Over 10,000 White Seabass Released In San Diego Bay

SDOF raises and released white seabass to help the fish population. On Saturday, May 2nd, 2009, dozens of volunteers helped scoop, count and release the fish out of one of our two pens in San Diego Bay. Staci Cardinal, a SDOF volunteer commented, "It's so empowering to do something tangible that directly benefits the ocean!"

SDOF still has over 11,000 fish in the second pen in San Diego Bay, so it's not too late to get involved with this rewarding program. Send an email to volunteer@sdoceans.org to help raise our fish!

Ocean In Motion Marine Science Education Program

Bringing the Ocean into the Classroom

To the untrained eye, the ocean may seem like little more than a vast, blue desert. However, upon closer examination, a whole new world emerges, TEEMING with life!

Since 2002, our mobile marine science education program has given local youth a glimpse into the wonders that exist just below the surface of the Pacific. This year, we’ve had the opportunity to expand the program and have reached over 700 San Diego County students so far…and are still going strong! Through a month of interactive lectures, hands-on activities and scientific experiments, our marine biologists in training learn about everything from marine ecosystems and the animals that make them interesting to marine mammals and the need for their conservation.

With an ever-increasing human population and dwindling natural resources, the marine environment is starting to suffer. Ocean In Motion strives to give today’s youth the knowledge that leads to a deepened appreciation for marine life and a heightened sense of responsibility with regards to its protection (as they will be the ones to make important decisions surrounding the health of our oceans in the near future).

Summer Snorkeling is Back!!!
Dust off your fins and get ready to inspire today's youth to become passionate stewards of our local marine ecosystems by exposing them to the fun and exciting world of snorkeling! Surprisingly, many of the youth we serve have never even been to the ocean and are itching for a chance to observe aquatic organisms in the natural environment! With the water warming (and with your help), we can once again provide snorkeling trips for these inquisitive children!

* OIM volunteers are needed to assist our marine biologist instructors in facilitating these outings.

To get involved with Ocean In Motion, please email volunteer@sdoceans.org!

Meet Zoe - SDOF's New Ocean In Motion Program Coordinator

Hello SDOF,

I’m so excited to join the San Diego Oceans Foundation as the new Ocean In Motion Coordinator!

I was inspired by science in 3rd grade and have been determined to pursue a career in the discipline ever since. Having never lived more than 20 minutes from the coast has led to a natural affinity for everything marine and during my time at Humboldt State University, I decided to focus my studies on the ocean. I later joined the HSU Leadership and Scientific SCUBA program, where I gained both experience and confidence in my aquatic skills (which I look forward to bringing to this new position). While in college, I was fortunate enough to work at the HSU Marine Lab as a Marine Naturalist, where I became certain that marine science and education were where my passions lied. In 2008, I graduated from HSU with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and an emphasis in Tropical Ecology as well as a minor in Scientific and Leadership SCUBA diving and set out to achieve my new goals.

Working with nature has always been my favorite aspect of being a scientist. It is my dream to inspire today’s youth to appreciate nature, understand its inherent value and always seek to conserve and protect it. SDOF just seemed like the perfect place to do all of this and to meet some awesome volunteers looking to do the same!

Together we can make this happen,
Zoe Dagan

AquaTalk - Sea Turtles Presented by Dr. Jeffrey Seminoff

The Biology & Conservation of California's Sea Turtles Dr. Jeffrey Seminoff
Leader, Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment Program
NOAA-Southwest Fisheries Science Center

Tuesday, May 12th (starting at 6PM)
The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma

Although there have been a number of management challenges with protecting local sea turtle populations, a mosaic of research and conservation initiatives has lead to new insights about their unique ecology.

Dr. Seminoff's presentation will emphasize the importance of California for our world's sea turtles, highlighting how research findings are integrated directly into ongoing conservation and legislative initiatives.

Cocktail reception begins at 6PM. The lecture will start at sunset, poolside with a raffle to follow. Come and enjoy some tasty drinks, great company and an interesting speaker!

* All SDOF members will receive 1 FREE cocktail at the event!

AquaTalk is a regular event taking place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

To RSVP for this exciting lecture, please contact events@sdoceans.org

Reef Monitoring Project

Invertebrate/Algal Identification
Thursday, May 14th
6:30PM – 9:30PM

For far too long, our oceans have been contaminated by urban run-off, depleted due to overfishing and damaged through coastal development. Finally, Marine Protected Areas (areas of coastal ocean that are set aside and protected from extractive uses) have made their way into the spotlight…and you have a chance to help!

