The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center invites the community to celebrate Underwater Parks Day with a free, family event, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17.

The annual tradition highlights marine protected areas (MPAs), or underwater parks, that safeguard the biodiversity and abundance of ocean life along California’s coast.

Visitors to the Santa Barbara Sea Center get a close look at sea stars in an indoor tidepool. (Courtesy photo)
Visitors to the Santa Barbara Sea Center get a close look at sea stars in an indoor tidepool. (Courtesy photo)

Some of the most nutrient-rich waters on the planet are found in the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands region, according to the Sea Center.

These waters support thriving kelp forests, tide pools, and rocky reef habitats that are protected through MPAs, which prevent overharvesting of marine resources to promote healthy ecosystems for future generations, the Sea Center said.

“Underwater Parks Day is a community celebration designed to bring awareness to the network of marine protected areas off the California coast,” said Richard Smalldon, Sea Center director.

“These underwater parks play a vital role in preserving biodiversity by creating sanctuaries for marine life. Helping people understand their importance is central to our mission,” he said.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California MPA network is “the largest ecologically connected network in the world.” While MPAs are doing the good work of protecting biodiversity all over the planet, California is clearly a leader, the department said.

Underwater Parks Day is one of two free days usually offered by the Sea Center each year.

“By offering free admission, we hope to make the Sea Center accessible to all members of our community,” Smalldon said. “It’s also an opportunity for people to meet local partners and learn how they can get involved in ocean conservation.” 

This year’s celebration will feature interactive booths and activities hosted by local community partners, including the Spotting Giant Sea Bass project, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, Heal the Ocean, Channel Island Naturalist Corps, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, Blue Whales Blue Skies program, and the Caselle Lab at UCSB. 

Through hands-on experiences and conversations with scientists and conservationists, visitors will learn how MPAs support ocean health and how they can play a role in protecting these special places.

“We hope that by knowing these places exist and understanding the role they play, visitors will feel empowered to support local conservation efforts and become involved,” Smalldon said.

No reservations are required. For more information and a full schedule of upcoming events, visit sbnature.org/calendar.