Help us Celebrate our Accomplishments with PORTS!

California State Parks’ PORTS Program is excited to announce a special partnership with Monterey Bay Aquarium for World Ocean Day 2021. A special live-streamed program will be broadcast on PORTS Program's Facebook page on Tuesday, June 8 from 8-10 a.m. PDT.

Viewers will have the rare opportunity to dive head-first into World Ocean Day with scuba divers from the State Parks Dive Team and Monterey Bay Aquarium who will be broadcasting live from underwater in Whalers Cove at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. In addition to exploring the rocky reefs and kelp forests at Point Lobos, viewers will enjoy virtual visits to many other State Parks and marine protected areas (MPAs) along California’s coast.

State Parks' team of MPA interpreters spanning the coast from San Elijo State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, Gaviota State Park, Morro Bay State Park, Point Lobos SNR, MacKerricher State Park, and North Coast Redwoods District will all play key roles in the program. Attendees will learn about how the ocean connects us all and supports all life on planet earth as the interpreters share messaging about safe tidepooling and wildlife watching practices, the impacts and solutions to marine plastic pollution, and how climate change is affecting ocean ecosystems. Viewers will learn about solutions and be inspired to take action to protect California’s marine life and our global ocean.

The grand finale of the special event will include a deep dive into Whalers Cove with the State Parks and Monterey Bay Aquarium scuba divers! Using underwater cameras and special communications equipment, the divers will share the kelp forest habitat and the species that call the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve home. Established in 1960, this marine protected area is one of the oldest in the nation and is renowned for its thriving kelp forest and rich biodiversity.

RSVP for the event today! See you in the blue on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 8 a.m.!