIS GUIDANCE PROVIDES THAT THE TAX EFFECTS FROM AN UNCERTAIN TAX POSITION CAN ONLY BE RECOGNIZED IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IF THE POSITION IS 'MORE-LIKELY-THAN-NOT' TO BE SUSTAINED IF THE POSITION WERE TO BE CHALLENGED BY A TAXING AUTHORITY. THE ASSESSMENT OF THE TAX POSITION IS BASED SOLELY ON THE TECHNICAL MERITS OF THE POSITION, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE TAX POSITION MAY BE CHALLENGED. THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM FOUNDATION AND MBASS ARE EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAX UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, THOUGH EACH ORGANIZATION IS SUBJECT TO TAX ON INCOME UNRELATED TO ITS EXEMPT PURPOSE, UNLESS THAT INCOME IS OTHERWISE EXCLUDED BY THE CODE. THEY ARE ALSO EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA STATE FRANCHISE TAXES UNDER SECTION 23701(D) OF THE CALIFORNIA REVENUE AND TAXATION CODE. THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM FOUNDATION AND MBASS HAVE PROCESSES PRESENTLY IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF EACH ORGANIZATION'S TAX EXEMPT STATUS, TO IDENTIFY AND REPORT UNRELATED INCOME; TO DETERMINE THE ORGANIZATION'S FILING AND TAX OBLIGATIONS IN JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH IT HAS NEXUS; AND TO IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED TAX POSITIONS. THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM FOUNDATION AND MBASS HAVE BOTH DETERMINED THAT THERE ARE NO MATERIAL UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT REQUIRE RECOGNITION OR DISCLOSURE IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. true East Asia and the Pacific Program Services Conferences & Fish Tag 294153 Middle East and North Africa Program Services Conferences 2958 Sub-Saharan Africa Program Services Conferences 6402 North America Program Services Conferences 150011 Europe (Including Iceland and Greenland) Program Services Conferences 3585 Central America and the Caribbean Program Services Conferences 29016 South America Program Services Conferences 25676 Central America and the Caribbean Investments 31172391 North America Grantmaking 25676 31709868 31709868 North America Migratory movement, Ecology & Conservation of Rays in Gulf of California 25676 WIRE 1 true false true true true false PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING USE OF GRANT FUNDS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE F, PART I, LINE 2: THE AQUARIUM REQUIRES POTENTIAL GRANT RECIPIENTS TO SUBMIT FORMAL APPLICATIONS WHICH ARE REVIEWED BY THE PROGRAM MANAGER FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE AQUARIUM'S MISSION AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE ANNUAL BUDGET. FURTHERMORE, THE AQUARIUM REQUIRES A WRITTEN REPORT FROM THE GRANTEE PROVIDING DETAIL ABOUT HOW FUNDS WERE USED TO ACCOMPLISH THE GRANT OBJECTIVES. REPORTS ARE REVIEWED BY THE PROGRAM MANAGER FOR COMPLIANCE WITH GRANT CONDITIONS. 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FURTHERMORE, THE AQUARIUM REQUIRES A WRITTEN REPORT FROM THE GRANTEE PROVIDING DETAIL ABOUT HOW FUNDS WERE USED TO ACCOMPLISH THE GRANT OBJECTIVES. REPORTS ARE REVIEWED BY THE PROGRAM MANAGER FOR COMPLIANCE WITH GRANT CONDITIONS. X X true true X X X X X true false false false false false false false false Julie Packard Executive Director 313782 0 382 0 4046 0 27500 0 12431 0 358141 0 0 0 Troy A Grande CFO & TREASURER 261907 0 764 0 1135 0 27000 0 31153 0 321959 0 0 0 Cynthia Vernon Chief Operating Officer 260614 0 764 0 2182 0 26772 0 25360 0 315692 0 0 0 Cristina Fekeci Chief Development Officer 297928 0 12293 0 2445 0 27500 0 13789 0 353955 0 0 0 Marian Martha Hahn Chief Marketing Officer 216947 0 2293 0 465 0 21860 0 12536 0 254101 0 0 0 Margaret Spring VP Con & Sci Chief Cnsrv Off 206402 0 754 0 1298 0 21315 0 23555 0 253324 0 0 0 Teresa Jeanine Merry Chief Human Resources Officers 189443 0 754 0 1641 0 20002 0 34017 0 245857 0 0 0 Charles Aslanian VP of Facility Operations 160825 0 754 0 960 0 17149 0 26600 0 206288 0 0 0 David Rosenberg VP of Guest Experience 160368 0 754 0 198 0 16037 0 1387 0 178744 0 0 0 Kevin Kearns VP of Exhibitions THRU 11/2018 131039 0 0 0 52270 0 14918 0 29733 0 227960 0 0 0 Rita Bell VP of Education 146949 0 754 0 1963 0 14916 0 12405 0 176987 0 0 0 Jennifer Dianto Kemmerly Dir,Global Fisheries&Aquacultr 175128 0 754 0 539 0 18173 0 12283 0 206877 0 0 0 Nancy Enterline VP of Development 166024 0 754 0 606 0 17802 0 36634 0 221820 0 0 0 Mary C Mullen VP of Gift Planning 162741 0 754 0 1766 0 16575 0 13371 0 195207 0 0 0 Jon Hoesch VP of Husbandry 146535 0 754 0 526 0 15229 0 19990 0 183034 0 0 0 Randall Hamilton