To be built right "on the water," the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center will introduce thousands of students and public visitors to current and emerging issues in oceanography, environmental science and maritime history!

Planned Maddie James Seaside Learning Center!

To be built right “on the water,” the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center will introduce thousands of K-12 students and public visitors to current and emerging issues in oceanography, environmental science and maritime history.

Maddie James Foundation

Maddie’s parents created The Maddie James Foundation to create a legacy for their daughter. Their initial goal was to raise $1 million for the Ocean Institute’s proposed new facilities, and due to an incredible grassroots effort and outpouring of support from the community, they succeeded in just three months.

Visit www.MaddieJamesFoundation.org to learn more about this inspirational story.

NEW
We now have two live cams streaming progress on the new Maddie James Seaside Learning Center.
Cam One >
Cam Two >

SLC Model
See the model of the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center in our lobby. The model was beautifully crafted by Board Member Jim Swenson, volunteers Charlie and Penny Hohman, and OI staff member Randy Teague.

Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Fact Sheet

$4M Capital Campaign
Project includes a 300’ Ocean Science Landing, replacing an existing 1970’s vintage dock, and a 100’ Historic Maritime Pier
- 300’ Ocean Science Landing
  - Offers several learning stations including: biodiversity aquarium, underwater remote controlled vehicle (ROV), grow-out pen for raising white sea bass
  - Mooring for R/V Sea Explorer and Spirit of Dana Point as well as space for visiting ships
- 100’ Historic Maritime Pier
  - Offers several learning stations including: davits and long boat, boom crane, capstan, yard and sail
Currently the Ocean Institute serves 115,000 K-12 students and public visitors annually
- This will increase by 15,000+
Seaside Learning Center will be available to everyone
- ADA compliant
- Interpretive signage to support various levels of understanding
- Activities and information for people of all ages
Construction has begun