written and photographed by Mary L. Peachin
Dec 1996, Vol. 1 No. 3

Golden stalks of kelp sway in the current as lovable sea otters float on their backs in the surface wave. They are busily crunching oyster shells to feast on the tasty shellfish. Captivated visitors can admire this state of the art exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Virtuality distracts the viewer of the awareness of a glass barrier separating the kelp forest and playful otters in this magnificent underwater setting. The Aquarium, founded in 1984, is located in Cannery Row, a pier originally built and used by the sardine canning industry.