Former VP of Husbandry 0 0 9612 0 290016 0 0 0 22352 0 321980 0 0 0 GROSS-UP PAYMENTS AND HEALTH CLUB DUES: SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 1A AS PART OF THE AQUARIUM'S WELLNESS PROGRAM, ALL EMPLOYEES (INCLUDING THE LISTED EMPLOYEES IN PART VII, SECTION A) ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A MONTHLY SUBSIDY OF $25 FOR FITNESS CENTER DUES IF THE EMPLOYEE MEETS CERTAIN WELLNESS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. SINCE THIS TYPE OF SUBSIDY IS CONSIDERED A TAXABLE FRINGE BENEFIT, THE AQUARIUM GROSSES-UP THESE SUBSIDIES TO COVER THE EMPLOYEE'S TAXES. SUCH PAYMENTS WERE TREATED AS TAXABLE INCOME ON THE EMPLOYEE'S FORM W-2 AND REPORTED AS COMPENSATION ON SCHEDULE J, PART II, COLUMN B(III). ADDITIONALLY, CERTAIN EMPLOYEES RECEIVED TAX GROSS-UP PAYMENTS FOR SMALL APPRECIATION GIFTS RECEIVED DURING THE COURSE OF THE 2018 CALENDAR YEAR. SUCH PAYMENTS WERE TREATED AS TAXABLE INCOME ON THE EMPLOYEE'S FORM W-2 AND REPORTED AS COMPENSATION ON SCHEDULE J, PART II, COLUMN B(II). SEVERANCE PAYMENTS SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 4A An employee listed separated from employment and received a severance. Due to a confidentiality agreement we are not disclosing the employee name and amount, however the payment is properly disclosed in schedule J column B(iii). KEVIN KEARNS, VP OF EXHIBITIONS, ENDED EMPLOYMENT ON 11/1/2018. HE RECEIVED SEVERANCE PAYMENTS IN 2018 OF $40,317. X 76 6091285 FMV X 30 45370 COST false true false Organization's Mission Form 990, Part I, Line 1 and Form 990, Part III, line 1: Millions of people draw inspiration from the Aquarium and look to us to advocate for ocean wildlife. In 2018, we stepped up our role as a global player taking on the biggest threats to ocean health: unsustainable fisheries and aquaculture, plastic pollution and climate change. 2018 Highlights: - We welcomed 1,970,670 visitors in 2018 with inspiring exhibits and programs. - Our new Bechtel Family Center for Ocean Education and Leadership represents new hope for the future of the ocean. - We brought ocean issues to the Global Climate Action Summit and committed to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2025. - Partnering with Red Lobster and advising top international seafood producers, we're advancing global seafood sustainability. - Our new Juli Plant Grainger Animal Care Center let us expand on nearly 35 years of exceptional animal care. - New research began to unravel longstanding mysteries about the White Shark Cafe. - We tackled ocean plastic pollution through groundbreaking research and new policy victories. - Our underwater Explorers scuba program for children celebrated 40,000 participants and 17 years of inspiration. Program Service Accomplishment Description Form 990, Part III, Line 4a Animal Care and Aquarium Experience: Animal care and aquarium experience costs of $50,283,297 include the cost of operating and maintaining the Aquariums living exhibit galleries. Inspiring Our Visitors It all begins at the Aquarium with our living exhibits. From the oddly endearing sunfish to the heartwarming appeal of a sea otter, marine animals inspire us to care about them and remind us why it's so important to protect their ocean homes. Strengthening the Heart of Our Animal Care Our new Juli Plant Grainger Animal Care Center, which opened in November, meets two of our most important goals: expanding animal health care and providing educational opportunities for aspiring veterinarians. We now have triple the space of our previous veterinary facility. The center houses a diagnostic laboratory, two animal hospital wards, office space for veterinary staff, students, volunteers and interns, and improved medical storage and equipment sterilization capacities. The center allows us to: - Efficiently employ new diagnostic equipment to examine and treat animals. - Address the specific needs of rescued wildlife, including sea otters, sea turtles and other animals that are more likely to strand in our region as the ocean continues to warm. - Effectively quarantine sick birds and other air-breathing animals to prevent the spread of disease. - Create a learning environment where our aquarists can expand their knowledge of animal health issues. - Contribute to the field of conservation medicine by providing formal training opportunities for veterinary students and graduates, especially those from communities underrepresented in the profession today. Penguin Playground African penguins Monty, Poppy and Bixby all hatched in the Aquariums penguin colony in 2018 - Monty and Poppy in January, Bixby in July. Visitors could see the chicks on exhibit for about a month before we