The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a collaboration between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation.

The City of Virginia Beach owns and maintains the Aquarium’s buildings and grounds, and provides administrative support for such services as accounting and human resources.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium’s collections, including its fish and animals, habitats, and interactive exhibits. The Foundation is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation, and scientific research efforts, as well as all of the Aquarium’s mission-related education programs.