Shark school in session at Birch Aquarium

By STEPHEN RUBIN - Staff Writer | Saturday, July 12, 2008 10:48 PM PDT ∞

LA JOLLA ---- Whether it's because of Hollywood-produced frights in movies such as "Jaws" or rare real-life tragedies such as the deadly attack off Solana Beach's coast in April, sharks don't seem to attract the sort of sympathies that other animals do.

The message of Shark Week, kicking off Saturday at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, however, is that sharks are vulnerable and need our protection. Scripps Institution of Oceanography scientists will discuss research discoveries and conservation efforts that may help turn around the fortunes of declining shark populations.

The program, which runs through July 26, features shark encounters, shark-feeding shows and show-and-tell talks with scientists.

The aquarium is presenting Shark Week in tandem with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Discovery Channel (which is presenting its annual "Shark Week" series July 27 to Aug. 2). While we may not understand sharks or shudder at the thought of seeing their protruding fins anywhere near us in the water, we are certainly curious about them, judging by the popularity of Discovery's annual series. Shark Week is also one of the aquarium's most popular programs.

More than 10 species of sharks and their relatives will be on display at the aquarium, including whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, brownbanded bamboo sharks, Port Jackson sharks and wobbegongs. Beginning last year, the aquarium has tailored the programming to focus on shark species that are native to the waters off Southern California.

The feeding shows in the two-story kelp forest tank figure to be a popular component of Shark Week. They are scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, plus 10:30 a.m. July 20, 22 and 24, and 2 p.m. July 26.

Live shark touching and learning opportunities will run every half hour from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m daily.

Those who become emboldened by what they see and learn at Shark Week can take the next step by participating in a "Snorkel With Sharks" program. Upcoming outings are 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, plus July 26, Aug. 10, 23 and 31. Scripps naturalists will guide snorkelers off La Jolla Shores to areas populated by leopard sharks, smoothhound sharks and guitarfish, among other species. Bring your own gear and children ages 10 to 13 must be accompanied by adults. Admission is $30. Reserve to (858) 534-7336.

Shark Week at Birch Aquarium at Scripps

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Where: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla

Tickets: $11, adults; $9, seniors; $7.50, children 3 to 17; free, children 2 and under

Info: (858) 534-3474 or aquarium.ucsd.edu

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