Aquarium Calendar of Events

Fri, Aug 29 2008
Ahoy, matey! Walk the plank into the aquarium and join this high-seas overnight adventure where you and your family will discover a bounty of marine treasures. Explore the aquarium and learn ways to save the seas and become a sea-friendly pirate. Each pirate will receive an evening snack, breakfast, and a souvenir treasure bag (pillowcase).

Sun, Aug 31 2008
Dare to swim with schooling leopard sharks, smoothhound sharks, and guitarfish while enjoying the mild surf and gently sloping beach of La Jolla Shores and the adjacent rocky reef. See rays, flatfish, sand dwelling invertebrates, and coastal sea life with Scripps naturalists. Intermediate swimming ability is required and previous snorkeling experience is recommended. Participants will meet naturalists at an off site location and must supply their own gear. Ages 10 and up (ages 10 to 13 must be accompanied by a paid adult)

Mon, Sep 08 2008
Edward Parnell, Ph.D.
The global catch of wild fish has recently plateaued and many of the world's fisheries are presently fished at or over capacity. Marine Protected areas (MPAs) are areas in the ocean that are afforded some level of protection from fishing and/or pollution. Edward Parnell, a marine ecologist at Scripps, will speak about the science of MPAs and preliminary results from large MPAs around the Channel Islands off Santa Barbara, as well as his own work in waters off San Diego.

Fri, Sep 12 2008
Walk the length of the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier with a Scripps naturalist during the full moon. Though this La Jolla landmark is usually closed to the public, participants will learn about the history of the pier and current research projects while collecting plankton and discovering marine life below and beyond the pier. Ages 9-adult (9-13 with paid adult)

Sat, Sep 13 2008
Join an experienced naturalist on a kayaking adventure to discover the wonders of the La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area. In partnership with Ocean Enterprises Express (OEX) in La Jolla Shores, kayakers will begin the trip at the La Jolla Interpretive Ecological Map to learn about the amazing history, culture, and ecology that makes La Jolla Shores and Cove a local jewel. Get current on Scripps research and learn about science discoveries as you kayak in the reserve with your guides. Along the way view soaring birds, basking seals, and fish swimming below your kayak. This is sure to be an adventure your whole family will enjoy. Ages 10-adult (10-13 with paid adult) RSVP with OEX: 858/454-6195

Sat, Sep 13 2008
Walk the length of the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier with a Scripps naturalist during the full moon. Though this La Jolla landmark is usually closed to the public, participants will learn about the history of the pier and current research projects while collecting plankton and discovering marine life below and beyond the pier. Ages 9-adult (9-13 with paid adult)

Sun, Sep 14 2008
Dare to swim with schooling leopard sharks, smoothhound sharks, and guitarfish while enjoying the mild surf and gently sloping beach of La Jolla Shores and the adjacent rocky reef. See rays, flatfish, sand-dwelling invertebrates, and coastal sea life with Scripps naturalists. Intermediate swimming ability is required and previous snorkeling experience is recommended. Participants will meet naturalists at an off site location and must supply their own gear. Ages 10-adult (10-13 with paid adult)

Wed, Sep 17 2008
"Sassy. Sophisticated." Meet Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles, a country-pop-rock sensation that hails from Boston. They will be playing their thrilling, eclectic collection. Experience live music with stunning ocean views at Birch Aquarium at Scripps this summer. This season's Green Flash Concert lineup includes music from Latin to country-rock. Enjoy happy hour appetizers, craft beers and wines provided for purchase by Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery. All aquarium exhibits are open for viewing. Prices: Aquarium Members: $15 per concert ($65 season rate) Public: $20 per concert ($90 season rate) Walk-in Admission: $25 per concert Season rate includes all five concerts.

Sat, Sep 20 2008
Kick off a new school year with a "schooling" fish celebration at the aquarium. Learn why some fishes school to feed, find mates, and survive in the ocean. Make a schooling fish craft, join us for story hour, and observe fish schooling action in the aquarium. Come learn how to "school" from our expert fishes! Free with paid admission.

