2018-11-14T16:19:51-06:00 2017-12-31 GRANT THORNTON LLP 101 CALIFORNIA STREET SUITE 2700 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94111 990 2017-01-01 942487469 Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation % JOHN DAVIS MONT 8316484800 886 Cannery Row Monterey CA 93940 TROY GRANDE CFO 8316484800 2018-11-09 true QI WEN LIANG P01270238 4159863900 2018-11-09 209.220.88.84 94336920183185000000 2018-11-14 P 8570B2D8046878F456576E706BB8FB99030C32C0 0D91463480E37AF7E768AC4EABC03A03FEB9B69B 2017 2019-02-21 02:37:17Z Julie Packard 886 Cannery Row Monterey CA 93940 167615054 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 193056 Middle East and North Africa Program Services Conferences 24061 Sub-Saharan Africa Program Services Conference & Shark Tag 11325 North America Program Services Conferences 30339 Europe (Including Iceland and Greenland) Program Services Conferences 110686 Central America and the Caribbean Program Services Conferences 2693 South America Program Services Conferences 1163 North America Grantmaking 37069 Central America and the Caribbean Investments 15587466 15997858 15997858 North America White Shark Research 11500 Wire 0 North America Migratory movement of rays 25569 Wire 0 2 true false true true false 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. Purposes of Grants Schedule F, Part II, column d Grant of $11,500 - MBA Grant to support juvenile white shark research in Sebastian Vizcaino Bay Grant of $25,569 - Migratory movement, Ecology & Conservation of Rays in Gulf of California X X X X X X X true Feldstein Co LLC 5757 West Century Blvd Suite 300 Los Angeles CA 90045 Consulting MARKETING false 0 63606 -63606 S D A Teleservices 400 N Michigan Ave Suite 1650 Chicago IL 60611 Telemarket false 249980 156000 93980 249980 219606 30374 CA true UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ 1156 HIGH ST205 HAHN STUDENT SVC BL SANTA CRUZ CA 950641077 941539563 115 20000 0 Modulid Rays MARINE MAMMAL CENTER 200 BUNKER ROAD FT CRONKHITE SAUSALITO CA 94965 043569744 501(c)(3) 30000 0 Necropsy/Pathology MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM RESEARCH INSTITUTE 7700 SANDHOLDT ROAD MOSS LANDING CA 95039 770150580 501(c)(3) 96425 0 Microplastics Research CA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH RESEARCH FOUNDATOIN6300 STATE UNIVE LONG BEACH CA 90815 931150363 115 27000 0 Juvenile White Shark Program UC DAVIS VETERINARY MEDICAL TEACHING HOSPITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES ANNEX 102 DAVIS CA 956165270 043569744 115 24065 0 Aquatic Animal Research and Medicine Fellowship MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM RESEARCH INSTITUTE 7700 SANDHOLDT ROAD MOSS LANDING CA 95039 770150580 501(c)(3) 85639 0 Research & Development of Cephalopods CITY OF MONTEREY REVENUE DIVISION735 PACIFIC ST ST MONTEREY CA 93940 115 62110 0 WAVE and Public Transp Contrib STANFORD UNIVERSITY LOCKBOXPO BOX 44253 SAN FRANCISCO CA 941444253 941156365 115 65000 0 White Shark Cafe Project 2017 STANFORD UNIVERSITY LOCKBOXPO BOX 44253 SAN FRANCISCO CA 941444253 941156365 115 192459 0 S Palumbi Shark Fin Identification Project 2017 MONTEREY BAY FISHERIES TRUST 256 FIGUEROA STREET 1 MONTEREY CA 939402478 471978379 501(c)(3) 40000 0 Fishing Conservation 8 0 SCHOLARSHIP 16 13850 0 FELLOWSHIP 1 25000 0 Procedures for Monitoring the Use of Grant Funds in the United States Schedule I, 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. X X true true X X X X X false false false false false false false false false Julie Packard Executive Director 305427 0 401 0 2039 0 27000 0 12017 0 346884 0 0 0 Troy A Grande CFO as of 3/20/2017 202211 0 10790 0 467 0 6231 0 20879 0 240578 0 0 0 Cynthia Vernon Chief Operating Officer 251919 0 9695 0 1820 0 25931 0 23891 0 313256 0 0 0 Cristina Fekeci Chief Development Officer 290462 0 5801 0 2248 0 27000 0 13280 0 338791 0 0 0 Marian Martha Hahn Chief Marketing Officer 208003 0 3290 0 438 0 20881 0 10894 0 243506 0 0 0 Margaret Spring VP Con & Sci Chief Cnsrv Off. 198485 0 3290 0 1281 0 20618 0 21731 0 245405 0 0 0 Teresa Jeanine Merry Chief Human Resources Officer 180123 0 9683 0 1585 0 19062 0 33297 0 243750 0 0 0 Charles Aslanian VP of Facility Operations 158572 0 790 0 945 0 16902 0 33064 0 210273 0 0 0 David Rosenberg VP of Guest Experience 155614 0 1790 0 190 0 15561 0 1341 0 174496 0 0 0 Kevin Kearns VP of Exhibitions 151425 0 790 0 191 0 7858 0 25281 0 185545 0 0 0 Anna Campisi Controller Director of Acctg 175328 0 13683 0 190 0 17533 0 1422 0 208156 0 0 0 Jennifer Dianto Kemmerly Dir,Global Fisheries&Aquacultr 173515 0 2469 0 699 0 17512 0 11426 0 205621 0 0 0 Nancy Enterline VP of Development 161669 0 790 0 620 0 17157 0 33285 0 213521 0 0 0 Randall Hamilton VP of Husbandry thru 11/1/2017 165296 0 0 0 794 0 16874 0 18662 0 201626 0 0 0 Diane Sena Dir Non-Aq Property Mgmt GM 157703 0 3290 0 827 0 16036 0 12352 0 190208 0 0 0 Mary C Mullen VP of Gift Planning 156590 0 790 0 1667 0 15945 0 13343 0 188335 0 0 Schedule J, Part I, Line 1a Gross-Up Payments and Health Club Dues: 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 2017 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). X 90 2462009 FMV X 16 28659 OPINION OF EXPERTS X STAINLESS STEEL SINK & COUNTERTOP ANIMAL CARE CTR 1 32420 OPINION OF EXPERTS false true false Organization's Mission Form 990, Part I, Line 1 and Form 990, Part III, line 1: The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the ocean. Unique among ocean conservation organizations, the Aquarium inspires 2 million visitors each year. We reach far beyond our walls as well, engaging 3.5 million followers through social media channels. The powerful impact of an Aquarium visit and the energy and engagement of our online audience contribute to the Aquariums growing stature as a trusted source of science-based conservation solutions. 