Get Out On (or Under) the Water
Surrounded by pristine coastline and waters, the Wrigley Marine Science Center is a peerless location for diving and ocean research.
We are located on Big Fisherman Cove, a no-take marine protected area that is part of the larger Blue Cavern Onshore and Offshore State Marine Conservation Areas. Blue Cavern is both a Mission Blue Hope Spot and part of the IUCN’s Green List of exceptionally conserved areas globally.
The USC scientific diving program, which offers AAUS scientific diving certification, will train you for the work of studying and protecting areas like this, while our waterfront services and facilities support your projects and explorations.
Scientific Diving
USC’s scientific diving program, housed within the Wrigley Institute, conducts certification courses and proficiency workshops at WMSC. We also offer facilities and support staff to make your research dives successful, and we welcome external dive groups in need of a training or practice facility.
Boating
WMSC maintains a small fleet of watercraft for sampling runs, other research excursions, and dive operations. Not trained in small boat operation? Our expert waterfront team can help with that, too.
Hyperbaric Chamber
The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, located on the WMSC waterfront, provides medical support – and extra peace of mind – for local divers. Chamber crew also teach workshops on hyperbaric medicine, dive safety, and more.
About Catalina’s Marine Protected Areas
Catalina Island is surrounded by a variety of marine protected areas (MPAs), including the Blue Cavern Marine Conservation Area adjacent to our campus. The Wrigley Institute is honored to work with the Catalina Island Conservancy and Catalina MPA Collaborative to steward these areas.
Thanks to our collaborative efforts, the waters around Catalina Island are an ideal location to witness and study Southern California marine life and ecosystems. Prior to your visit, our staff will help you ensure that your plans are in keeping with local rules designed to protect these sensitive environments.
Note that the Blue Cavern Onshore Marine Conservation Area, which includes WMSC’s Big Fisherman Cove, is a no-take marine protected area that must not be disturbed in any way. Typically, researchers must collect samples or place equipment in other locations along the Catalina coast.