moved them behind the scenes to gain weight and learn swimming skills before rejoining the flock in our Splash Zone. Two other hatchlings remain in our penguin colony: Rey (June 2014) and Amigo (August 2016). Two male hatchlings, Pebble and Tola, were transferred to the colony at Dallas World Aquarium, and a female, Maq, is now at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. All of our birds are part of a species survival plan for threatened African penguins. The program, managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), maintains the genetic health of more than 800 African penguins housed at 50 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. SOS for African Penguins Curator of Aviculture Aimee Greenebaum worked with our African penguins for more than a decade before seeing one in the wild. In the fall, she traveled to South Africa to help rehabilitate sick and injured penguins and feed rescued, undernourished chicks. Aimee, like others on her team before her, spent several weeks with the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, the leading conservation organization working to recover this endangered species. Duties included feeding and cleaning up after dozens of penguins each day. The reward for this messy and difficult work is the opportunity to release healthy birds back into the wild. The wild African penguin population has fallen by more than 97 percent in the past century. One factor is overfishing, which has left Africas only penguin species with less food. Climate change may also be warming local waters, forcing penguins to swim miles farther to find fish in colder water. The effort exhausts many penguins - some fatally. They are vulnerable to other threats, too, such as oil spills and plastic pollution. Aimee is pleased that she and her team could travel to South Africa to help with rescue and recovery efforts for the birds wild kin, and gain valuable experience in treating sick birds. Breakthroughs in Culturing Comb Jellies Thanks to the imagination and perseverance of our jelly team, we continued exhibiting several stunning comb jelly species, including the spotted comb jelly, Leucothea pulchra - one of the most beautiful and fragile of its kind. Also, mesmerizing visitors in our Drifters gallery are a steady supply of sea gooseberries, Pleurobrachia bachei and Hormiphora californensis, the common Northern comb jelly, Bolinopsis infundibulum and warty comb jelly, Mnemiopsis leidyi. Comb jellies captivate because they languidly move through liquid space while refracting light to dazzling effect, generating flashing patterns of rainbow light. Our team can reliably produce generations of healthy comb jellies, thanks to improved and streamlined methods to culture these challenging ctenophores. New Seabirds, New Stories We welcomed two new seabirds into our rescued flock: Alika, a young Laysan albatross, and Sula, a red-footed booby. The two birds join 11-year-old Makana, a Laysan albatross who has become a superstar ambassador for seabirds and other marine life facing grave threats from ocean plastic pollution. Her daily program at the Kelp Forest exhibit helps us share with visitors whats at stake from this growing crisis. Alika, just over a year old, joined Makana as only the second Laysan albatross at an accredited zoo or aquarium in the United States. Alikas name means "protector"guardian" in Hawaiian. Like Makana, she was injured as a chick, unable to survive in the wild and in need of a permanent home. Alika is a companion for Makana, and visitors will often see both on behind-the-scenes tours. Our rescued seabirds help visitors connect with ocean conservation issues such as plastic pollution and marine debris. Sula, whose age is unknown, was injured by a fishing hook and unable to survive on her own. Her name comes from the scientific name for the red-footed booby, Sula sula. Staff at SeaWorld San Diego rescued her and nursed her back to health. But after several release attempts, it was determined that Sula couldnt be returned to the wild. We offered her a permanent home. Her story is an example of how another ocean pollution problem, forgotten fishing gear, can harm seabirds and other ocean animals. Our team is now training Sula to become more comfortable around people, and she may eventually take part in public programs and interact with guests. Program Service Accomplishment Description Form 990, Part III, Line 4b Education and Outreach: Education and Outreach costs of $18,278,264 include the cost of education programs for both teachers and students, and Aquarium Adventures programs to deepen guest experiences. Building for the Future Our Bechtel Family Center for