2017 Highlights: - Beginning the expansion of our Animal Care Center to meet the growing needs of ocean animals at the Aquarium and in the wild. - Becoming the first in the world to culture the stunning and exceedingly fragile spotted comb jelly, and one of only a handful of aquariums to hatch and raise chambered nautilus behind the scenes. - Accepting the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conservation Award in recognition of the international scope and impact of our work to safeguard the ocean. - Creating a coalition of 22 U.S. aquariums that are changing their business practices and raising public awareness about the threats from plastic pollution to freshwater and ocean habitats. - Agreement by the international community, for the first time, to a science-based recovery plan for iconic and imperiled Pacific bluefin tuna, following years of work by the Aquarium and our allies. - Celebrating our volunteers - more than 9,200 individuals who have served 4 million hours since 1984 - the equivalent of more than 450 years of service. - Observing the 10th anniversary of our Watsonville Area Teens Conserving Habitats program, which engages local high school students with wetlands field research in their community. Program Service Accomplishment Description Form 990, Part III, Line 4a Marine Life Exhibition and Care: Marine life exhibition and care costs of $37,874,665 include the cost of operating and maintaining the Aquariums living exhibit galleries. Our Animal Care Center Takes Shape: Our new Juli Plant Grainger Animal Care Center, made possible through support from many of our members and donors, will help us better meet the growing needs of ocean animals we care for at the Aquarium and in the wild. The $7.3 million behind-the-scenes facility, which will be up and running in fall 2018, nearly triples the existing veterinary space, and includes a new laboratory and two new animal hospital wards. It also offers us opportunities to integrate veterinary care with research studies to help animals living in the wild. This is critical to our animal care and research work and will make a big difference for ocean animals. The expanded Center also allows us to: - Use cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and state-of-the-art veterinary technologies. - Address the specific needs of rescued animals like sea otters, as well as sea turtles and other animals that are likely to strand at a time of changing ocean conditions. - Provide formal training opportunities for veterinary students and graduates, especially those from underrepresented communities, to expand the field of conservation medicine. Selka Raises Her First Pup: Surrogate pup, shark-bite survivor, research sea otter...and now, surrogate mother: Selka, our newest exhibit sea otter, is also our newest caregiver for stranded pups - and successfully raised her first pup during the summer of 2017. Were the only facility in the world that rescues, treats and releases stranded southern sea otters - including pups that require specialized care through our unique surrogacy program that pairs our adult female exhibit otters with pups in need of maternal care. Our main priority is to see the wild population reach a sustainable number by understanding the threats sea otters face and promoting their recovery. Our decades-long commitment is making a difference. Nearly 60 percent of the otters in Elkhorn Slough are direct descendants of our Sea Otter Program, and are helping to restore this vital coastal wetland. We believe sea otters can have a similar impact in California waters outside their current range. Where the Wild Sharks Are: Thanks to advanced technologies in tagging and tracking white sharks, and rigorous analysis of their behaviors in the wild, weve made some amazing discoveries about where, when and possibly why they travel around the Eastern Pacific. Our years of research have contributed significantly to an understanding of this top ocean predator. More sophisticated tracking and camera tags now provide new details about the lives of juveniles and adults. With our colleagues in the United States and Mexico, we identified important nursery areas off southern California and Baja. Pinpointing these elusive areas is a big step for us and our partners, who have worked on this subject for decades. Weve begun using electronic tags with activity trackers (think Fitbit for sharks) to understand