Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (Mark Rothenay)
Reviewed by:
Mark Rothenay, Biology teacher at Bert Corona Charter High School
Location:
3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731
310-548-7562
Latitude: 33° 42' 40.59" N
Longitude: -118° 17' 7.63" W
Aquarium Hours
Tuesday through Friday - 12 noon to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Description:
According to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium site, "Since 1935, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium have been exhibiting Southern California’s rich diversity and adaptations of our local sea life through a combination of aquaria, interpretive displays and museum collections. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall, Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery and Virginia Reid Moore Marine Research Library comprise a unique science education facility where visitors of all ages can pursue informal marine biology education, ecological awareness, and scientific research training. These complex topics are made fun and accessible by the creative and informative exhibits."
Take a look around the our exhibits to experience the marine life of Southern California.
The aquarium is also located next to Cabrillo Beach Tidepools. The Cabrillo Beach Tidepools extend one-half
mile from Cabrillo Beach to the base of the Point Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro and are often used as an outdoor
classroom by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Tidepool animals live in different areas of the rocks depending on
their ability to survive harsh conditions, including batteringwaves, drying out and access to food. The diversity of algae and animals attests to the many different ways species evolved to protect themselves in this rigorous environment.
Low tides are the best times to explore tidepools. See a tide table for Cabrillo Beach.
Audience:
Any environmental/biology science educator would greatly benefit by visiting the Cabrillo Aquarium along with the local tidepools because it provides great examples and insight into the native flora and fauna of the marine environments. Many public aquariums focus on animals on a global scale which does not focus on our rich biodiversity.
Science Concepts Addressed:
Biodiversity: One can see the diversity of plant and animal species that live in the area.
Exotic vs Native Species: Importance of removing exotic species to maintain the sensitive native species in the area is a focus of the mitigation work being done.
Adaptations: A person can theorize why certain animals and plants have adapted to their environment.
Study Guide:
Photographs:
