Welcome to one of the most unique aquariums on Earth - the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium is a modern marvel, a place where the ocean literally flows through the walls and sustains more than 35,000 animals and plants in presentations of complete habitats. Each of the animals here has a story to tell - from the anemones, which scientists suspect can live forever, to the jellyfish, bred and studied at the aquarium's "jelly farm." But of all the animals to be seen here, of all the stories to be told, there is one animal in particular whose presence is drawing world-wide attention - a great white shark. The great white has long been the Holy Grail of the aquarium world, but no one has succeeded in keeping one alive in captivity for more than 16 days, despite more than 50 years of trying. Can the Monterey Bay Aquarium be the first to discover how? And if so, for how long?

Oceans in Glass is also a fun exploration of how the aquarium creates its virtual worlds and cares for its marine residents. What are the secrets behind its stunning displays? And in addition to the work inside the aquarium, the film will also take viewers to the front lines of the aquarium's conservation research. California's sea otters, once rescued from the brink of extinction, may be in trouble again. What could be plaguing these charismatic creatures? What can we learn from tuna that might help us to protect them? And what important lessons can be learned from a guest great white shark? Spending an hour with this remarkable cast of creatures from the sea will change the way you think about aquariums - and about life in the ocean.