how frequently adults feed and the energetic demands associated with foraging, migrating and reproducing. Were also working with Intel on a camera that can do an underwater, full-body scan to precisely and accurately measure an adult white sharks length and girth - a task researchers now perform mostly by guesswork. Ocean Memory Lab: Our new Ocean Memory Lab is a time machine of sorts - and its already delivering results. Inside, our conservation research scientists use modern tools and a technique called compound-specific stable isotope analysis to study the tissues of long-dead sea creatures, many in the form of 19th century museum specimens. In the process, researchers are unlocking stored secrets about ocean dynamics dating back 100 years or more. Their data will help inform management decisions designed to maintain and restore the health of ocean ecosystems. The first results, published in February 2018, conclude that seabirds are eating lower on the food web today than in the past. Results were based on analysis of seabird feathers dating back 130 years. Soaring with Seabirds: Soaring with Seabirds is our newest family-oriented exhibit. The successor to Flippers, Flukes and Fun features educational, interactive and engaging opportunities to learn about these remarkable birds. This latest addition to our Open Sea wing helps young visitors discover how seabirds are uniquely adapted to life at sea, but still must return to land to hatch and raise their chicks. Three themed areas invite visitors to become acquainted with eight types of seabirds they might see in Monterey Bay. We hope theyll come away with a deeper appreciation for these amazing animals. New Exhibit Animals: We continued to bring new animals to our living exhibits in 2017, adding several species for visitors to enjoy and staff to study and care for. We introduced colorful pelagic red crabs as a way to share how periodic El Nio climate cycles warm up northern coastal waters. Behind the scenes, aquarists are culturing these crimson crustaceans from egg to adult. A stunning black-bellied plover joined the flock in our Aviary, which is also home to two young American avocets that we hatched and reared at the Aquarium as part of a Species Survival Plan in which we participate with colleagues nationwide through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Culturing Breakthroughs in Two Mysterious Species: Our aquarists achieved significant breakthroughs in culturing and raising two mesmerizing species - the spotted comb jelly and the chambered nautilus. Both are examples of the latest advances from our animal care team to understand the lifecycles of these mysterious animals. For the first time anywhere, our jelly team cultured and put on exhibit Leucothea pulchra - Latin for "beautiful sea goddess" - a creature described as "barely organized water" due to its fragility. To protect the easily broken beauties, the team had to move like sloths during cultivation and daily maintenance. Just wiping down the inside of their holding tanks required the slowest of motions; a task that would otherwise take only a couple minutes required 20. This team was also the first ever to decipher the difficult comb jelly lifecycle in 2016, then moved on to culture and exhibit other comb jellies - Mnemiopsis leidyi, Bolinopsis infundibulum and Pleurobrachia bachei. That experience primed them to culture the star of the phylum when we collected wild spotted comb jellies in Monterey Bay in December. We put them in a six-foot tall acrylic tube we designed specifically for ctenophore culture, and our jelly wizards worked their magic. In a few months, dozens were jetting about, and ready for their share of the spotlight. Hatching and raising chambered nautilus is also a rare feat, as only a handful of aquariums in the world have propagated this most primitive of cephalopods. Even fewer have succeeded at raising them beyond a few years. Our Tentacles team incubates the small leathery eggs behind the scenes, from which emerge blue-eyed hatchlings that otherwise are perfect miniatures of their parents and independent from day one. In caring for our first-ever chambered nautilus hatchlings, were trying new approaches that could someday take the rearing of this species beyond the point our colleagues have achieved, and lead to a breakthrough in raising and breeding these mysterious, shelled cephalopods. Program Service Accomplishment Description Form 990, Part III, Line 4b Education and Outreach: Education and Outreach costs of $11,085,998 include the cost of education programs for both teachers and students, and Aquarium Adventures programs to deepen guest experiences. Inspiring Future Ocean Leaders: One of our most important goals is to instill in young people a lifelong passion for science and the environment, and a commitment to caring for the natural world. Philanthropic donations let us offer transformational opportunities to thousands of students and teachers every year. Our New Center Takes Shape: We began construction on our new Bechtel Family Center for Ocean Education and Leadership. Our most ambitious endeavor since