The Marine Life Protection Act directed the state to 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. These areas, like parks on land, protect underwater marine resources for future generations to enjoy.
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Digital Fish Library at the University of California San Diego explores the diverse morphology of fish using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
EcoplatesScenic environmental license plates to benefit the preservation, protection and restoration of California’s natural treasures.
El Dorado Nature CenterLong Beach, CA. Resources include: Classes for school groups, field programs, outreach to school site, public programs, student materials, teacher resources, gift shop/curriculum available, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Environmentalscience.orgOnline
resource dedicated to being the most reliable and expansive advocate
for environmental science education and careers. Over half a million
visitors come to the site each month looking for information on STEM
education and careers. All content is freely available without
registration and written by environmental science experts.
Fish Contamination Education InformationGovernment/Community Collaboration. Resources include: Scientific and public health information on local fish and seafood contamination, including the Palos Verdes Shelf/DDT superfund site and public advisories.
Grunion.orgPepperdine University. Resources include: Scientific and volunteer research on grunion fish, training workshops to be "grunion greeters," data collection, video, bibliography.
Heal the BaySanta Monica, CA. A non-profit advocacy group working for a safe and healthy Santa Monica Bay using research, education, community action, and policy programs to achieve this goal. Resources: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, literature available, information on storm drain stenciling, Stream Team and beach clean-ups. Key to the Sea Program for schools through local marine education collaborators including Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
Inside the OutdoorsOrange County Department of Education. Resources: Field programs and outreach to school sites.
Jet Propulsion LaboratorySpace-based oceanographic and earth sensing resources including: Student materials, teacher resources and outreach to school sites.
Kidsafe Seafood ProgramThe Kidsafe Seafood campaign is a collaboration of chefs, pediatricians and sustainable food experts that helps parents make good seafood choices for their children. The campaign features a Best Choices list, information about how to avoid mercury and other pollutants that can be found in fish and guidance for making ocean-friendly seafood choices.
Lawrence Hall of ScienceUniversity of California, Berkeley. Resources: Classes for school groups, public programs, gift shop, curricula available, teacher resources and workshops.
Living Coast Discovery CenterChula
Vista, CA. Resources include: Classes for school groups, field
programs, outreach to school site, public programs, student materials,
teacher resources, gift shop/curriculum available, teacher workshops and
volunteer opportunities.
Long Beach Aquarium of the PacificResources: Classes for school groups, student materials, teacher resources, gift shop/curriculum available, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Los Angeles City Stormwater ProgramResources: Watershed protection, student materials, teacher resources.
Los Angeles ZooResources: Classes for school groups, adults, outreach programs, student materials, teacher resources, gift shop/curriculum available, teacher workshops and volunteer opportunities.
LAUSD Sea Education Afloat (SEA) Program
These floating laboratory programs provide school groups with a variety of topic options, including plankton, benthos, fishing and marine mammals. Los Angeles Harbor. Mr. Mac McClintock at (714) 761-2489.
LA County Marine Science Programs
The variety of programs available include Marine Science Floating Laboratory Programs, Oceans Alive school presentations, Roundhouse Marine Studies Laboratory, Seashore Field Studies and "From the City to the Sea" assemblies for school groups. LA County Office of Education, Outdoor and Marine Education Office, 9300 Imperial Highway Downey, CA 90242, (562) 922-6330.
LA County Natural History MuseumThe museum exists to advance knowledge and to enable people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to understand and appreciate their natural and cultural heritage. Guided tours available. Outreach includes the Seamobile for 6th-8th graders (LAUSD only) with hands-on science. For special education, Life in the Oceans program available.
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.
Monterey Bay AquariumResources: Classes for school groups, field programs, outreach to school site, public programs,
Seafood Watch, 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.
Reef Check FoundationThe Reef Check Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to conservation of two marine ecosystems via citizen science: California rocky reefs and tropical coral reefs. RC carries out an annual survey of California reefs along the entire coast and tropical reefs in 50+ countries.
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. They 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 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 seafood guide to print out and carry with you when you shop.
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.
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.
Newport Bay ConservancyResources: 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.
West 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.