Get started by coming out to our training session and learn how to identify a variety of invertebrate and algal species that call Southern California ‘home’. Once you’ve completed this course, you can go out, complete a REEF survey of what you find while diving and provide valuable information to be use by fisheries management agencies, non-profit groups and the public in general. Who knows - the data you submit may even be used in the management of MPA’s.

Just imagine YOUR survey helping to protect the ocean you love!

Join the San Diego Oceans Foundation's FREE identification training classes and better understand your marine environment!

To RSVP, please contact volunteer@sdoceans.org. Space is limited!

Storm Drain Stenciling

The Storm Drain Stenciling program was put on hold as the permiting process was modified. Some minor changes include: new stencil design, reflective paint, and no more spray paint! Look for more information in our next e-newsletter.

For more information about the programs below, check out the Calendar. To RSVP for any of these activities, email us at volunteer@sdoceans.org

White Seabass Restoration Project

Volunteer Orientation (San Diego Bay):
Sunday, May 17th
11AM - 12PM

Come out, enjoy the sun and learn all there is to know about replenishing a depleted fish population. After this short orientation, you will be able to volunteer as a ‘White Seabass Mentor’ and really contribute to the betterment of our oceans! Spending time out on the bay is never as rewarding as when you’re seeing the difference you make first-hand.

Pen Cleaning (San Diego Bay):
Sunday, May 17th
1PM – 4PM

Are you a certified diver and want to try something new, but don’t mind getting a bit dirty? We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers who’ll help clean our white seabass pens! As time goes by, these pens become covered with a variety of organisms that have found the perfect place to settle and take up residency. Problem is that they block out the very vital water and oxygen circulation that are necessary to the health of our little fish! In order to keep them strong and ready for release into the wild, we need to perform regular maintenance on their containment nets. Just let us know if you’d like to dive with a purpose.

Contact volunteer@sdoceans.org to RSVP.

Ocean In Motion: Summer Snorkeling

Volunteer Orientation
Thursday, May 28th
6:30 - 8PM

Becoming an Ocean In Motion volunteer is fun, rewarding and an excellent way to educate today's youth about our oceans! Come learn everything you need to know to start making a difference today!

To ensure safety, we keep our adult/child ratio very low (with no more than 3 youth per volunteer) which makes us in constant need of enthusiastic volunteers!

* No formal educational training is required, though volunteers must be strong swimmers, experienced snorkelers and be able to work well with kids. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own snorkeling gear, though SDOF can provide the wetsuit, snorkel, mask and fins, if needed.

Please contact volunteer@sdoceans.org to attend any of these awesome events!

Canyon Watch Program

Los Peñasquitos Group Canyon Hike
Saturday, May 16th
8:30AM – 9:45AM

Stop the spread of pollution and help conserve our natural resources by taking a morning hike with us! Strolling along this urban canyon in search of manholes and sewer lines can actually help protect our beaches and bays. If you like to hike and have a genuine concern for our natural world, we’d love to have you! Want to volunteer for the Canyon Watch program, but don't know where to start?

SDOF hosts monthly Canyon Watch hikes to introduce new volunteers to the program and build camaraderie among current volunteers! Become a Canyon Watch volunteer to protect these fragile ecosystems.

E-mail volunteer@sdoceans.org for more information about the Canyon Watch program and to RSVP!

Marine Specimens for our Ocean In Motion Marine Science Education Program

Thank for the donations we have received, however, we still need more specimens for our Ocean In Motion program such as: shark skin & skeletons, crustaceans molts, preserved fish or invertebrates, turtle shells, whale baleens or any marine taxoderms.

If you set your default search browser to GoodSearch.com and select the San Diego Oceans Foundation as your charity of choice, we will receive a penny for every click! Some nonprofits make over $5,000 a year. It is simple to use and helps support our programs.

Click here to start using GoodSearch.Com!

You can sell anything you would like on eBay and a portion of your choice will be donated to support the San Diego Oceans Foundation!

Click here to find out more information!

We Also Need...

GPS Unit for Canyon Watch Program
Tool Kit
Organizing Supplies (tubs, bins, drawers)
Portable PA System
Docu-Cam
Projection Screen
Music Stand

Pro Bono Services Needed

Attorney, nonprofit focus
Professional Organizer
eBay Sales Expert
Flash Designer
Web Designer
Graphic Designer
Florist
Party Rental Services
Maintenance/Construction Expert
Submersible temporary holding unit for marine life
Saltwater Aquarium & Service

Contact us at sdoceans@sdoceans.org if you are able to help with any of these items!

Employment Opportunities

Program and Outreach Specialist