http://www.ocean-institute.org
Ocean Institute Offers Evening Bioluminescence Cruises
Learn about the exciting luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! The Ocean Institute will offer evening Bioluminescence cruises on June 4, July 2 & 30, August 27 & September 24, 8 – 10:30 p.m. The cruise provides a unique opportunity to learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and to witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.
Cost $35 adults, $22 for children ages 4-12 (Ocean Institute members $22 adult, $19 child). Cruise information and reservations: (949) 496-2274, dial “0” for the operator.
Ocean Institute to Offer Special Whales Presentation on July 6
The Ocean Institute is pleased to present Great Whales and Mysteries of the Deep, a special presentation by professional cruise line speakers and Ocean Institute volunteers Milt and Ann McMenamin, on Wednesday, July 6, 6-8 p.m.
Prepare to be intrigued, even astonished by the antics of those mammoth mammals under the sea. You will find it hard to leave this lecture without shaking your head in amazement at these mysteries of the deep and the remarkable interactions between huge sea creatures and humans.
Three additional presentations will be offered by the McMenamins this summer:
July 20: The Extraordinary Explorations of Captain James Cook
He was charged to prove or disprove the existence of a continent, to circumnavigate the Earth three times, and to make his country the most powerful, knowledgeable and successful nation on Earth. How well he succeeded is the remarkable story behind the adventures of Captain Cook.
August 3: Panama Canal: The Impossible Achieved!
Find out how the great problems of building the canal were solved and why the Panama Canal was such a monumental achievement. From hardships to triumphs, it’s the story of a colossal masterpiece rising out of turbulent times.
August 17: Amazing Rainforest Wildlife
Take a closer look at the flora and fauna that we share time and space with on this sphere. We’ll peer into the lungs of the Earth and discover the extravagant, exotic life forms that live there.
All presentations occur on Wednesday evenings, and begin at 6 p.m. Cost is $7 per person, or $25 for a family of four. Register by calling (949) 496-2274 or visiting www.ocean-institute.org.
Purchase a ticket to the 2011 Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle and receive free admission for the evening. To purchase a raffle ticket, call (949) 542-3600.
The McMenamins live in Laguna Niguel. They began volunteering at the Institute 16 years ago, serving as greeters and tour guides, manning wildlife touch tanks and teaching many of the 60 state-approved education programs which match the curriculum being taught at California schools. Milt explained, “We’re deeply committed to the Ocean Institute’s mission, ocean preservation through education.”
The McMenamins are both retired teachers, and once hosted a Los Angeles radio program, “The Travel Show.” They spend part of their year traveling on cruise ships delivering lectures on 32 different topics, including the six they’ll present at the Institute.
“All of our lectures are painstakingly researched for accuracy,” asserted Milt, who noted that his average lecture takes three months to research. “We have to be sure we have sources to back up all of our statements.”
The McMenamins are also actors, and assume the role of real life characters for some of their presentations. For example, Milt becomes the character of Clerk, first in command to British explorer James Cook, when he tells the story of Cook’s explorations of Pacific Islands.
Ocean Institute Presents Family Science Night Series
Spend a summer evening in the Ocean Institute’s Samueli Conference Center getting up close and personal with local scientists! Join us for our four Family Science Nights in 2011 as we survey the stars, explore the seas and dive into the surf zone. Presentations will include a talk by a distinguished local scientist, activities for kids and a lab to introduce the whole family to the fascinating world of science.
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The Ocean Institute will present is first Family Science Night featuring Steve Schroeter of the UCSB Marine Science Institute on Tuesday, July 12, 6-8 p.m. The topic for the evening will be the Wheeler North Reef, a 174-acre artificial reef built a mile off San Clemente’s shoreline between the pier and San Mateo Point. It is home to a flourishing kelp forest; Schroeter will discuss the successes and challenges he and his team have faced as they document the environmental progress of the reef.
“Steve is a talented scientist who has done much to safeguard and improve our local ocean environment,” remarked Dan Stetson, Ocean Institute president. “We very much look forward to him giving us an overview of his important work.”
Schroeter is a research ecologist at the UCSB Marine Science Institute. His research interests and experience range from kelp forests, intertidal and wetland ecology, environmental impact assessment and application of ecological field experimental techniques to nearshore fisheries. He works with the California Coastal Commission, the San Diego Fishing Association and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
There are three additional Family Science Nights in 2011:
July 26: Pacific Trash Gyre
August 9: Astronomy
August 23: Marine Mammals
For ages 4+. $7 per person, or $25/family pack. (Special bonus: Book a week-long summer camp for your child and receive a free family pack.)
“Morning Breeze Cruise” Features Music, Opportunity to View Ocean Wildlife
The Ocean Institute joins with Jazz! FM 88.5 KSBR radio regularly to present a “Morning Breeze Cruise.” Visitors enjoy a two and one-half hour marine mammal cruise off the coast of Dana Point while listening to an eclectic blend of relaxing music mixed live to enhance your voyage.
Next cruise date: Sunday, July 17 & August 21, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost $35 adults, $22 for children ages 4-12 (Ocean Institute members $22 adult, $19 child). Includes weekend admission to the Ocean Education Center. Cruise information and reservations: visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274, dial “0” for the operator.
Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone: (949) 496-2274.
