We are pleased to take some time to recognize our July Volunteer of the Month. Herb Gruenhagen is a dedicated volunteer, who has been donating his time to San Diego Oceans Foundation for 10 years. Being an avid diver, Herb is very active in SDOF's Reef Monitoring Program. He has participated in the three-year long Yukon study. Using transect lines, he has gathered amazing data about the marine life surrounding the HMCS Yukon. This data, collected over 50 dives was later used by Ed Parnell in his studies of the Yukon.

Herb increases public awareness by diligently teaching SDOF's Reef Monitoring ID classes. He generously donates his time to provide the public the tools necessary to identify local marine invertebrates and fish species. With that knowledge, divers and snorkelers alike can then go out into the ocean and perform surveys that provide vital information about our relative marine population densities. Talking with Herb about the classes, he remarks, " I have personally completed over 100 surveys. Actually, I learn much more about local marine life than the students ever will, because each class forces me to review the identification and life history of each critter."

Furthering his diving dedication, Herb donates two Saturdays out of his month to dive with local divers at La Jolla Shores. He is more than willing to demonstrate diving techniques as well as a live introduction to marine life in the area.

Herb will also be in attendance of SDOF's Great Annual Fish Count, a yearly survey performed by divers and snorkelers at La Jolla Cove. These surveys are then entered into REEF's database to be used by local and state wide agencies, scientists and the general public. Herb participates in the anual Dive-A-Thon in which divers earn points or dollars for every minute that they spend underwater. Herb is a great competitor in this event and has helped raise funds for SDOF.

When summer comes around, Herb volunteers his time with the local children with our Ocean in Motion Snorkling Camps. When taking childten out into the bay, who may never have stepped foot ino the ocean, Herb is right there to guide them along and point out the many amazing creatures that live there. When asked why he likes to work with the snorkling program, Herb simply replies, " It's fun!"

On the professional side, Herb is a BI Developer located at the PQA-A San Diego where he won the PQO-A 2010 Stover Volunteerism Award for Community Service. It is a program that recognizes their employees who have demonstrated leadership and involvement in community organizations and activities. Herb is a PADI Divemaster as well as the San Diego Underwater Photographic President. He has been an enormous supporter of SDOF. He was an active board member of SDOF for several years and now acts as an advisor to the board. He is continously looking for ways to help SDOF both by volunteering and raising funds for programs like OIM Snorkeling and Classroom. Thank you, Herb, for all that you do.

As a token of our appreciation, Herb will be receiving gear from Green Force.

Marine Science & Snorkeling Day Camps…Made for All Kinds of Kids!

Explore local sea life, experience a day in the life of a marine scientist and have a blast with SDOF this summer!

Marine Science & Snorkeling Day Camps are in full swing and they have been amazing so far! From June to September, SDOF provides community members an opportunity to sign their children up for educational snorkeling trips. These awesome outings consist of marine science instruction, supervised snorkeling and the creation of life-long memories. Fun facts and entertaining stories keep kids pumped up and wanting to grow fins or their own!

2010 Marine Science & Snorkeling Day Camps
Saturday, June 26th | 10AM - 3PM
Saturday, July 24th | 10AM - 3PM |
Saturday, August 28th | 10AM - 3PM
Saturday, September 25th | 10AM - 3PM

Complete and return an OIM Summer Snorkeling Camp Registration Form and Liability Release to reserve your child’s spot today.

For more information, please click here. If you have a group of 10 or more contact info@sdoceans.org to request a date that fits with your schedule and receive our discounted rate. These trips are great for birthday parties and other special events!

AquaTalk - Kathryn Mengerink - Environmental Law

The High Dive
Wednesday, July 28th
6:30PM - 8PM

Many U.S. laws and policies call upon agencies to manage ocean resources, regulate industries, and make decisions utilizing best available science. However, appropriately utilizing the right scientific information to inform law and policy decisions is by no means an easy task. Former scientist-turned-lawyer, Kathryn Mengerink will explore this challenge in her presentation. She will examine some of the challenges including making decisions in the absence of information, deciding what science is the best, and constraints in the legal system that can limit agencies' ability to move toward better science-based management. She will use the example of ocean and coastal ecosystem-based management to highlight the challenge of moving toward a holistic ecosystem approach, as called for by leading ocean scientists, in light of the constraints in the existing legal system that focuses sector-by-sector and species-by-species decision-making.

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

The Ocean In Motion: Marine Science Education Program

Inspiring youth with regards to marine science and conservation…one child at a time!

Ocean In Motion: Summer Snorkeling volunteers have an awesome opportunity to expose local youth to the underwater world through fun, educational outings. By getting them in the water, these volunteers are encouraging a curiosity about the waters that surround us. By incorporating marine science and conservation, OIM volunteers will be giving these children the tools necessary to make educated decisions about how to protect delicate marine life in the future!

Canyon Watch Orientation/Group Hike

Want to volunteer for the Canyon Watch program, but don't know where to start? SDOF hosts monthly Canyon Watch orientation/group hikes to introduce new volunteers to the program and build camaraderie among current participants!

Adobe Falls
Saturday, July 31st
8:30AM - 10AM

For more information about volunteering for the Canyon Watch program or to RSVP, contact volunteer@sdoceans.org. If you can't make this event, but want to volunteer, check out our online 'Calendar of Events' for future group hikes, or simply review the information on our website, let us know if you have any questions and go out on your own! Doing so, will help protect fragile ecosystems and prevent the spread of pollution into our local waterways!

