Sea Research Foundation is one of the nation's most respected leaders in marine conservation, inspiring people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research, and exploration. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, a division of SRF, has an ever-changing exhibits program of marine mammals, sea life, deep-sea explorations and discoveries attracting approximately 750,000 visitors each year. Dr. Robert Ballard's Challenge of the Deep is the only exhibit space in the region dedicated to deep-sea exploration and archaeology. Telepresence technology allows children across the country the opportunity to be "virtual deep-sea explorers," accessing national underwater parks and current expeditions. SRF has made significant strides in marine science with research on beluga whales, seals, and sea lion populations in the wild and at the Aquarium. As a member of the Northeast Regional Stranding Network, SRF has rescued, rehabilitated, and released countless stranded marine mammals for more than 25 years.