June 30, 2001:
Dolphin Research at UC Santa Cruz

WHAT: An up-close experience with two research dolphins and three sea lions at the UC Santa Cruz Long Marine Laboratory. We'll hear a brief talk by biologist Terrie Williams, who studies dolphins and other marine mammals in the wild and captivity. Her specialty is examining the physiological adaptations needed for diving and foraging. In particular, Williams uses various sensors (such as a metabolic chamber and a "load cell" device that measures the pressure exerted by a dolphin swimming in place) to study the energetics of diving and swimming. She's interested in how wild populations make a living and how they may respond to changing environmental conditions, such as water temperature and the availability of prey.

After the talk and some questions, our group will trek to the side of the dolphin tank to see Primo and Puka, two trained residents of Long Marine Lab on extended loan from the U.S. Navy. Three trained sea lions are part of the team as well. Williams and her trainers will demonstrate some of the research activities and equipment used. We'll view the dolphins from above poolside and from special observing windows in the equipment room below. This opportunity is not available for regular visitors to the lab.

NCSWAns will then have the rest of the day to explore UCSC's Seymour Marine Discovery Center, a great new $6 million facility full of educational and interactive exhibits for adults and kids. The skeleton of an 87-foot blue whale greets visitors, along with gorgeous vistas of Monterey Bay from a coastal bluff. Docent-led tours of the rest of Long Marine Lab will be available.

WHEN: Saturday, June 30, starting at 10 a.m. sharp.

WHO: For NCSWAns and family members ages 6 and older. Because space at the dolphin tank is limited, no more than 40 people may attend this event. For fairness, please limit your group size to four.

WHERE: 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, near Highway 1 at the west end of town. Details at Seymour Center Web site. We'll meet as a group in front of the Seymour Center.

HOW MUCH: $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-16. (No younger children, please.) A portion of the fee will cover admission for the day to the Seymour Center. The rest will be donated to the Williams research group in exchange for the time of the animal trainers.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Send e-mail promptly to Rob Irion at irion@nasw.org, indicating how many people will be in your group. When 40 people have signed up, registration for the event will be closed. Rob will then send a bulk e-mail to all registrants, with instructions on where to send payment and how to get to the event.

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR: Summer conditions at Long Marine Lab are often chilly in the morning, with coastal fog and steady wind. Be prepared with a warm layer on top of shorts and shirtsleeves when the noontime sun emerges. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Wear shoes that can get wet with salty water (animal-induced splashing is likely), and don't wear any leather items. Food is not available at the Seymour Center, so bring your own cooler, lunch, and (non-alcoholic) drinks to enjoy at a coastal overlook when the group event is over. Cameras are OK