The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center located on Stearns Wharf is offering free admission to its Underwater Parks Day Festival on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM thanks to support from the Moeller Lab at UC Santa Barbara.

The Underwater Parks Day Festival celebrates Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), or “underwater parks,” that preserve the biodiversity and abundance of ocean life in our coastal waters. Some of the most nutrient rich waters on the planet are located in the Santa Barbara and Channel Islands region. These waters support abundant marine life found in kelp forests, tide pools, and rocky intertidal reef habitats. MPAs restrict fishing and the overharvesting of these incredibly diverse marine ecosystems to promote stable species populations and recreational use for future generations of visitors.

Underwater Parks Day is celebrated in unison with many aquariums and science centers in Southern California.

The Sea Center is located at 211 Stearns Wharf and is open daily from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. For more information, visit sbnature.org or call 805-962-2526.

About the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

Located on historic Stearns Wharf, this highly interactive regional aquarium and marine education facility offers guests close encounters with marine animals, and exploration of the Santa Barbara Channel on the Wet Deck. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Sea Center hosts unique events and special educational programming, including Underwater Parks Day and World Oceans Day.