how many aquariums are in the united states

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How Many Aquariums Are in the United States?

Aquariums are a popular attraction for people who are fascinated by marine life. They provide a lot of information about fish, their habitats, and life in the ocean. But how many aquariums are in the United States? This article will take a look at the number of aquariums in the United States, what kind of aquariums they are, and where you can find them.

Number of Aquariums in the United States

There are hundreds of aquariums in the United States, and each year, the numbers increase as various marine-related centers open their doors. But to answer the question accurately, as of 2021, there are around 250 aquariums in the United States. Out of these 250, around 30 are large and world-renowned, and the remaining ones are small, independent facilities.

Public versus Private Aquariums

Public aquariums are those that are owned and operated by the government, while private aquariums are owned and operated by individuals or corporations. Public aquariums are much more numerous than private ones. They are funded by local or federal government and require taxpayer funds to keep running. Private aquariums typically do not have the same level of oversight and generally focus on more specific marine life.

The Largest Aquariums in the United States

There are about 30 large aquariums in the United States. Here are just a few of the largest aquariums in the United States:

Georgia Aquarium - Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this is the largest aquarium in the United States, featuring over 100,000 creatures in around 6.3 million gallons of water. The iconic attraction is owned by the GEORGIA AQUARIUM INC.

Shedd Aquarium - It is said to be the best aquarium for families in the United States attracting millions of visitors every year. It is the largest indoor aquarium with a capacity of 5 million gallons of water. Visitors can experience the peaceful life of fish through the enclosed walkway.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - The aquarium features 35,000 plants and animals representing 550 species. Located in California, visitors can enjoy big exhibits like a kelp forest that is over 28 feet tall or 1.2 million-gallon tanned tank.

New England Aquarium – New England Aquarium is situated in Boston harbor and has over 20,000 marine animals, attracting all ages of visitors. Families can learn more about marine life through exhibits like touch tanks, penguin meet-and-greets, and a 200,00 gallon Giant Ocean Tank.

Seattle Aquarium - Located in Elliot Bay, the Seattle Aquarium has been educating its visitors for over 40 years. The Seattle Aquarium can house over 800,000 gallons of marine life, ranging from the Pacific Coral Reef exhibit to the Underwater Dome exhibit. The aquarium’s exhibits showcase the life beneath the chilly waters of the Northern Pacific Ocean, including over 120 species of fish and invertebrates, including sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters.

Small Aquariums in the United States

Small aquariums are usually found in regional or smaller towns. Their exhibits cover marine life, local rivers, lakes, aquarium plants, and also historical sites, with interactive learning methods for families. Some of the popular small aquariums include the National Building Museum, Oregon Coast Aquarium, MarineLab, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, and Mote Marine Laboratory, and Aquarium, among others.

Conclusion

Aquariums offer a great experience to visitors of all ages, from young children to adults. They give people a better appreciation of marine life and the importance of conservation efforts. While there are only a few large aquariums in the United States, hundreds of smaller aquariums offer similar and often unique experiences. Whether you are traveling or staying close to home, you can enjoy the underwater world at one of the many aquariums in the United States.