Venue

The conference will be held at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). Scripps is one of the oldest marine science institutions in the United States and the location of more than fifty years of high pressure studies of deep-sea life. The institution has a staff of about 1,300 and annual expenditures of approximately $140 million from federal, state, and private sources. SIO operates one of the largest U.S. academic fleets with four oceanographic research ships and one research platform for worldwide exploration. It also contains a number of oceanographic collections, an internationally acclaimed marine sciences library and the popular Birch Aquarium. Scripps is located along miles of white sand beaches which provide easy access to swimming and other water sports, beach volley ball, hiking and tide pool exploration.

Weather

September is usually dry and warm or hot. However, because of the mix of desert and marine climate, the wind from the ocean can be quite cool and the evenings can be fresh. Therefore, bring a light jacket or similar for evenings outside and for air conditioned environments. Also bring a hat and lots of sunscreen. We have to warn you about sun exposure: because of the typically cool wind from the ocean the sun does not feel very hot, and you can get severely sunburned unless you protect yourself. Those going on excursions may require additional clothing or sun protection (see details of excursions).

Surrounding Area

La Jolla (map) is a community of palm trees and beaches, research and biotechnology, nestled along the northwest corner of the city of San Diego, which is along the California / Mexico border. It was described in "Cannery Row" (the 1945 novel by John Steinbeck) as the sleepy little fishing village marine biologist Doc Ricketts frequented during his collection trips. Since that time San Diego county has grown to a population of over three million residents. Here you can learn about New World explorers from Spain and Portugal, Kumeyaay (Diegueño) Native Americans and 19th century American Settlers. In addition, inland environments such as the old mining town of Julian and Anza Borrego State Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience our foothill, mountain and desert communites. For more information about La Jolla see http://www.lajolla.com/ and San Diego see http://www.sandiego.org.