Ocean Education and Leadership will help us deliver the most robust suite of ecosystem-based education and youth development programs of any aquarium in the nation. We hope to nurture a rising generation of stewards who will ensure a healthy future for the ocean - and us all. The Bechtel Education Center greatly deepens our commitment to preparing new generations of ocean conservation leaders. It expands our fundamental promise to provide California students, teens and teachers with free educational opportunities that foster a greater understanding of our ocean planet and a commitment to protect it. It also enables us to reach more schools in underserved communities and invite their students and teachers to the Aquarium so they can experience the power of science. Each year since opening our doors in 1984, we have hosted 80,000 schoolchildren from across California for free school field trips. About 300 teens a year develop their knowledge and leadership skills as they engage in environmental research, service learning and conservation action. More than 1,500 teachers develop their skills in ecosystem-based approaches to science education as they engage in our professional development programs. The new $42 million center makes it possible to expand these programs, sharing the wonders of the ocean with schoolchildren and teachers in new and exciting ways. By 2023, we expect that 90 percent of visiting students will take part in hands-on, inquiry-based classes led by our educators. The center will enable us to host twice as many teens in leadership programs and twice as many teachers in professional development programs - all provided free of charge. A Look Inside Our New Center - Located just a few blocks from the Aquarium on Cannery Row - 26,000 square feet and four stories - Four learning labs with live animal displays - Collaborative learning spaces for teens and teachers - Multipurpose room for large gatherings and student lunches - Rooftop garden and meeting space - Public exhibit space - Designed to meet U.S. Green Building Councils LEED gold standards for sustainability, including solar panels and passive solar energy, a living roof and water conservation features Empowering the Next Ocean Leaders Every day, our team of educators strives to have a transformative impact on the young people who take part in our teen programs. Its central to our commitment to shape new generations of ocean conservation leaders, and its the vision behind our new Bechtel Education Center. This is especially true of our four in-depth programs for teens. We design supportive and challenging learning experiences to build their environmental identities and their confidence. That's why our Teen Conservation Leaders program includes opportunities for public speaking, social media sharing and community organizing. And were very proud that they're already making a difference in the world: as conservation leaders, educators and ocean advocates. Supporting Teachers - Our Most Valued Partners At the heart of our education strategy is a focus on teachers, who can help define children's attitudes about science and influence a generation of students over the course of their careers. Weve designed professional development programs so teachers grow more comfortable and competent with science content, processes and teaching strategies - especially as they relate to the ocean, conservation and ecosystem-based learning. With the opening of our Bechtel Education Center, we'll take this work to a new level. Over the next five years, we expect to reach 6,000 teachers and educators. We'll help them increase their understanding of ocean science and conservation, STEM education and culturally-responsive practices to reach California's increasingly diverse student population. One example from 2018 is our ongoing partnership with Pajaro Valley Unified School District to support its environmental literacy campaign. We've created a summer teacher institute to help the district train elementary school teachers to lead the way in implementing science learning at their schools. These educators are developing ways to use their local environment as the context for science learning, in collaboration with environmental education field trip providers in the region. In its first year, we helped the district prepare 28 teachers on 16 campuses for this leadership role - and we're looking at creating similar partnerships with other school districts. Our teacher institutes are also creating a network of educators who can collaborate and share the approaches that work well in their classrooms. Two elementary school teachers who met through the institute, Rebecca Cihak from Rocklin