opening the Aquarium, the new Center will allow us to take our work with young people to the next level - inspiring future ocean leaders for generations to come. Were on track to open in 2019. Its been exciting to watch the building rise on Cannery Row as our construction crew completes more of the structure. The Centers location across from a public beach - and its unobstructed ocean views - will help build a deeper connection to the ocean among the students and teachers who participate in our programs. The Center will also accommodate innovative programming, with the technology to deliver multimedia content and distance learning. Its design is environmentally responsible and LEED certified. Innovating for Our Future: Our education team spent most of 2017 evaluating our current programs and researching new approaches, with the goal of incorporating the best ideas into the curriculum well offer when we open the doors of our Center to students and teachers in 2019. Our program development process ensures that we can launch a suite of fresh programs reflecting educational best practices and the needs of our audiences, all while maintaining the Aquariums renowned standard of excellence. Our team turned planning into a dynamic process of reflection and learning for everyone involved. They assessed our education programming from all angles. They looked at how well we convey key conservation content, aligned to educational standards, whether were reaching the most important audiences and whether we use the most effective teaching strategies. That process required our staff to visit other institutions, consult with our scientists and those at partner institutions, and engage with our community partners. Aquarium educators took what they learned and created new learning experiences to integrate into existing programs or to serve as the basis for dynamic new programming. These are now being tested and piloted to identify the most promising. On the horizon are new and revamped teen programs, new options for visiting school groups and new experiences for teachers. Supporting Teachers in Science Education: We are one of the only aquariums in the nation to provide professional development opportunities at no cost to teachers as well as students. From our beginning, its been a hallmark of our commitment to education. In 2017, we engaged teachers in firsthand explorations of ocean and wetland ecosystems during four Teacher Institutes. Over the course of several days, teachers conducted field investigations and met with scientific experts to learn how to integrate science and technology into their curriculum, and to deepen their understanding of marine science and ocean conservation. Teachers found ways to apply the principles of project-based learning and environmental exploration in their schoolyard or local neighborhood, regardless of whether their classrooms are located in a coastal region or an inland community. Once again, we offered our popular Ocean Plastic Pollution Summit for K-12 teachers, to provide them and their students with the knowledge and skills to help combat plastic pollution at their schools and in their communities. Many also took part in our annual Connecting Conservation and Technology Workshop. Teen Programs Enrich Young Lives: Inspiring teens to take action to protect the ocean is one of our top priorities. Some of them are now inspiring others in their communities, and beyond. Students in Young Women in Science increased their knowledge of marine science as well as their skills and belief that they can make a difference by taking action for the ocean. During the weeklong bilingual camp, more than 100 young women met with researchers, took part in scientific explorations, examined the lifecycle of sea otters and learned how humans impact ocean health. More than 100 Teen Conservation Leaders learned about marine science and conservation during an intensive two-week summer training, and as they volunteered at the Aquarium in various capacities. They worked alongside adult volunteers, building confidence and professionalism while gaining valuable workplace experience. Nearly 50 Student Oceanography Club participants learned about nearshore habitats during the yearlong program. Drawing on their new insights, the teens participated in a dune restoration project, met with scientists working in Elkhorn Slough, or picked up trash along the coastal recreation trail and recorded data on the type of debris they found. Students in our Watsonville Area Teens Conserving Habitats program carried out detailed studies of environmental conditions in their communities. With support of local scientists, 70 teens worked in teams to develop and implement field projects. They devised testable hypotheses, identified appropriate methods and tools, collected data and analyzed their findings. They concluded by presenting their findings to the public at the Aquarium and the Mello Center in Watsonville. Ocean Science Experiences for California Students: More than 80,000 schoolchildren, and 30,000 teachers and chaperones, visited the Aquarium on a free school field trip during the last