Marine Science
One of our core programs all summer long is our Marine
Science Education/Snorkeling Program. The program is a special
collaboration between Outdoor Outreach,
The San Diego Ocean´s Foundation and
the Birch Aquarium at
Scripps. Many of the youth we serve have never been to the
ocean, and this program gives us the opportunity to educate and
inspire the kids to become passionate stewards of the local
ocean ecosystem.
A typical snorkeling trip
starts off with a visit to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps where
snorkelers are given an informal introduction to the animals
commonly seen while in the water. Once we arrive at the beach,
snorkelers are provided images to help identify various
organisms, told where to find such creatures and let in on some
cool adaptations these animals have to help them survive in the
big blue. Fun facts and entertaining stories get the kids pumped
up and ready to dive in! Participants are taught basic
snorkeling techniques, fitted for gear and are able to practice
snorkeling in a shallow water environment. As soon as everyone
is comfortable, we snorkel a short distance across a rocky reef
area that is teeming with life. Here, snorkelers are able to
observe all of the fish, invertebrates and algae we talked about
first-hand. SDOF’s marine biologist instructors lead
participants in small groups, focusing on organism
identification as well as efforts to be taken in order to
minimize our impacts on the local marine environment. We round
out our trip by brainstorming ways to help protect these
fascinating habitats in our everyday lives.
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