in the Sacramento Valley and Karen Levy from Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula, have partnered on a multi-year field project, in which their students collect and compare water quality data from their two school sites. By investigating the links between their watersheds, the students are learning how inland communities are connected to coastal ones. We look forward to seeing more collaborations like this flourish among teacher institute participants in the future. A Deeper Dive for Visiting Students We welcomed another 80,000 schoolchildren for free programs at the Aquarium in 2018 and extended programs for homeschooled students to once a week throughout the school year. We have expanded the programs we'll offer when our Bechtel Education Center opens and welcomes its first students in 2019. Our new offerings will reach audiences in new ways - meeting the evolving needs of 21st century students and teachers. One program called Feathered Families for preschool and kindergarten students combines our Soaring with Seabirds exhibit with interactive experiences in our learning labs. We developed Design for the Ocean, a new program for middle-school students that evolved out of the maker movement. Starting in the summer of 2019, students with an interest in engineering will have access to technology and an Ocean Innovation Lab program so they can design and build physical objects that solve ocean-related problems. In the coming year, we will also pilot Teen Researchers, an exciting new program that will help high school students develop research skills through hands-on scientific explorations. Programs will take advantage of a video lab and sophisticated software in the Bechtel Education Center, allowing educators to interact with students using iPads in real time. The 200-gallon live animal aquarium tanks in our new classrooms will incorporate interactive technology that emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking and problem-based learning. Students will also be able to experience life from the perspective of marine wildlife using VR headsets and 360-degree video, and analyze data from a new rooftop weather station. Our programs provide young people with challenges and opportunities to help them learn who they are and what careers they may want to pursue. Theyll build their conservation identities, allowing them to see themselves both as individuals and as members of a broader community that cares for and acts on behalf of the environment. Going Global with Social Media Social media lets us expand our mission beyond our walls, engage millions of people and bring the ocean into homes around the world. It's a powerful and effective way to help people know more, care more and do more on behalf of the ocean. Our team creates and shares around 4,000 posts per year across popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Periscope. Instagram is popular among users 1834 years old, and they're a very engaged audience. Were using the platform's new "Stories" feature to share in-depth background about our work, peeks behind the scenes and stories about conservation, policy and biology. Live streams on Facebook, Periscope, Instagram and YouTube continue to be one of the most engaging ways to bring our mission into the digital space. Live streams of animals and staff at the Acquarium - as well as our "wild" streams featuring tidepools, king tides, red crabs and other occurrences in Monterey Bay - Attract thousands of viewers from around the world. Thousands of our social media followers responded to invitations to take conservation action in a number of ways: opposing a federal effort to expand offshore oil and gas drilling, supporting a California ballot measure to protect natural resources, and urging passage of California's first-in-the-nation "Straws On request" bill. Program Service Accomplishment Description Form 990, Part III Line 4c Conservation and Science: Conservation and Science costs of $12,930,045 represent expenses for marine policy and advocacy efforts, the Seafood Watch program and field research. Acting for the Ocean From the air we breathe to the seafood we eat, our very survival depends on a healthy ocean. Through scientific research, policy advocacy and market strategies, the Aquarium inspires people, from the public to politicians, to take action on some of the biggest threats to ocean health. Tackling a Whale of an Issue Ocean plastic pollution is an enormous problem, almost impossible to visualize. To raise awareness, we built an 82-foot-long blue whale made entirely out of plastic waste. The colorful creature represents the fact that every nine minutes, plastic trash