Sat, Sep 20 2008
Join an experienced naturalist on a kayaking adventure to discover the wonders of the La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area. In partnership with Ocean Enterprises Express (OEX) in La Jolla Shores, kayakers will begin the trip at the La Jolla Interpretive Ecological Map to learn about the amazing history, culture, and ecology that makes La Jolla Shores and Cove a local jewel. Get current on Scripps research and learn about science discoveries as you kayak in the reserve with your guides. Along the way view soaring birds, basking seals, and fish swimming below your kayak. This is sure to be an adventure your whole family will enjoy. Ages 10-adult (10-13 with paid adult) RSVP with OEX: 858/454-6195

Sun, Sep 21 2008
Dare to swim with schooling leopard sharks, smoothhound sharks, and guitarfish while enjoying the mild surf and gently sloping beach of La Jolla Shores and the adjacent rocky reef. See rays, flatfish, sand-dwelling invertebrates, and coastal sea life with Scripps naturalists. Intermediate swimming ability is required and previous snorkeling experience is recommended. Participants will meet naturalists at an off site location and must supply their own gear. Ages 10-adult (10-13 with paid adult)

Sat, Sep 27 2008
Join an experienced naturalist on a kayaking adventure to discover the wonders of the La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area. In partnership with Ocean Enterprises Express (OEX) in La Jolla Shores, kayakers will begin the trip at the La Jolla Interpretive Ecological Map to learn about the amazing history, culture, and ecology that makes La Jolla Shores and Cove a local jewel. Get current on Scripps research and learn about science discoveries as you kayak in the reserve with your guides. Along the way view soaring birds, basking seals, and fish swimming below your kayak. This is sure to be an adventure your whole family will enjoy. Ages 10-adult (10-13 with paid adult) RSVP with OEX: 858/454-6195

Sun, Sep 28 2008
Birch Aquarium staff and fishes want to thank our fish foster "parents" for supporting the Adopt-–A–Fish program. Enjoy light refreshments in this exclusive celebration and meet other Adopt–A–Fish parents. Learn more about behind–the–scenes care in a special presentation by an aquarist. Take part in guided tours that will highlight unique features about all the animals up for adoption. Enter to win raffles with great ocean–themed prizes.

Did you know? Birch Aquarium has more than 5,000 mouths to feed—from the giant sea bass to the smallest jelly polyps. The aquarists work 365 days a year to maintain water quality, control disease, and provide specialized care. Each of the 380 marine species has its own particular needs and dietary requirements. By adopting a fish today, you too can be part of the team that provides essential care to these special ocean inhabitants.

Save the date! An e–vite is coming soon. For more information about this event or the Adopt–A–Fish program, please Email adoptafish@ucsd.edu

Sat, Oct 04 2008
Join an experienced naturalist on a kayaking adventure to discover the wonders of the La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area. In partnership with Ocean Enterprises Express (OEX) in La Jolla Shores, kayakers will begin the trip at the La Jolla Interpretive Ecological Map to learn about the amazing history, culture, and ecology that makes La Jolla Shores and Cove a local jewel. Get current on Scripps research and learn about science discoveries as you kayak in the reserve with your guides. Along the way view soaring birds, basking seals, and fish swimming below your kayak. This is sure to be an adventure your whole family will enjoy. Ages 10-adult (10-13 with paid adult) RSVP with OEX: 858/454-6195

Sat, Oct 11 2008
Join an experienced naturalist on a kayaking adventure to discover the wonders of the La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area. In partnership with Ocean Enterprises Express (OEX) in La Jolla Shores, kayakers will begin the trip at the La Jolla Interpretive Ecological Map to learn about the amazing history, culture, and ecology that makes La Jolla Shores and Cove a local jewel. Get current on Scripps research and learn about science discoveries as you kayak in the reserve with your guides. Along the way view soaring birds, basking seals, and fish swimming below your kayak. This is sure to be an adventure your whole family will enjoy. Ages 10-adult (10-13 with paid adult) RSVP with OEX: 858/454-6195

