Sea Series

Continuing Education for Ocean Lovers

On the fourth Wednesday of each month SDOF hosts a FREE continuing education event called "Sea Series" for volunteers, members and anyone interested in learning about the marine environment.

Climate Change in Southern California
David Pierce, Climate, Atmospheric Science and Physical Oceanography (CASPO) at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Wed, February 27th | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Sumner Auditorium, Scripps Institute of Oceanography *New location for 2008*
RSVP to volunteer@sdoceans.org

We've all heard about how climate change will affect the polar regions. But how will it affect us here in San Diego? This talk will focus on how climate change is likely to affect the environment and lifestyle of people who live and work in Southern California. We have miles of beautiful coastline that will be subject to rising sea levels; we have a pleasant but warm climate that is likely to experience longer and hotter summers; and we import more than 80% of our water, from regions that will probably have less water supply in the future. The talk will outline what we know about the likely impacts of climate change, what the uncertainties are, and what important questions are still unanswered.

Welcome!

Jana Ferron, SDOF Board Director

I'm looking forward to serving as a board member for the SDOF because I truly believe the Foundation does great work to promote ocean stewardship and educate the public on the importance of protecting our oceans. I hope to bring attention to the foundation through public relations efforts and bring much deserved recognition to SDOF!

Tom Candaux, White Seabass Coordinator

I have been volunteering with San Diego Oceans Foundation for about a year helping with feeding, food deliveries, and maintenance on the grow out pens. I am a lifelong resident of San Diego, and grew up fishing in the local ocean waters and bays. Working with SDOF on the WSB project is very rewarding for me because I have witnessed the increase in the numbers of White Seabass in the local waters in my lifetime, and enjoy being a part of that process, and working outdoors on the waterfront is an added bonus . I look forward to meeting and working with everyone associated with SDOF.

Program + Event Updates

Online Data Entry Available for Reef Monitoring Project

No more paper scanforms... online data entry is now available for West Coast "Reefers"! Now it is even easier to submit your fish or invertebrate survey: simply visit www.reef.org and under the "Database" heading choose "Submit Data Online" and you're on your way!

SDOF Searching for Yukon Documents

As many divers have heard, there is a renewed effort to create more artificial reefs in San Diego and throughout California. As the sinking of the Yukon is a successful example for future reefing projects, it is very important that SDOF have past records on file! If you have documents or information from the Yukon sinking gathering dust, please contact SDOF to arrange a time to drop them off so we can have the information needed to create more artificial reefs!

Revillagigedo Islands Shark and Manta Survey

Have you had the opportunity to dive the pelagic playground known as the Revillagigedo Islands? If so, a researcher at Scripps Institute of Oceanography needs your help to reconstruct historic populations of sharks and manta rays around the isolated and little studied islands. The survey will only take a few minutes, and will greatly contribute to the limited amount of research done on this unique marine ecosystem. Click here to download the survey (Word document)

Volunteer Opportunities

For more details and descriptions of all these events, visit our volunteer calendar: February Calendar

White Seabass Orientations Mission Bay
Sign up for a White Seabass orientation and learn to feed the fishes. It's a great way to spend an hour on the waterfront. Imagine a peaceful walk along Mission Bay during a beautiful San Diego winter, and then sharing a meal with 6000 new "fishy" friends. Did you know that the stocks of WSB fell by 90% in the last 50 years? The White Seabass Restoration project is a great way to help replenish a valuable resource.

Thursday, February 21st | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Saturday, February 23rd | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Wednesday, February 27th | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Monday, March 3rd | 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, March 8th | 10:00 - 11:00 am

Email tom@sdoceans.org to RSVP for a WSB orientation!

Sign Up to feed the WSB in March!
For all of you trained WSB volunteers, now is the time to check the March feeding calendar and sign up to feed the fish at Mission Bay! After checking the calendar, email Tom, our new WSB Coordinator to introduce your self and sign up for some feeding times!

Reef Monitoring Project
The Reef Monitoring Project gives you a chance to get involved in local conservation efforts by studying and reporting marine life species off San Diego's coast! By becoming a citizen scientist you will be contributing to this much-needed research and your dives will now have a purpose. Sign up for a free training class today!

2008 Training Schedule
Monday, Feb 25 | 6:30-9:00 pm | Invertebrate Identification
Monday, April 28 | 6:30-9:00 pm | Fish Identification
Saturday, May 17 | 11:00 - 1:30 pm | Invertebrate Identification
Saturday, July 19 | 11:00 - 1:30 pm | Fish Identification
Thursday, August 14 | 6:30-9:00 pm | Invertebrate Identification
Thursday, Oct 30 | 6:30-9:00 pm | Fish Identification
Tuesday, Nov 11 | 6:30-9:00 pm | Invertebrate Identification

All classes take place at Ocean Enterprises (7710 Balboa Ave, SD 92121)
RSVP to volunteer@sdoceans.org

Volunteer Spotlight

Jay Schwartz- Volunteer Extraordinaire

The SDOF office recently underwent a much needed makeover! Many people helped out on a Saturday, but Jay returned and spent two days helping construct furniture install mountings and reorganize supplies. Thanks for helping us out Jay!

When asked why he enjoys volunteering for SDOF, Jay responds, "I was once challenged by a friend to do something tangible in supporting my beliefs. There seemed no better way to live up to that challenge than to actively participate in the Oceans Foundation's efforts. Be they through helping create artificial reefs, maintaining moorings, promoting education, marking storm drains, or simply helping remodel an office. This organization is committed to those ideals I find critical in protecting and rehabilitating our ocean environment, which essential to wellbeing of the planet."