weighing as much as Earths largest animal (about 300,000 pounds) makes its way to the ocean. The plastic blue whale was created by San Francisco Bay Area artists Joel Dean Stockdill and Yustina Salnikova, plus a crew and dozens of volunteers. The artists developed a custom recycling process, manually fabricating panels out of discarded plastic bottles. We installed the life-sized whale on San Franciscos Crissy Field, within sight of the Golden Gate Bridge. During its five months there, thousands of people took selfies with it, and our social media followers let us know that they loved our creative approach to explaining this planetary problem. Meow Wolf, a public benefit arts and entertainment group, eventually purchased the whale and installed it on the campus of Santa Fe Community College to continue raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution. Changing the Way We Think About Plastic Lets face it: plastic is everywhere. We eat and drink from it, make clothes from it and buy products wrapped in it. Scientists estimate that around 9 million tons of plastic makes its way from land to sea every year. Thats like dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. Even when we dispose of plastic properly, it can blow out of garbage and recycling cans or off hauling trucks to become pollution. Wind, storm drains and rivers can then carry it to the ocean, even from areas hundreds of miles inland. The average American throws away 270 pounds of plastic every year, creating a stream of waste that can escape into the natural environment. As that plastic pollution builds up - and breaks up - it's harming marine wildlife from turtles to seabirds. If we dont make changes, the rate of ocean plastic pollution could double in just six years. Manufacturers are ramping up plastic production around the world, but our ability to recycle isnt keeping up. In fact, less than 10 percent of all plastic ever made has been recovered and turned into new products. Better waste management is an important part of the solution, but its a bit like mopping a flooding bathroom while the faucet is still on full blast. We have to turn down the tap while we clean up the mess. That's why the Aquarium is encouraging people to use less plastic in the first place. We're championing practices and policies to reduce plastic waste across the United States, California and our own backyard, collaborating with diverse partners and working from a foundation of science. Reducing Plastic in the Aquarium's Hometown The city of Monterey, among others across California, is leading the way to cut back on unnecessary disposable plastic. Over the past decade it has limited the use of polystyrene foam, plastic shopping bags and most recently - with the Aquarium's support - disposable plastic utensils, coffee cup lids and take-out containers. This new law, which took effect on Earth Day 2019, is cutting waste and helping protect Monterey Bay from plastic pollution. Monterey's policy also eliminates plastic straws, with an important exemption for those who need them. For some people, a straw is assistive technology they depend on to eat and drink. That's why we reached out to advocates of people with disabilities, and worked together to shape an inclusive straw policy. California Cuts Back on Unnecessary Straws In September, Gov. Jerry Brown signed the state's "Straws on Request" bill into law, requiring dine-in restaurants to provide straws only when customers ask for them. This reduces plastic waste throughout California while still ensuring access for those who need straws. We helped get the bill over the finish line, endorsing it in Sacramento and inviting our supporters to speak up. Nearly 2,000 Aquarium visitors, members and social media followers urged their state legislators to support the bill. When Gov. Brown approved Straws On Request, he issued a rare signing message focused on the growing global production of plastic and its impacts on ocean health. "One thing is clear," he stated. "We must finds ways to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastic products." With momentum on our side, the Aquarium is now working with partners across the country to turn back the tide of plastic pollution. U.S. Aquariums Slow the Flow of Plastic In 2016, we co-founded the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, an alliance of 20 leading aquariums across the United States, to raise a collective voice for ocean and freshwater conservation. First, partner aquariums eliminated single-use plastic straws and shopping bags from their operations, and committed to significantly reduce plastic beverage bottles, too. Collectively, we have removed 5 