Mon, Oct 13 2008
Phillip Hastings, Ph.D.
Natural history collections are the basis of our knowledge of biodiversity patterns. Together with studies of the life history of individual species, they play a critical role in identification of habitats and regions of special concern to conservation biology. Join Phillip Hastings, curator of the Marine Vertebrate Collection at Scripps, as he describes his research on fishes of the Gulf of Calfornia and southern California. Learn how this type of research is essential for guiding conservation efforts aimed at protecting marine fisheries and ecosystems.

Tue, Oct 14 2008
Walk the length of the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier with a Scripps naturalist during the full moon. Though this La Jolla landmark is usually closed to the public, participants will learn about the history of the pier and current research projects while collecting plankton and discovering marine life below and beyond the pier. Ages 9-adult (9-13 with paid adult)

Sat, Oct 18 2008
Celebrate the weird and wonderful creatures that live in the depths of the ocean. Meet marine life from way down deepanimals that glow, make slime, and slither in the dark. Create your own anglerfish craft and meet Scripps scientists who study unusual marine life from extreme environments.

Fri, Oct 24 2008
Enjoy three nights of science gone awry as you encounter creeps from the deep and experiments with wacky, mad scientists. Explore the aquarium for tricky-treats, slimy encounters, spooky activities, and monstrous live music. Be sure to wrap your hands and minds around the horrors of life without water in the new exploration courtyard. Put your knowledge and skills to the test in the maze of haunted activities.

Come dressed to impress the costume judges as prizes will be awarded for best marine-themed, family-themed and most creative costumes each night of Haunted Birch Aquarium.

Sat, Oct 25 2008
Enjoy three nights of science gone awry as you encounter creeps from the deep and experiments with wacky, mad scientists. Explore the aquarium for tricky-treats, slimy encounters, spooky activities, and monstrous live music. Be sure to wrap your hands and minds around the horrors of life without water in the new exploration courtyard. Put your knowledge and skills to the test in the maze of haunted activities.

Come dressed to impress the costume judges as prizes will be awarded for best marine-themed, family-themed and most creative costumes each night of Haunted Birch Aquarium.

Sun, Oct 26 2008
Enjoy three nights of science gone awry as you encounter creeps from the deep and experiments with wacky, mad scientists. Explore the aquarium for tricky-treats, slimy encounters, spooky activities, and monstrous live music. Be sure to wrap your hands and minds around the horrors of life without water in the new exploration courtyard. Put your knowledge and skills to the test in the maze of haunted activities.

Come dressed to impress the costume judges as prizes will be awarded for best marine-themed, family-themed and most creative costumes each night of Haunted Birch Aquarium.

Mon, Nov 10 2008
Russell Moll, Ph.D.
The development of networks of marine protected areas is a complex mixture of science and politics that engages numerous stakeholders. While all of us recognize the importance and benefit of creating marine protected areas, it is often a challenge to come to an agreement on where to place them. Join Russell Moll, director of California Sea Grant, as he explains the intricate processes at the state, national, and international level for the creation of networks of marine protected areas and the steps taken to see if these networks are achieving the desired outcomes.

Thu, Nov 13 2008
This is the optimal season for tidepooling as minus tides reveal wider beaches and tide pools teeming with life. Tide pools will be explored by aquarium naturalists, who will carefully guide participants into fragile tide-pool communities and highlight the inhabitants. Hospital Point, La Jolla.

Sat, Nov 15 2008
Discover the many ways that people and ocean animals depend on an amazing seaweed called kelp. Meet Scripps scientists and learn about current kelp forest research discoveries. Experience an interactive Kelp Tank Dive Show, and get your hands slimy with real kelp.