academic year. Nearly half engaged in a facilitated program that strengthened their understanding of conservation and science, whether through a hands-on exploration of Monterey Bay and its amazing wildlife or a media-rich presentation of Aquarium inside stories. We engaged more than 1,500 preschool children from Monterey and Santa Cruz counties through our Splash Zone Head Start Discovery Program. As they and family members learned about the ocean at the Aquarium, the young children - many whove never visited the coast before - developed a sense of caring for marine life and habitats. Teen Program Celebrates 10 Years: What began 10 years ago as a summer program to introduce teens to the watershed habitats in their own backyard has become a model for community-based ocean conservation education - and has inspired hundreds of young people. Our Watsonville Area Teens Conserving Habitats (WATCH) program lets high school students engage in an in-depth exploration of ecosystems, in the field and in the lab. WATCH integrates academic learning, youth development and conservation outreach projects in a relevant and meaningful way that connects students with their neighbors and the ocean. Students earn community service hours required for graduation and are eligible for college scholarships from the Aquarium. The program is offered to students in three Pajaro Valley high schools. It begins in summer and extends throughout the school year. During the three-week summer program the students explore the Pajaro River Watershed, meet with local scientists and employ inquiry-based learning principles. During the school year, the same students develop their own projects based on an environmental topic. Since its inception, almost 400 students have participated in WATCH, and we have awarded over $207,000 in college scholarships to some of those teens to continue their education in science. These scholarships, and the program, reflect our commitment to help young people connect to the ocean and pursue their academic dreams. In August, we invited program alumni to a 10th anniversary celebration at the Aquarium. Over 150 students attended with family members - new babies, grandparents and other loved ones - to meet and reconnect with their peers and our staff and teachers. Program Service Accomplishment Description Form 990, Part III Line 4c Conservation and Science: Conservation and Science costs of $ $9,723,608 represent expenses for marine policy and advocacy efforts, the Seafood Watch program and field research. Taking Action for the Global Ocean: The Aquarium has become a respected advocate for the global ocean. Our expertise in science, policy, markets and public engagement helps us enlist new partners, take action and make a difference - in California, across the nation and around the world. Protecting National Monuments: The United States has led the way in creating marine sanctuaries and national monuments. In 2017, the Aquarium mobilized support to turn back a federal proposal that would open millions of now-protected acres to offshore oil and gas drilling. Our followers responded, decisively: nearly 10,000 individuals, scores of businesses, chef and restaurant partners, and zoo and aquarium colleagues nationwide spoke out. The fight continues, and well continue to defend much-needed protections for our blue parks. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Turns 25: When the Aquarium opened, we opened a window into the rich and diverse life of Monterey Bay. That awareness reached millions and sparked a movement that led to the creation of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 1992. Now, 25 years later, the bay is an international success story - a vibrant example of what can happen when we responsibly manage and protect our living ocean. Over the years, Aquarium members and donors have supported our work to create marine protected areas in California and beyond, and help us defend the sanctuary and other marine protected areas from proposals to scale them back or open coastal waters to offshore oil drilling. We continue to work to keep the bay healthy as part of an unmatched community of ocean research institutions. Our scientists study the sanctuarys marine life and ecosystems to inform management policies that we can apply here and elsewhere. Were tackling threats from plastic pollution and climate change. Through the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, were supporting sustainable local fisheries. Each year, nearly 2 million Aquarium visitors learn more of the bays story - and they too are stepping up to play their part for the ocean. Global Seafood & Aquaculture: As a sustainable seafood leader, weve worked for nearly 20 years to energize consumers, engage with businesses and drive change in the way seafood is caught and farmed internationally. In 2017, we launched an ambitious new partnership in Southeast Asia with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Secretary of State John Kerry. Together, well work with producers and governments to improve environmental sustainability of seafood production throughout the region. Working