Kim Wybenga - Workforce Development Program - Central Coast Aquarium

August 12, 2024

Come and SEE under the SEA

Do you recall the movie “The Little Mermaid “? It was a sweet, animated story that exposed the concept of a whole unique world that exists UNDER THE SEA! Though I don’t know of any little mermaids swimming about in our ocean waters, we do have the privilege of SEEING the unique world that lives UNDER THE SEA. Central Coast Aquarium, located at 50 San Juan St. Avila Beach, Ca. 93424, was the vision and dream of founder’s Russ and Carol Kiessig. Native to the California Coastline, Russ grew up enjoying various recreational activities that connected him to the SEA and its picturesque shorelines. It seemed the more time he spent in the ocean, the more intrigued he became with the creatures and fish that lived UNDER THE SEA. Soon his passion became a mission to expose others to this incredible world that he had come to love and greatly appreciate. Leveraging his natural ability to teach, in 1994 Russ and his family established an organization previously known as the Port San Luis Marine Institute. Though the name has changed throughout the years and the founders have since passed away, Russ’s curiosity and intrigue about what lies UNDER THE SEA, continues to live on through the walls of this wonderous and immensely educational Central Coast Aquarium Center. 😊

When you enter the doors of this distinctive aquarium, you will have the pleasure of meeting their amazing staff and volunteers who truly appreciate the wonder of our marine life. They love to share the ocean ecosystem and give others an opportunity to engage with a variety of SEA creatures including starfish, sea urchins, and scallops, just to name a few. For the employees, the smiling faces of the visitors are worth all the hard work it takes to make the experience the best it can be! It can be magical for many who never dreamed they would get the opportunity to engage with a creature that lives UNDER THE SEA. Not only do the staff educate the public in marine biology and ecology, but they also encourage them to care deeply for our environment, so that all living creatures and people can have an optimum quality of life. Most of what fuels their growing need for volunteerism and financial support is the daily care of the marine life at the aquarium and the variety of programs and educational experiences available. Three of their most popular and interactive labs are as follows: the Discovery Labs, the Floating Labs (an oceanic adventure by boat), and the Tidepools On Tour. Through these modalities their goal is to share the science behind marine biology, hoping to inspire future career paths for our youth. None of these amazing experiences would be possible without a committed group of people. So, we would like to thank their dedicated Board of Directors, their hardworking Executive Director Christy Kasajian, their knowledgeable Director of Husbandry Miles Hudson, their compassionate Program Director of Education Ashley Tjepkema and their many volunteers that faithfully show up each day. Finally, we need to recognize their resident greeter, Diver Dan. His large stature is sure to catch your eye, his suit a solemn reminder of the complex ecosystem we affectionately call the SEA. In all the world nothing compares to its mysterious ways and numerous life forces. Its intensity is matchless, and no human can harness its power or stop its waves from crashing upon its shorelines. To have it in our midst is truly a blessing! So, as mere humans, how should we approach this vast entity we call the SEA, that beckons us to engage with it in so many ways…with gratitude and reverence! 😊

Please consider celebrating 30 years of marine science education at the Central Coast Aquarium’s fundraising gala, “CATCH OF THE CENTRAL COAST” on September 7, 2024, in Avila Beach. More information and tickets can be found at http://www.centralcoastaquarium.org.