Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla

Located on 170 acres of prime, oceanfront land just below UCSD's main campus is the nation's oldest and largest institution devoted to oceanography, the world's foremost center for marine sciences.

Founded in 1903 through the efforts of Berkeley biology professor William Ritter and a group of prominent San Diegans, the then independent biological research laboratory became an integral part of the University of California in 1912 when it received its present name in recognition of the support of Ellen Scripps and her brother Edward. Over the decades, Scripps research scientists have sailed nearly four million nautical miles throughout the world's oceans, observing environments and their inhabitants and retrieving specimens and collecting data. Today over 1,000 staff members occupy sixty- five buildings where researchers from many nations conduct studies. The Scripps Library ranks among the country's leading marine science libraries.

Especially popular among La Jolla residents is the institution's unique aquarium, which draws more than 300,000 visitors a year. Coastal underwater habitats are recreated in breathtaking exhibits. In addition to an onshore man-made tide pool, twenty- two marine life tanks, displays that explain advancements in oceanography and a well- stocked bookstore, the Scripps aquarium offers educational tours for school groups and a variety of fascinating summer classes for budding oceanographers. Always attracting prominent visitors, such as Japan's Emperor Hirohito and England's Queen Elizabeth, Scripps institution of Oceanography is a La Jolla institution that has become a genuine world force in the affairs of man and his environment.