conditions of people who produce our seafood are equally important. With our partners Liberty Asia and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, we created a new tool that helps businesses identify the risk of slavery and other human rights abuses in their supply chains - and take steps to address these problems. From the United Nations to the UK and Japan, we were invited to share insights about fisheries policy and business leadership in sustainability. Seafood Watch Stats: - We have distributed 2.5 million Seafood Watch consumer guides to date. - 13,000 businesses partner with Seafood Watch. - 231 conservation partners advance our sustainable seafood initiatives. Elevating Ocean Issues: From Silicon Valley to the United Nations, we brought ocean issues to the fore. More and more, policymakers and the public seek our advice to shape a future in which ocean ecosystems can thrive. March for Science: On Earth Day 2017, we joined people around the world and stood up for the critical role science plays in protecting the health of the ocean. Aquarium staff marched in North America and in Europe, from Washington, DC, and San Francisco to Brussels and Amsterdam. We spoke in Monterey and Silicon Valley, and encouraged people to become citizen scientists. Even our resident African penguins joined in with a "March of the Penguins for Science," waddling through our galleries as a Facebook Live audience of 4.3 million cheered them on. UN Ocean Conference: In June, the United Nations hosted its first Ocean Conference - a global gathering focused on protecting the marine resources vital to human survival. Our expertise earned us invitations to speak on critical topics: seafood sustainability, plastic pollution and ocean acidification. At the conclusion of the conference, the 193 member nations unanimously adopted a call "to act decisively and urgently [for ocean health]." A Pacific Bluefin Tuna Victory: Years of work produced a breakthrough for Pacific bluefin tuna, and new hopes that they are now on a path to recovery. We mobilized our expertise in science, policy and fisheries to win international support for a promising new management plan for these wide-ranging ocean animals. Pacific bluefin tuna have been struggling for decades, as their numbers dropped below 3 percent of the level that existed before the onset of industrial-scale fishing after World War II. Now, with contributions from our science, policy and sustainable seafood teams, they may be on the road to recovery. Weve told the Pacific bluefin story for more than 20 years, as the first aquarium in North America to have them on exhibit - connecting tens of millions of visitors with these amazing animals. It took years of effort by our research and policy experts, working with allies around the world, before international fisheries bodies agreed in the fall of 2017 to support a science-based recovery plan that will bring these prized fish back to sustainable levels. It was "a historic moment for a remarkable species, which is so important to the ocean ecosystem and to coastal communities around the Pacific Rim," said Margaret Spring, Aquarium chief conservation officer. As a leading voice for science-based ocean conservation, weve long raised concerns when multi-national fisheries authorities ignored warnings about population declines, and failed to adhere to scientific advice about how to manage the recovery of Pacific bluefin tuna. In 2017, we published new research that underscored the need for a different approach, and we advised the United States at international negotiations on its management. We also extended our partnership with fisheries scientists from the National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries in Japan, tagging and tracking record numbers of bluefin tuna - nearly 2,000 juvenile and adult fish in 2017. In advance of key management meetings, we mobilized nearly 200 chefs on five continents who urged their governments to adopt a meaningful, science-based recovery plan. We also coordinated with former Secretary of State John Kerry to urge swift international action. Theres more to be done before Pacific bluefin tuna recovery is a success, and were staying engaged. Weve finalized plans for 2018 to tag tunas in all three regions where theyre found: Japan, the United States and Mexico, and New Zealand. We remain active in fisheries management bodies and well continue our work with culinary leaders. Tackling Ocean Plastic Pollution: Plastic pollution threatens ocean wildlife and ecosystems around the world. Its a priority issue for us. Our unique set of skills - in science, policy, markets, communications and public engagement - brings together all the elements that will move society away from single-use plastic and toward innovative alternatives. We reach millions of visitors through our exhibits and daily programs like the presentation with our Laysan albatross, Makana. We engage teachers and teens at our annual Ocean Plastic Pollution Summit. Were contributing to the science by documenting the impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, and advancing policy and