Media Inquiries

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Media & Marketing Inquiries

Our media relations team is eager to connect you with Birch Aquarium’s animals, exhibits, experts, high-resolution images, and story ideas. Please let us know how we can help.

Media Admissions Policy   Submit Request   Media on Assignment 

Primary Contact

Beth Chee
Director of Marketing, Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Phone: 858-534-8555   Fax: 858-534-7114
bchee@ucsd.edu

Birch Aquarium Mailing Address
9500 Gilman Drive, 0207
La Jolla, California 92093-0207

Scripps Institution of Oceanography Media Inquiries

Scripps Communications Office
Phone: 858-534-3624   Fax: 858-534-5306
scrippsnews@ucsd.edu or birchaqmnews@ucsd.edu


Media Admissions Policy

The media admissions policy for Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography enables working media to become familiar with the aquarium while, at the same time, enjoying a day with friends or family. This courtesy is extended to active members of the news media only, not including administration, sales or retired personnel. 

A maximum of four complimentary tickets are available to working media each year in the following categories:

Print Media

Publishers, editors, reporters, writers and photographers

Broadcast Media

News directors, assignment editors, producers (news/features), on-air personnel (anchors/hosts/DJs/reporters) and videographers/photographers

Freelance Media

Complimentary admission is provided to freelance writers and producers with written confirmation from the assigning news outlet

Online News Media

Publishers, editors, reporters, writers and photographers with established online news media outlets will be regarded as print media

Bloggers

Requests from bloggers will be reviewed on a case by case basis as they relate to appropriate demographic coverage. Please submit readership numbers with your request. Bloggers must cover the following topics to be considered:

  • Family Travel
  • Parenting
  • Ocean Science and/or the Environment 
  • Education
  • Special events

Submitting your Request

Please e-mail your request to birchaqmnews@ucsd.edu at least five business days before your visit. Last-minute requests cannot be guaranteed.

Because of COVID-19, we are limited in the number of guests admitted to the aquarium each day. We cannot always accommodate requests, especially on weekends. 

Please provide your: 

  • Name:
  • Title:
  • Organization:
  • Blog Readership Information (if appropriate):
  • Date of Visit:
  • Time of Visit*: 
  • Number of Tickets Requested (up to 4):
  • Are you bringing children? If so, how many?
  • E-Mail:
  • Phone Number:
  • Mailing Address: 
  • Is this your first visit to Birch Aquarium? 
  • Would you like to be added to our media list?

Please contact us at 858-534-8555 if you have not received confirmation two business days prior to your visit.

*In the event that the requested time slot is full, your tickets will be generated for the closest available time slot. 


Media on Assignment

News media on assignment must request interviews and photo sessions in advance through the Marketing Department. This will ensure that the appropriate aquarium spokesperson is available at the time of your visit. 

All media on assignment must check in at Guest Services and be escorted during their visit. Family members and friends will not be permitted to accompany media on assignment without prior approval.

Please e-mail interview and photo requests to birchaqmnews@ucsd.edu at least five business days before your visit. We will do our best to accommodate requests on short notice.