Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2011 - 41

Tidepools along the rocky sections of the beach reveal a fascinating microcosm of sea stars, tiny fish and crabs, sea anemones and barnacles. And perched on the edge of the Monterey Bay, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab invites visitors to examine marine life at seawater tables and aquariums, and interact with marine exhibits illustrating the work of resident scientists. Part of UC Santa Cruz, the Center is part of the nation’s third largest marine research and education facility. Docent-led tours offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the lab’s facilities and Younger Lagoon Natural Reserve. Ms. Blue, one of the world’s largest displayed blue whale skeleton, once a living 87-foot mammal, rests outside the center. For more marine life viewing, stroll to the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf and watch the lumbering sea lions suddenly acquire a ballerina’s grace the moment they hit the water. From December to March, make reservations for a naturalist-led tour of Año Nuevo State Reserve, the largest elephant seal breeding ground in North America. You can also spend the day at any one of Santa Cruz County’s public beaches and watch marine life pass by off shore. The Santa Cruz Harbor features outdoor art, dining on the Monterey Bay, educational displays about marine life and special events year round. The gifts of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary unfold before us as an aquatic museum, created by nature for us to enjoy and care for.

“ santa cruz calls out to newcomers like a lazy mermaid atop Monterey Bay.” Los AngeLes tiMes, JAnuAry 10, 2010

Protecting the treAsures of the sAnctuAry
The deep underwater canyons and majestic kelp forests of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary sustain an abundance and diversity of marine life found in few other places on the planet. And while the sanctuary invites exploration and enjoyment, we must do our part to protect this national treasure for future generations. We are able to enjoy a clean and beautiful marine sanctuary thanks to the many individuals – both residents and visitors – who care for it and use it wisely.

Here are a few ways to help:

~ Please do not throw solid or liquid trash into the ocean, down storm drains or on the beach ~ Do not feed or attempt to attract marine wildlife ~ For safety, stay 50 feet away from marine animals including seals, sea lions, and sea otters ~ Do not remove animals from beaches or tide pools ~ If you see an injured animal, contact the nearest park ranger for help. Don’t touch the animal ~ Report anyone who is harming marine animals or destroying the ocean environment by calling 1.800.853.1964 ~ Keep pets away from areas frequented by wildlife ~ Pick up your trash and help keep our Santuary clean ~ Learn more about sea animals and their environment by visiting educational research centers
Fun, educational opportunities also abound at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, the O’Neill Sea Odyssey, Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz Harbor, Capitola Wharf, and interpretative and visitor centers at several state beaches.

Photo: Gary Luhm Photography

www. s a n t a cr u z co u n ty. t r a v e l

Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2011