Welcome!
The Seymour Center offers a deeper dive into the adventure of ocean research here in Santa Cruz and around the world. Discover all the ways you can stay connected to us, and continue to explore the fascinating world of marine science and conservation, even while the Center is temporarily closed.*
Follow
Take part in Trivia Tuesday on Instagram, discover interviews with UC Santa Cruz researchers on Facebook, and sign up for our e-newsletter to be the first to know about our exciting new digital offerings.
Engage
Our events have gone virtual! From Science Sunday webinars to our new livestreamed Labside Chats, you can stay tuned in to marine science research with the Seymour Center. Plus, find online celebrations of our annual events, such as Earth Week, World Oceans Day, and more!
Learn
With the launch of our Distance Learning program, students can now investigate the amazing world of marine science from home! Designed to support families and teachers, our education staff is creating short videos and learning activities for your virtual visits to the Seymour Center.
Support
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a community-supported marine science education center of the University of California, Santa Cruz, and your support matters now more than ever. You can keep our animals cared for and our educators teaching by making a donation today. Thank you sincerely.
Congratulations to Founding Director Julie Barrett Heffington on Her Retirement
Seymour Center article: Celebrating Julie Barrett Heffington and her inspiring career
UC Santa Cruz article: Seymour Center director to retire
UC Santa Cruz video: Celebrating Julie Barrett Heffington's 21 Years of Leadership for the Oceans
*Following the guidelines of our public health officials, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is temporarily closed to the public. The health and care of our animals is ongoing during this public closure; please be assured they are well cared for.
Spotlight!
SCIENCE SUNDAY
July 19, 2020 1:30–2:30 PM
Join us–online!–for Science Sunday, “Stranded: A Window into the Health of Marine Mammal Populations,” with Robin Dunkin, Ph.D. Preregister.
LABSIDE CHATS
July 16, 2020, 11 AM
Tune in to learn more about how marine particles play a role in the cycling of major and minor elements in the ocean with Phoebe Lam, Ph.D.
SHARK SCIENCE WEEK
August 9–15, 2020
For a full week, the Seymour Center will virtually celebrate sharks by revealing fascinating facts about these cartilaginous fishes.
SUNDAY SEASIDE CRAFTS–AT HOME!
Create ocean-inspired crafts and activities using materials found around the house. Find instructions for our latest activity: Ocean Acidification Experiment.
CREATURE FEATURE
Explore the intricate beauty of bat stars up close. Learn how they sense their surroundings and why they feel scratchy to the touch. Watch the 4-minute video here!
SELF-GUIDED COASTAL WALKING TOUR
Enjoy outdoor highlights of the spectacular Coastal Science Campus as you explore the network of trails with this guide to interpretive signs.
MARINE SCIENCE JOURNALING
Start your own marine science journal today with these cool observation activities with video links. Designed for ages seven and up.
OCEAN EXPLORERS VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP
Explore an incredible world of marine mammal science from your own home this summer. Space is limited. Apply NOW!
