Seymour Center open seven days a week in August

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center will be open seven days a week during August 2009 to better serve the visiting public. Typically closed on Mondays, the Seymour Center will throw open its doors for five additional summer days this year.

"A big chunk of our visitation comes during the summer months, and these extended hours give us a better opportunity to share ocean science and conservation with people," said director Julie Barrett Heffington.

Overlooking the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Seymour Center is a "living classroom" featuring aquariums, exhibits, touch tanks, blue and gray whale skeletons, full-scale elephant seal models, the Ocean Discovery Shop, and unsurpassed ocean vistas. Aquariums and exhibits feature the everyday tools of ocean exploration and focus on research conducted by scientists locally and around the world. Interactive stations provide hands-on learning experiences, and docents lead tours and bring marine science to life. Tours are offered from 1 to 3 p.m. daily (last tour ends at 4 p.m.).

Extended summer hours during August 2009:

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Admission:

Adult $6

Student or Senior (64+) $4

Child (4-16) $4

Location:

End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz

Information:

(831) 459-3800

seymourcenter.ucsc.edu