Birch Aquarium Is Looking For Grunion Groupies For Massive Fish Strandings
 By Jessica Crawford
LaJolla, CA - Experience the Remarkable Grunion Run with Birch Aquarium at Scripps Scripps Institution of Oceanography/University of California, San Diego.
Join Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, for a must-see ocean adventure. From March 28 until early June, observe the mysterious grunion spawn on the beaches of La Jolla.
On certain spring nights following high tides, hundreds of the small, silvery fish ride the waves onto shore for this remarkable mating ritual. While on the beach, female grunion bury themselves in the sand to lay eggs, while males wrap themselves protectively around the females to fertilize their eggs. Both catch a wave to return to sea.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps naturalists will guide participants through an unforgettable night, starting with a presentation on grunion, followed by a rare opportunity to witness grunion eggs hatch before their eyes. The unique experience continues with a moonlight beach exploration. Please bring a flashlight and warm jacket. The program is $12 per person.
 2009 Season:
* Saturday, March 28, 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.*
* Includes a special presentation by Karen Martin, Pepperdine University marine biologist and grunion expert
* Friday, April 10, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
* Saturday, April 11, 10 p.m.-12 a.m.
* Saturday, May 9, 9-11 p.m.
* Monday, May 25, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
* Monday, June 8, 9:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
NOTE: Grunion Runs do not take place at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Reservations must be received in advance by calling 858-534-7336.
Grunion Groupies
Saturdays and Sundays
April 4-June 13
11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Included with aquarium admission
Join Birch Aquarium at Scripps naturalists every Saturday and Sunday as they share the amazing tale of the elusive California grunion. Learn how these unique fish “run” up our local beaches and lay their eggs in the moist sand. Experience the joy of watching baby grunion hatch right before your eyes!
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 400,000, including 45,000 school children.
Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.
Phone: 858-534-FISH
Website: http://aquarium.ucsd.edu
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Admission: $11 Adult, 18+
$9 Senior, 60+
$7.50 Youth, 3-17
Free Children, 2 and under
Free Scripps Oceanographic Society Members
Directions: From Interstate 5, exit at La Jolla Village Drive.
West one mile. Left on Expedition Way.
Parking: Birch Aquarium offers three-hour courtesy parking.
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