Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz Drives Community Climate Solutions

The University of California's Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting on July 13, 2025, highlighted the impactful work of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz, showcasing its role in community-driven climate resilience through innovative research and public engagement.

Jonathan Hicken, the center's executive director, emphasized the importance of connecting scientific research to practical solutions for local communities. He noted that the Monterey Bay region serves as a living laboratory for climate resilience, with the Seymour Center at the forefront of educating the public about marine science and conservation. Since its inception, the center has reached over 1.5 million visitors, including 200,000 youth, fostering a new generation of scientists.

Hicken shared compelling examples of how the center engages the community. One initiative involves a partnership with the Amah Mutsun Land Trust, which focuses on coastal stewardship and climate resilience. The center also promotes local solutions to environmental challenges, such as the adoption of ropeless crab pots to protect marine life while supporting the fishing economy.

A standout project discussed was the innovative restoration of a blue whale skeleton, utilizing eco-friendly materials like shrimp shell-based putty and 3D-printed replicas made from recycled hospital trays. This approach not only preserves the whale's legacy but also serves as a model for sustainable practices in science.

The meeting underscored the center's commitment to building trust in science and empowering communities to take action against climate change. Hicken called for support to expand this model of community engagement to other science centers, reinforcing the vital link between research and public participation in addressing environmental issues.