Birch Aquarium To Spotlight Sharks With Shark Summer

LA JOLLA, CA — Birch Aquarium is celebrating sharks this July with shark-tastic fun for shark fans of all ages.

Shark Summer will recognize the vital role sharks play in the ecosystem, while shining a light on conservation work and research being done to protect them. The event will feature shark feedings, trivia nights, weekend activations and more throughout the month.

"Birch Aquarium is partnered with SAFE Sharks and Rays to take action that supports shark and ray populations around the globe," Brent Fish of Birch Aquarium said in a statement. "Like so many other species, sharks and rays face threats to their habitats and ecosystems, and they need our help."

Weekend activities will take place July 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 with additional activities during the week.

Here's the Shark Summer event schedule:

• Scheduled Shark Feedings: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m., Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
• Scheduled Kelp Forest Dives: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
• Shark Exploration Stations: Saturdays and Sundays
• Meet the Shark Specialist Station: July 13 and July 14
• Shark-Themed Oceans at Night: July 25
• Trivia Nights featuring Scripps researcher interactions with drinks and food available for purchase on Blue Beach: July 17 and July 31 from 5-6:30 p.m.

During Shark Summer, proceeds collected in the donation box in the aquarium's galleria will benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE Sharks and Rays program, a collaborative effort by more than 60 organizations nationwide to work together to save the more than 1,200 species of sharks and rays worldwide from extinction through evidence-based education and communication.

Activities offered during normal business hours are included with the cost of general admission while others, such as Oceans at Night, require separate admission.

Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.