Your opinion is important so get involved! Public input will be accepted until late Fall 2009.
The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) directs the state to reevaluate and redesign California’s system of marine protected areas (MPAs) to: increase coherence and effectiveness in protecting the state's marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems subject to minimal human disturbance. The MLPA also requires that the best readily available science be used in the redesign process, as well as the advice and assistance of scientists, resource managers, experts, stakeholders and members of the public.
Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthurThe Care Center rehabilitates and releases injured seals and sea lions found from Ventura to Orange County. The Center for Marine Studies provides activities on marine and environmental sciences for students and is part of Los Angeles Unified School District. Accommodations available for individuals with special needs. Resources: One-hour marine mammal rehabilitation tours; two-hour session tour and laboratory activity; specialized courses for students of San Pedro High School, science series lessons for elementary students, enrichment lessons for Biology and Environmental Science students, and professional development for teachers.
Marine Fish Conservation NetworkA coalition of over 150 national and regional environmental organizations, commercial and recreational fishing groups, aquariums, and marine science groups dedicated to conserving marine fish and to promoting their long term sustainability. Resources: Publications, reports, "fish of the month," action alerts.
Monterey Bay AquariumResources: Classes for school groups, field programs, outreach to school site, public programs, Seafood Watch (http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp), student materials, teacher resources, gift shop/curriculum available, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Montrose Settlements Restoration ProgramGovernment collaboration restoring natural resources impacted by the Palos Verdes Shelf/DDT superfund site off White Point. Public involvement in reviewing draft restoration plans and information about the nature of the contamination of our offshore environment. Lead trustee agency is NOAA.
National Marine Educators AssociationProfessional membership organization to network those who educate about the world of water.
The Bridge provides links to many resources including: "Scuttlebutt" listserv, technical links, research information, field programs, public programs, student materials, teacher resources, teacher workshops.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationDeep trove of marine education resources across many agencies including remote sensing, weather, coastal, deep sea and oceanographic sciences: Student materials, teacher resources. Links for teachers, students and cool resources about the ocean for everyone. The Coastal Services Center provides detailed technical information.
Ocean ConservancySince 1972, the Center for Marine Conservation (now the Ocean Conservancy) has worked to protect marine life in its abundance and diversity including prevention of pollution, protection of marine mammals, creation of sanctuaries, and more. Resources: Information/activity packages geared for teachers, adults and children.
Ocean Institute of Orange CountyResources include: Classes for school groups, field programs, public programs, student materials, teacher resources, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities.
The Ocean ProjectWorks with and through an international network of over 500 partner aquariums, zoos, museums, nature centers, and conservation organizations to create an understanding among their visitors and members of the significance of the oceans and the role each person plays in conserving our ocean planet for the future. By effectively reaching the key staff and volunteers at our partner institutions, we in turn can help reach their 200 million annual visitors and members, in all 50 states and 45 countries around the world, to stimulate a lasting, measurable, and meaningful respect for our ocean planet.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural HistoryThe museum promotes an understanding of nature and indigenous peoples, especially the environment and Indian cultures of California's central coast. T hey seek to increase awareness of the processes and pressures affecting ecosystems worldwide. Resources: Curriculum guides on marine life, Los Marineros Curriculum, exhibits, variety of programs.
Santa Monica Bay Restoration CommissionThe Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project (now The Bay Commission) was formed in 1988 under the National Estuary Program in response to the crucial problems of the Bay. The SMBRP is charged with the responsibility of assessing the Bay's problems, developing solutions, and putting them into action. Provided funding for developing this previsit guide. Resources: Public summary of the Bay Restoration Plan, posters, brochures and newsletters.
Santa Monica Pier AquariumA marine science learning center run by Heal the Bay serving K-12 classes from schools in the greater LA area. Resources: Education programs for students as well as members of the public.
Save Our BeachA non-profit organization dedicated to improving the water quality along the Southern California coastline that conducts a monthly beach cleanup in Seal Beach. Resources: A list of monthly beach and riverbed cleanups in Orange County, Long Beach and parts of Los Angeles that you are invited to take part in.
The SEA LabA hands-on coastal science education center that offers free and low cost programs for explorers of all ages. Resources: Field opportunities, classes for school groups, outreach to school site, teacher workshops, volunteer opportunities.
Seafood WatchCabrillo Marine Aquarium is a collaborator in this project of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This program informs consumers about the environmental impacts of the seafood choices they make. Resources: Extensive website with background on seafood sources, a
pocket-sized card to print out and carry with you when you shop.
Sea WorldResources: Classes for school groups, outreach to school site, public programs, student materials, teacher resources, gift shop/curriculum available, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities. Assembly programs available in some areas.
Stephen Birch Aquarium/Scripps Institute of OceanographyResources: Public aquarium, classes for school groups, outreach to school site, public programs, student materials, teacher resources, gift shop/curriculum available, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Southern California Marine InstituteResources: Field opportunities, boat trips, classes for school groups, outreach to school site, teacher workshops.
Surfrider FoundationA national non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection, preservation, and restoration of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches through conservation, activism, research, and education (C.A.R.E.). Resources: Assembly programs available in some areas, local chapters along the coast, volunteer water monitoring.
Thankyouocean.orgYour California portal to the ocean. A Project of the Ocean Communicators Alliance, provides learning opportunities, ways to connect to the ocean and protect it. Offers bi-weekly podcasts where listeners learn about ocean activities and recreation, surfing, fishing, boating, and the many ways we all can thank the ocean through conservation and stewardship.
Tide predictions from NOAAThere are many online resources for current tide predictions, your local newspaper may have a section detailing the next couple of days and there are many links for predictions (e.g.,
Tide predictor from the University of South Carolina).
Ty Warner Sea CenterA satellite of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History; promotes an appreciation and understanding of the Santa Barbara Channel, specifically the Channel Island Marine Sanctuary. Resources: On-site classes, curriculum guides, tours, and summer programs and presentations.
Upper Newport Bay Naturalists and FriendsUpper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and Interpretive Center. Resources: Field opportunities, classes for school groups, public programs, student materials, teacher resources, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceResources: Outreach to school sites, student materials, teacher resources, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities.
USC Sea Grant ProgramResources: Student materials, teacher resources and workshops,
Island Explorers Marine Science ProgramWest Coast Governors Agreement on Ocean HealthResources: E-mail list for updates, documents and public comments pertaining to legislation and efforts by Oregon, Washington and California to protect our ocean.
Wrigley Center for Environmental StudiesLocated on Catalina Island. Resources: Field opportunities, classes for school groups, curriculum, public programs, teacher resources.