Storm Drain Stenciling Group Event

Raising awareness about our connections to the ocean is never easier than when it’s with a group! Join us as we get together to stencil the town with our pollution prevention message - reminding people that motor oil, detergents, fertilizers, food wrappers and cigarette butts belong in trash cans and recycling centers…and not our streets! Urban runoff has proven to be the largest contributor to marine pollution worldwide…but together, we have the power to change that! Participate in SDOF’s Storm Drain Stenciling program and become part of the solution.

College Area
Saturday, Jul y 31st
1:30PM - 3:00PM

For more information about volunteering for the Storm Drain Stenciling program or to RSVP, contact volunteer@sdoceans.org. Can’t make this event, but still want to volunteer? Check out our online 'Calendar of Events' for future opportunities, or simply contact volunteer@sdoceans.org and set up an appointment to check out a kit and stencil YOUR neighborhood!

White Seabass Resstoration Project: Pen Cleaning

Loss of habitat and heavy fishing have depleted our native white seabass populations to 10% of what they were only 50 years ago…but the White Seabass Restoration Project aims to change that. Volunteering with this program gives you the chance to get out on the bay, interact with thousands of animals at one time and become directly involved in marine research and conservation (all at the same time)!

Are you a certified diver who wants to try something new and doesn’t mind getting a bit dirty? We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers who’ll help clean our white seabass pens!

San Diego Bay
Sunday, July 11th
9AM - 12PM

Since our White Seabass Restoration Project facilities consist of mesh containment nets that hang in the water for months at a time, they often become COVERED with a variety of marine life. These organisms have found the perfect place to settle and take up residency! Problem is...they block out the very vital water circulation that provides oxygen for our fish. In order to keep our juvenile white seabass strong, healthy and ready for release into the wild, we need to perform regular maintenance on their containment nets.

To dive for a cause and maybe even have some fun doing it, contact volunteer@sdoceans.org and RSVP today! * Must have logged at least 20 dives in order to participate. Proof of certification is required.

White Seabass Restoration Project: Volunteer Orientation

Come out, enjoy the sun and learn all there is to know about replenishing a depleted fish population with SDOF’s White Seabass Restoration Project.

San Diego Bay
Sunday, July 11th
12:30PM - 1:30PM

After this short orientation, you’ll 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! Contact volunteer@sdoceans.org to get involved. RSVP is required to attend!

Ocean In Motion: Snorkeling Trial Run

Are you a strong swimmer/experienced snorkeler who’s looking to inspire local youth with regards to marine science and conservation? If so, the 2010 snorkeling season is here and ready for you!

Upcoming Snorkeling Trips

Monday, July 19th 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM
Tuesday, July 20th 12:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Wednesday, July 21st 12:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Saturday, July 24th 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM
Tuesday, July 27th 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM
Wednesday, July 28th 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM
Thursday, July 29th 12:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Sunday, August 1st 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM

For more information about volunteering for the Ocean In Motion program or to RSVP, contact volunteer@sdoceans.org . For the most up-to-date information regarding OIM volunteer opportunities, please check out our 'Calendar of Events'. Note: OIM Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or older and complete a Live Scan background check prior to supervising youth. Strong swimmers and experienced snorkelers highly desired!

Become an SDOF Member

SDOF relies on the generosity of the community to help support our programs. Become an SDOF member and help promote ocean stewardship!

Check with your Employer for a Matching Contributions Program

When you donate to SDOF, let your company know! They may have an Employee Matching program that could double your donation and maximize your impact.

Adopt a White Seabass

SDOF recently launched our 'Adopt a White Seabass' program! One of the most popular volunteer opportunities with SDOF is our White Seabass Restoration Project. Annually, volunteers help raise and release thousands of fish that live in our pens. Now is your chance to adopt one of these special little critters.

For only $25 (includes a Seahare membership), you can adopt a white seabass, name it, and help ensure it succeed in the wild! Now you can adopt fish and give them to your friends and family - and help raise awareness about our program.

Click here to visit our ONLINE ADOPTION CENTER

Specimens for our Ocean In Motion Marine Science Education Program

As we kick off our school program again this year, we’ll be looking for even more ways to get local students excited about marine science! If you happen to have any sort of specimens (e.g. shark skin & egg casings, crustacean molts, preserved fish/invertebrates, baleen, bones), we’d love to incorporate them into our program.

Earn money for SDOF when you use your Ralphs Rewards Card. It's simple to setup and each swipe helps to support our programs!

Click here to setup your Ralph's Rewards Club Card to benefit SDOF

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 GoodShop.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!

Donations

Office Supplies
Desktop Printer
Organizing Supplies (tubs, bins, drawers)
Software & Hardware

Miscellaneous
Dock Cart(s)
SCUBA gear
Red Rash Guards
Submersible, temporary holding unit for marine life
Portable PA System
Docu-Cam
Vacuum
Tool Kit
Music Stand
Digital Photo Frames
Any donated goods that can be auctioned off at an SDOF fundraiser

Services
Maintenance/Construction Expert/Professional
Attorney, Nonprofit focus
Professional Organizer
Flash/Web Designer
Printing Services
Facebook Application Developer
Graphic Designer
Party Rental Services
Any donated service that can be auctioned off at an SDOF fundraiser

Contact us at sdoceans@sdoceans.org if you are able to help with any of these items! All donations will be put to good use and are tax deductible.

Career Opportunities

Internships Available
To apply, please send a completed Internship Application and resume to volunteer@sdoceans.org.

• Ocean In Motion: Marine Science Education