Friends of the Collections

Friends of the Collections support the largest and most complete university-based oceanographic collection in the world. Comprised of millions of biological and geological marine specimens, the collections are irreplaceable because they record the state of the ocean environment at specific points in time over the past century. They tell a unique and evolving story of life on Earth and provide answers to questions about our planet’s future.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is one of the world's oldest, largest and most important centers for ocean, earth and atmospheric science research, education and public service.

Since its beginnings, the institution has featured a public aquarium and outreach center - now the Birch Aquarium - to serve as a public exploration center, interpreting Scripps research and communicating scientific understanding of the oceans, atmosphere and Earth for the benefit of society and the planet.

Join us

Become a Member