The National Aquarium will cut 30 jobs at the start of 2027 as it faces rising operating expenses to maintain and improve its campus.

The cuts will come alongside a restructuring of the aquarium’s departments, changing some employees’ responsibilities and creating several new positions, according to a message from aquarium CEO and President Jennifer Driban that was posted last week.

“Materials, services, and utilities all cost more,” wrote Driban, adding that operating revenue growth hasn’t increased at the same pace.

Driban, a longtime aquarium employee, permanently took over as CEO at the end of June. John Racanelli, who previously held the position, stepped down in the fall of 2025.

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“Over 45 years, the National Aquarium has weathered natural disasters, a global pandemic, and major changes in our industry and our city,” Driban wrote. “As our world around us changes, we must evolve.”

Around 70% of the aquarium’s revenue comes from visitor experiences, like tickets, memberships and donations, according to the release. Unlike the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the National Aquarium receives no ongoing government funding.

Its revenue has struggled to keep pace with rising costs associated with maintaining the 45-year-old aquarium’s infrastructure. In 2025, it dealt with multiple power outages, including one that forced the building to close for five days.

The aquarium is a large driver of visitors to the Inner Harbor, bringing in approximately 1.2 million people per year, according to the release. An adult ticket to the aquarium is $49.95, while youth and senior tickets are $39.95.