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Tuesday, January 22, 2013


Experience the Remarkable Grunion Run with Birch Aquarium at Scripps

From late March through May, observe the mysterious grunion spawn on the beaches of La Jolla

Scripps Institution of Oceanography / University of California, San Diego


Join Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, for a must-see ocean adventure. From late March through May, observe the mysterious grunion spawn on the beaches of La Jolla.

Witness grunion spawn on the beaches of La Jolla with Birch Aquarium naturalists. Photo: Nigella Hillgarth


On certain spring nights following high tides, hundreds of the small, silvery fish ride the waves onto shore for this remarkable mating ritual, which happens only in Southern California. While on the beach, female grunion bury themselves half-way in the sand to lay eggs, while males wrap themselves around the females to fertilize their eggs. Both catch a wave to return to sea.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps naturalists will guide participants through an unforgettable night, starting with an interactive presentation on grunion, followed by a rare opportunity to witness grunion eggs hatch before their eyes. The unique experience continues with a moonlight beach exploration to witness the grunion run, nature willing. Please bring a flashlight and warm jacket.

The program is $14 per person, ages 6+. Ages 6-13 must attend with a paid adult.

2013 Season
· Friday, March 29: 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
· Friday, April 12: 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
· Saturday, April 27: 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
· Saturday, May 11: 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
· Sunday, May 26: 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Grunion runs do not take place at Birch Aquarium. Reservations must be received in advance by registering online or by calling 858-534-7336.

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 beyond. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, earth and ocean science and features five dozen interactive elements. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 436,000, including 40,000 school children.

Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.
Phone: 858-534-3474
Website: http://aquarium.ucsd.edu

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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.


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