In 1996 the Aquarium opened its doors on PIER 39 as Underwater World, re-opening in 2001 as Aquarium of the Bay. In 2009 the Aquarium became a nonprofit organization through partnering with The Bay Institute, a thirty-year old nonprofit organization that leverages scientific and environmental expertise to inspire California policy makers to legislate scientifically informed regulations for the Bay-Delta ecosystem. Since then we have worked for the Bay Area’s wild places and its people as The Bay Institute Aquarium Foundation (TBIAF), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit doing business as Aquarium of the Bay. TBIAF has embraced an entrepreneurial spirit, approaching our growth through the lens of our mission to protect, restore, and inspire conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed, from the Sierra to the sea.
TBIAF is committed to watershed literacy and sustainability, and the EcoCenter is a perfect fit with the work we already do to promote environmental awareness in the Bay Area. The Aquarium partners with The Bay Institute in its shared mission. TBIAF’s President and CEO, John Frawley, played a major role in the Aquariums’ transition from a commercial business to a fully accredited, successful marine nature center. Mr. Frawley acts on behalf of the Board of Directors, who shape and guide the Aquarium’s growth as a center for environmental education and inspiration. Our Board of Directors provides invaluable expertise regarding environmental policy-related issues. Collectively, the Board has over 50 years of mission-related experience. Board members also provide legal, financial, fundraising, and marketing acumen to our growing organization.
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