A Home in the Sea

by Renee Whitehouse (United States of America)

Making a local connection USA

On the cold, kelp-filled waters, the ocean waves assisted our south-bound paddling. We drifted down Cannery Row, around the aquarium building, and toward the bay full of seals where we were told not to pass. With the rocking of the waves I got slightly nervous while pulling out my phone to take pictures of otters and seals that popped up nearby. I didn’t want to drop it since it wasn’t waterproof. Nothing bad happened and thank goodness, but in places like that, sometimes it feels like nothing could go wrong. There just aren’t many places like that. Whenever you walk in, you instantly feel at home. Like the bar in Cheers, “you want to go where everybody knows your name”. Even when there is not a single person there you recognize, the place itself seems to welcome you. Different for everyone, but there's one place always brings me the instantaneous, welcoming feeling of home. I firmly believe that home is where the heart is, and as you travel the more places you find, the more places you can love, and the more homes you have. Since I was small my favorite has been Monterey Bay, specifically the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I love aquariums in general, in fact, every time I visit a new city I try to visit their local aquarium, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium is my favorite, none have measured up. It's the one I grew up with. Even though it goes through changes, it improves with the same spirit of sharing knowledge and protecting the ocean. I feel a connection to the sea, walking left into the 'Ocean's Edge' section I quickly become mesmerized by the swaying seaweed in the giant tank. When the divers jump in for feeding a crowd full of people gather. Swaying around towards the circular reef section, I say hello to the octopus, the same clever one that climbed out of its tank at night, snuck across the hallway, into another tank of fish for a midnight snack, and back. The smaller bubble-shaped tanks, gives the closest feeling to being in the water without scuba diving. Of course, I would rather be diving if given the choice, but kneeling in front of and putting your face next to the glass of a giant tank is the next best thing. While crossing to the other side there is always a crowd around the otters. It’s no wonder, they are adorable. Though it is more special, and a bit magical if you see them near you in the wild. Rent a couple of kayaks to see the bay from a different perspective. According to the MMPA (marine mammal protection act), people are not allowed within 50 ft of marine mammals, but if you’re in their environment you can’t do much to avoid them if they pop up next to you. In that case, just don't move until the animal leaves of its own volition. On the opposite side of the aquarium is the enormous 'Open Water' section. Walking into the entrance hall for this area other quote is placed on the far wall underneath a circular tank for everyone to see. Above, forever swimming in the same place, and in the same direction, are the sardines. Some may be adventurous enough to jump out of the line and swim the opposite direction, but it only lasts a short time and they always turn back around with the crowd. It’s hypnotic and a bit depressing, always trying to move forward, but never getting anywhere. Trying to be different, and eventually caving to the will of the crowd. Down the next hall multi colored jellyfish light the dark path to the largest tank containing large pelagic species. The mystic glow and the gentle pumping of the jellies add to the relaxing vibes leading to the deep blue waters in front of you. When the predators swim through the schools of fish it creates a whirl of silver. Meanwhile, rays and turtles reveal their underbellies to the angled glass overhead, and the yellow-finned tuna, dolphinfish, and sharks swim wherever they like with no fear. This place gives me a sense of belonging, this world is my sanctuary.