Marine Science Initiatives

"Here on the ocean floor is the only independence. Here I am free!"                                                      ~Captain Nemo, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Pennington Marine Science Center

We at Emerald Bay strive to educate, inspire, and help students of all ages build a foundation of conservation, stewardship, and understanding of the marine life by exposing them to the underwater habitat of Catalina. Approximately 8000 students, parents, scouts, teachers, and adult leaders visit Emerald Bay's Pennington Marine Science Center every year. The center continues to grow and pursue new areas of research and education, and strives to expand its services to the local and regional community.

The marine animals, collected and cared for by the aquarium's staff, are held in three main areas at the center, the wet lab, habitat room and the outdoor shark tank.  The plankton lab and the open ocean hall are two additional rooms to aid in marine education and the accomplishment of the center's mission.

 
Aquarist Internships
The Pennington Marine Science Center Aquarist internship is designed to provide instruction and opportunities to learn aquatic animal husbandry skills. These skills can be marketed to a number of organizations and businesses such as public aquariums, research groups, aquaculture production facilities, aquarium service businesses, and the ornamental fish trade including retail and wholesale production levels.  Aquarist interns assists the Marine Science Director in giving instructional tours to guests at camp, aquarium maintenance and operations, development of current and future educational curriculum, and all aspects of maintaining a healthy, diverse aquarium.  Aquarist Interns must have a strong scuba background since they will be assisting on many specimen collection dives.