In 2017 the Birch Aquarium celebrates 25 years in it’s current location.
“The mission of Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps Institution of Oceanography research, and to promote ocean conservation” Harry Helling, Executive Director.
Starr III Research Submersible launched in 1966 to carry scientists to a depth of 2000 feet.
This vessel carried two people and 1,000 pounds of scientific equipment and could stay submerged for up to 120 hours. Today remotely operated vehicles or ROV’s have replaced the submersibles.
California King Crab
California Moray
Moon Jelly
Pacific Seahorse
Sea Nettles
Sunflower Sea Star
The aquarium offers a self guided tour of marine habitats including open coasts, bays, lagoons, kelp forests, undersea canyons , tide pools and coral reefs. Offering an understanding of the influences contributing to the diversity of marine organisms including ocean temperature, wave action, type of shoreline and nutrient levels.
Ocean Class type of research vessels built to provide a better understanding of the oceans.
One of these Ocean Class vessels is the R/V Sally Ride which can carry 24 scientists on missions up to 40 days and honors the legacy of the late Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and a member of the UC San Diego physics faculty.
R/V Sally Ride is owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography for the purpose of oceanographic research.
R/V Sally Ride uses sophisticated equipment such as romote controlled vehichles and advanced technology to map the seafloor in high resolution, study wildlife, research pollution, earthquakes, rising sea levels and “blobs” of warming oceans.
“..there‘s something magical about pushing back the frontiers of knowledge. That’s something that is almost part of being human and I’m certain that will continue.” Sally Ride
Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge
Mexican Seas Photographic Exhibit