market-based solutions here in California and across the nation. Working with colleagues at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, our science team is learning how ocean animals transport plastic particles through food webs. And were now leading a growing Aquarium Conservation Partnership that uses its collective voice to reach millions and support policies across the United States that reduce the flow of plastic into the ocean, lakes and rivers. In 2017, we launched a national #InOurHands campaign encouraging people to learn more, and to say no to single-use plastic. All 22 member aquariums stopped using disposable plastic straws and shopping bags, and pledged to phase out plastic beverage bottles by late 2020 - modeling business practices that others can follow. At the Aquarium, weve eliminated nearly all single-use plastic from our cafe and restaurant, and work with our gift shop vendors to reduce plastic packaging. Young people - like Aquarium Teen Conservation Leader Shelby ONeil - championed successful efforts to reduce single-use plastic. Shelby has enlisted more than 1,000 businesses, plus individuals and governments, to say no to plastic straws and take a No Straw November pledge. In Carmel, California, fifth grade students persuaded city officials to ban single-use plastic at city restaurants. Carmel joins Seattle, Santa Cruz, Malibu and Santa Cruz County in a growing movement to find ocean-friendly alternatives. Program Service Accomplishment Description Form 990, Part III, Line 4d Other program services of $18,686,421 represent the costs of activities to provide a high-quality experience for the 1.9 million people who visited the Aquarium in 2017. Included in this category are costs for marketing, guest services and membership services, as well as costs associated with foodservices and retail. Marketing includes costs associated with the creation, production and placement of advertising to build awareness about the opportunity to connect with marine life and ocean conservation through an Aquarium visit. An allocation of marketing costs is included in management and general expenses to represent the costs associated with soliciting admission revenue. Our digital, search-based advertising campaign continued to attract more visitors to the Aquarium and the destination. In 2017, this campaign created 271,000 additional room nights against our 2010 baseline. That translates into $63 million spent on lodging, $30 million on retail and $33 million on food & beverage - a total of $126 million in tourism spending and $12 million in tax revenue (sales tax & TOT). Most of our Hispanic attendance is from California, with the majority of visitors arriving from the San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno and local tri-county area (Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties), markets in which we advertise directly in Spanish language media. Hispanic visitors represented 22 percent of total paid Aquarium visitors in 2017. Our active and responsive presence on social media platforms allows visitors to remain connected with us, and us with them, once they leave the Aquarium. We ended 2017 with 3.5 million people around the world following and engaging with us on social media. In 2017 the Aquarium admitted more than 93,000 people in our community free of charge, including audiences visiting through our "Free to Learn," "Shelf to Shore,"Student Ocean Stewards" affordable access programs, and our annual "Community Open House." Membership households totaled 75,000. In addition to the essential processing and customer service functions, membership services hosts several member events each year including a Halloween dance party and holiday wine tasting event. Aquarium members also receive targeted monthly e-newsletters and Shorelines, the Aquariums member magazine, which we offer in print and online versions. Other Membership services include efforts to serve, retain and communicate with members about our conservation mission. The Aquariums overall outreach wouldnt have the impact it does without the dedication of our many volunteers, who do more than make the Aquarium better they make our work possible. For each staff member, we have two volunteers sharing their energy and enthusiasm for the ocean. In 2017, over 1,400 individuals volunteered over 162,000 hours of service in over 83 different work areas, notably in education and animal care. Our volunteer community hails from all over central and northern California - over 100 cities in all - and volunteers range in age from teenagers to folks in their 90s. 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 2017 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: $392,397 FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:OUTSIDE SERVICES TOTAL FEES:3767667 FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:OTHER FEES TOTAL FEES:6290599 Monterey Bay Aquarium Support Services 99 Pacific Street Monterey CA 93940 770569564 Property Mgmt CA 501(c)(3) 11-I MBAF true false false false false false false false false false false false false false true true false true false false