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Friday, June 17, 2011


Celebrate the Ocean's Amazing Sharks in July at Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Scripps Institution of Oceanography / University of California, San Diego

Soak up an entire month dedicated to sharks this July at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Throughout the month, special hands-on programs for all ages will celebrate these mesmerizing and misunderstood ocean predators.

Snorkel with the Sharks
Dates: July 9, 23 & 30
(Also available Aug. 27 & Sept. 10)

Join aquarium naturalists on an unforgettable face-to-face excursion with sharks that live just off the La Jolla coast. Learn about the shark species and the ecology of their underwater homes. Intermediate swimming ability is required and previous snorkeling experience is recommended. Participants must supply their own gear.

Time: 8-10 a.m.
Cost: $30 per person
Ages: 10+ (minors must be accompanied by a paid adult)

RSVP required: 858-534-7336 or online.

SEA Days: Extended Shark Edition!
Dates: July 16 & 17

Experience Science, Exploration and Adventure at our extended shark SEA Days. Meet local sharks and learn why these animals are misunderstood during engaging presentations in the Education classrooms. Shark-themed activities and exhibits will help reveal that sharks are vulnerable and critical members of ocean habitats. See what it takes for a baby leopard shark to grow up. Discover how sharks use their teeth the way humans use utensils and learn about the latest shark research from Scripps scientists.

Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: Included with regular aquarium admission

Ocean Authors Presentation
"Demon Fish" with Juliet Eilperin
Date: July 28


Juliet Eilperin, a science writer for The Washington Post, traveled around the world investigating the fascinating and often inexplicable ways different peoples and cultures relate to the ocean's top predator. Join us for this special presentation during which Eilperin will discuss her adventures researching her new book - DEMON FISH: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks - and why sharks remain among nature's most awe-inspiring creatures. A book signing will follow her talk, and books will be available for purchase.

Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person
RSVP requested: 858-534-5771 or online.

About Birch Aquarium at Scripps:
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 410,000, including 45,000 school children.

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Note to broadcast and cable producers: University of California, San Diego provides an on-campus satellite uplink facility for live or pre-recorded television interviews. Please phone or e-mail the media contact listed above to arrange an interview.

About Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego, is one of the oldest, largest and most important centers for global science research and education in the world. Now in its second century of discovery, the scientific scope of the institution has grown to include biological, physical, chemical, geological, geophysical and atmospheric studies of the earth as a system. Hundreds of research programs covering a wide range of scientific areas are under way today in 65 countries. The institution has a staff of about 1,400, and annual expenditures of approximately $170 million from federal, state and private sources. Scripps operates robotic networks, and one of the largest U.S. academic fleets with four oceanographic research ships and one research platform for worldwide exploration. Birch Aquarium at Scripps serves as the interpretive center of the institution and showcases Scripps research and a diverse array of marine life through exhibits and programming for more than 415,000 visitors each year. Learn more at scripps.ucsd.edu.

UCSD 50th Anniversary Logo

About UC San Diego
Fifty years ago, the founders of the University of California, San Diego, had one criterion for the campus: It must be distinctive. Since then, UC San Diego has achieved the extraordinary in education, research and innovation. Sixteen Nobel laureates have taught on campus; stellar faculty members have been awarded Fields Medals, Pulitzer Prizes, McArthur Fellowships and many other honors. UC San Diego-recognized as one of the top ten public universities by U.S. News & World Report and named by the Washington Monthly as number one in the nation in rankings measuring "what colleges are doing for the country"- is widely acknowledged for its local impact, national influence and global reach. UC San Diego is celebrating 50 years of visionaries, innovators and overachievers.
50th.ucsd.edu


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