million plastic straws from the waste stream, and are working with our vendors to find sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. Our aquarium partners are now using their leverage with consumers, businesses and decision-makers to reduce common sources of plastic pollution where they live. Through the Aquarium Conservation Partnership's "First Step" campaign, more than 160,000 consumers have pledged to reduce their plastic use, starting with straws, and over 600 local businesses have joined aquariums in changing their practices. By raising our voices for ocean and freshwater conservation, aquariums are building nationwide momentum for change. Taking Climate Action for the Ocean Climate change and ocean acidification are profoundly affecting ocean health and wildlife - and our own survival. Rising sea levels and intensifying storm events put coastal communities at increasing risk. Warmer, more acidic waters disrupt animal life cycles and the broader marine food web. Fortunately, the ocean is resilient and can recover if we take immediate action. The Aquarium is a part of an ambitious global climate movement. While the United Nations climate negotiations were taking place in December, Executive Director Julie Packard called on Americans to take action. "Major scientific reports all confirm that extreme weather events are getting worse as a result of man-made carbon pollution," Julie said in a video posted to social media. "But acting together with courage, we can protect our beautiful, blue living planet." Putting the ocean on the global climate change agenda We helped put the ocean front and center during an international climate gathering here in California. The Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, co-hosted by Gov. Jerry Brown, brought together investors, citizens, businesses and civic leaders from around the world to double down on their commitment to the Paris Agreement, the 2015 international climate change treaty. At first, the ocean-climate connection wasn't on the summit agenda - a glaring omission, given that the ocean is the heart of Earths climate system. Thanks to a push by the Aquarium team, along with our state and nonprofit partners, summit leaders added ocean health as a major theme. We also helped lead the development of a new "Ocean Climate Action Agenda" unveiled at the summit, a roadmap for ocean-centered climate action. Julie delivered opening remarks at the summits ocean plenary, followed by former Secretary of State John Kerry, who praised the Aquariums leadership on ocean conservation. In a separate event during the summit, Julie and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff urged high-profile business and civic leaders to lead the way toward a clean-energy future. Cultivating Ocean-Climate Leaders We work to inspire and cultivate climate leaders in California and beyond. In 2018, we organized high-profile events to honor todays climate champions and encourage others to step up. At our annual reception at Ocean Day California in Sacramento, we presented our 2018 California Ocean Champion Awards to Assemblymembers Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) and Mark Stone (D-Monterey). Garcia authored successful legislation to extend the states cap-and-trade program, keeping California on track to meet its ambitious 2030 climate goals. We honored Stone for his sustained commitment to protect Monterey Bay and act for ocean conservation throughout the state. Powering Up for Clean Energy The most important way to combat climate change, and reduce its harmf Family or Business Relationships Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 2: Julie Packard, Chris Scholin and Barbara Wright have a business relationship. Julie Packard and Meg Caldwell have a business relationship. Michael Mantell and Mark Wan have a business relationship. Form 990 Review Process Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 11A: The Form 990 is prepared by Grant Thornton LLP based on audited financial statements and with the assistance of the Aquarium's finance and accounting staff. The draft of the 990 is reviewed by the Controller, CFO, Secretary and Legal Counsel, and Executive Director with revisions incorporated as needed. Upon acceptance of the final version, the 990 is shared first with the Audit Committee for its review and then distributed to the full board prior to filing. Monitoring and Enforcement of Conflict of Interest Policy Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 12c: The Aquarium regularly and consistently monitors and enforces compliance with its conflict of interest policies. Trustees and officers Conflict of Interest Policy - The