Hundreds of critically endangered giant sea bass, which are native to Southern California, are being released into the ocean near Long Beach after being bred in captivity, the Aquarium of the Pacific announced Thursday.
In 2016, the Aquarium of the Pacific became the first public aquarium to successfully hatch and raise a giant sea bass, which are “notoriously difficult to breed in an aquarium setting,” according to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
After this first success, the aquarium built partnerships with other aquariums, universities and government agencies who had been working with giant sea bass.
In the summer of 2019, Cal State Northridge shared giant sea bass eggs with the Aquarium of the Pacific and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and the two aquariums were able to successfully rear giant sea bass from the eggs, the Aquarium of the Pacific reported.
Half of the fish have been released into the ocean near Long Beach, and the second half will be released later. In total, several hundred fish will be released. The location of the release is confidential.
“The Aquarium of the Pacific is proud to directly contribute to enhancing wild populations of giant sea bass by investing in this critically endangered species’ culture and care,” said Vice President of Animal Husbandry Dr. Sandy Trautwein. “This iconic Southern California species is key to healthy kelp forest ecosystems and is a wonder to behold.”