continued, from page 23 Kasarjian is supported by a small but knowledgeable staff of marine biologists. Emily Sampson, director of husbandry, is a U.C. San Diego graduate. Aquarium Manager, Taylor Bodine, went to Cooks University, Australia, and Program Director, Travis Norton, graduated from Cal Poly. Strong partnerships and board representation comes from Cal Poly and the community at large. “Adding educational aquarium tanks to the first floor has become a perfect teaching tool for the visiting school groups,” Kasarjian said. In 2010, the organization opened to the public on weekends optimizing visitor growth in 2013 from 3,600 visitors to 13,000 visitors per year and 25,000 by 2015. “Public interest in marine education continues to grow and we’re busting out of our seams in Avila. When the City of Morro Bay posted a MOU [memorandum of understanding], to build a new site where the Morro Bay Aquarium currently leases, we saw an opportunity to expand. It’s a major investment.” Kasajian noted they recently spent $50,000 for a new tank
24
REVEAL the central coast of california
filtration system. “But with 200,000 Morro Bay Aquarium visitors each year, if we capture only a percentage, we believe we will increase our public outreach and be able to expand the education programs we have developed over 20 years. We also hope to preserve the legacy created by the Tyler Family, the current owners.” The lease for the Morro Bay Aquarium expires in September 2018. CCA has applied for and received preliminary approval for a $20 million USDA loan, however, a feasibility study must be completed before final approval and funding. Kasarjian added, “We’ve raised $20,000 of the $40,000 we need. If anyone is interested in donating to the feasibility study fund for a new aquarium in Morro Bay email me at: tara@ centralcoastaquarium.com.” Freelance writer, columnist and author, Judy Salamacha can be reached at: judysalamacha@gmail.com or call (805) 8011422. Her Then & Now column is a regular feature of Simply Clear Marketing & Media.