|
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Institute of Oceanography
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA
92037
Info: 858-534-FISH
The Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO),
University of California San Diego, has been in existence for over 90 years.
During nearly a century of change, it has been renamed, building facilities
have changed several times and displays have reflected interests, trends and
up to date information obtained through the institute's cutting edge
research.
Some things such as the institute's mission have not
changed, however. Marine research, a desire to increase public understanding
of the oceans and presentation of scientific endeavors for a lay audience
have continued to be top priorities and its primary focus.
Kids Vacations -
Aquariums & Zoos
Located atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the
college campus, Birch Aquarium at Scripps opened its doors and started
greeting guestss in 1992.
Designed around a central lobby, the facility branches into
three interpretive areas which include Hall of Fishes with 33 tanks, Hall
of Oceanography and a demonstration tide pool - discovery station. Hall
of Fishes sports a huge 70,000 gallon tank among it collection but the
aquarium is especially proud of its display on oceanographic sciences which
is considered the largest in the United States.
Photo © Debbie Stock
Thanks to a $6 million donation from the Stephen and Mary
Birch Foundation and a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation,
the aquarium's extensive facilities include two seawater-equipped
classrooms adjoining the public display areas.
The new facility, four times the size of its predecessor,
is a physical reflection of the aquarium's
expanded mission. The hilltop site provides
a spectacular overview of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
campus and the Pacific beyond. Exhibits in the greatly
enhanced museum offer a window on global research projects
being conducted in the SIO laboratories and at sea with the
Scripps fleet. The aquarium includes a gallery on tropical marine habitats.
|
Photo © Debbie Stock