Executive Director's office assures that all disclosures forms (and mitigation plans, if applicable) have been received by January 31 of each year from all trustees and officers, prepares a summary of disclosures, and forwards the completed forms and the summary to the Aquarium's Conflicts Review Panel, consisting of the Executive Director, Legal Counsel, Chief Human Resources Officer, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Controller and Director of Finance. Trustees and officers also acknowledge receipt and understanding of the Aquariums COI Policy in conjunction with providing the annual disclosures. Following review by the Panel, the Panels findings and the disclosures are provided to the Board's Audit Committee, which reviews the disclosures and makes a report to the Board at its March Board meeting. Both the Panel and the Audit Committee annually evaluate the effectiveness of the process. The CFO and Controller assure appropriate reporting to the external auditors and tax filings preparer. Trustees and officers have a continuing duty to make additional disclosures throughout the year if warranted. Employees Code of Ethical Conduct Policy - The Chief Human Resources Officer forwards the Code, which includes a section on conflicts of interest, to all managers in early January each year, and assures that each manager responds that they have read it and are in compliance by January 31. Managers are also required to disclose any interests which could give rise to conflict, and to assure that any staff in their areas with interests which could give rise to conflict has done the same. Disclosures (and mitigation plans, if applicable) are reviewed by the Executive Director, Chief Human Resources Officer and CFO by March. This team also evaluates the effectiveness of the process. The CFO assures appropriate reporting to the external auditors and tax filings preparer. Employees have a continuing duty to make additional disclosures throughout the year if warranted. Process for Determining Compensation Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Lines 15: The Board of Trustees maintains a performance evaluation process for the Chief Executive Officer, referred to as the Executive Director, who is a member of the Board. The Boards Executive Compensation Committee, comprised of independent directors, reviews the CEO's performance with input from the other Board members, and recommends the compensation of the CEO to the Board. The Committee obtains and reviews market survey data from several independent organizations (in 2018 this was five national and regional firms, including one custom survey) containing data for comparable positions at comparable organizations. The Committee provides the performance review and comparable salary information to the Board and recommends the CEO's compensation. Based upon the performance review and comparable salary information, the independent members of the Board determine that the compensation is fair, just and reasonable and then approves total compensation for the CEO. The Board delegates to the Executive Compensation Committee the performance review and compensation approval of the Chief Financial Officer, who is not a member of the Board, and any other Officers or senior staff who are highly compensated. Based upon the performance review and comparable salary information, the Committee determines that the compensation is fair, just and reasonable and approves the Executive Director's recommendation of total compensation for the CFO and all other key employees. In each case, the review and approval is contemporaneously documented in the minutes of the Committee and the Board, respectively. Documents Made Available to the Public Form 990, Part VI, Section C, Line 19: The Aquarium makes its audited financial statements and Form 990 for the most recent three years available to the public by posting on its website. The conflicts of interest policy and governing documents are provided upon request within two business days. OTHER CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: UNREALIZED GAIN ON INTEREST IN CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST: 57,423 FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:OUTSIDE SERVICES TOTAL FEES:11509010 FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:OTHER FEES TOTAL FEES:1356711 Monterey Bay Aquarium Support Services 99 Pacific Street Monterey CA 93940 770569564 Property Mgmt CA 501(c)(3) 12-I MBAF true false false false false false false false false false false true false false true true false true false false MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM SUPPORT SERVICES k 140575 Recorded value