Cabrillo High School Aquarium Tour

April 3, 2025

We Found Dory!

Not only did we find Nemo, but Dory too! Yes, Dory, Nemo and many other marine animals, including coral, are alive and well at the Cabrillo High School Aquarium (Aquarium.) Thousands of people visit the Aquarium every year, including all of Lompoc's fourth and fifth grade students who engage in various educational activities. On our outing, four members of Lompoc Methodist church joined us.

All but one tank are salt water with myriad species such as sharks and rays. Delicate creatures such as jellyfish (Pacific me Sea Nettle) require special round Kreisel tanks and continuous circular water flow. Otherwise, jellies get injured in corners,, and sink to the bottom. There is a touch tank with bat stars, red abalone, strawberry anemones, and more. We learned that the California's state marine fish is the Garibaldi. This Aquarium also serves as a refuge for some animals that were not thriving at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Over two hundred high school students are involved with the Aquarium: operation and maintenance, e.g., monitoring the pH; obtaining specimens such as the Sheepshead fish at Catalina Island; conducting research, acting as docents; and collaborating with Monterey Bay Aquarium, an important partner.

The Aquarium is in Phase 2 of 3 of its expansion. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is donating more tanks. There will be a tank dedicated to octopuses. Other tanks will be warm water ones. So, lots to look forward to. In addition to afternoon tours, the Aquarium has evening open houses throughout the academic year. Everyone really enjoyed the Aquarium, and was duly impressed.