Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps, in La Jolla, California, is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. Opened in 1992, the aquarium offers a window into the exciting research conducted by Scripps scientists. It presents a wide array of marine life, demonstrating the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean, and focuses on climate, earth, and ocean science.

Birch Aquarium offers a unique experience to its visitors, emphasizing interactive exhibits and hands-on learning. The renowned Hall of Fishes displays more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. The Tide-Pool Plaza allows visitors to interact with inhabitants of local tide pools, including starfish, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, lobsters, and sea anemones. Other highlights include giant kelp forests, coral reefs, and a mesmerizing variety of seahorses and sea dragons. Additionally, the aquarium provides educational programs, diving shows, and animal feeding presentations.

Birch Aquarium is deeply committed to conservation and education on environmental issues. Its conservation programs include the Seahorse Propagation Program, aiming to breed seahorses for other aquariums to decrease the need for wild-caught specimens. The aquarium also runs a successful loggerhead sea turtle rescue program. Through its educational programs, exhibits, and ongoing research, Birch Aquarium works to raise awareness about the critical issues facing our oceans today, such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution.