Ocean Institute Lecture to Reveal Human Impact on Intertidal Habitats

The rocky intertidal habitats are beautiful to see, but do our visits put the local shores in danger?

A lecture Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Ocean Institute will highlight:

1. long-term change on the rocky intertidal
   habitats
2. our impact on the habitats
3. the effectiveness of Marine Protection
   Areas

In partnership with the Southern California Aquarium Collaborative, the Ocean
Institute presents a lecture by Dr. Jayson Smith, a marine conservation ecologist.  The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the Samueli Conference Center. Admission is free for all guests.

Laguna Beach and Dana Point shorelines merely scratch the surface of the many intertidal habitats along the California coast. 

How do we impact the tiny organisms from shore crabs to the California mussels that live in the rocky intertidal habitats?

Behind the Ocean Institute is the Dana Point Marine Life Refuge.  The natural tide pools are open to the public and are accessible without an admission fee.  Periodically, we offer guided tide pool walks of this protected area for visitors. 
School programs for grades 4 to 6 are also available to teach students how to be “Good Tidepoolers” and practice low-impact exploration techniques.  

Perhaps before you step foot into this amazing intertidal habitat, it might be a good idea to hear what Dr. Smith has to say. 

He is a professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, who conducts research in rocky intertidal habitats along the California coast.  His particular interests include the effects of urbanization on rocky shore population and community dynamics.

Smith is part of the 2012-2013 Marine Protected Areas Lecture Series that includes lectures in La Jolla and Santa Barbara.

Reservations for the Ocean Institute lecture may be obtained by calling 949-496-2274 or visiting the website.