Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Explore where the wonders of the ocean come alive! The mission of Birch Aquarium is to provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps Institution of Oceanography research, and to promote ocean conservation. Major Exhibits: Hall of Fishes : Features more than 60 tanks of Pacific fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. The largest habitat is a 70,000-gallon kelp forest. Shark Reef: 13,000-gallon tank devoted to shark species that inhabit tropical reef habitats, including whitetip and blacktip and reef sharks. Tide Pool Plaza: Features three living tide pools where visitors can touch and learn about inhabitants with docents.