A marine science center located on the West End of Catalina Island.

6,000

Gallons of sea water flow through our facility

+40

Species of animals on display

+7,000

Annual visitors to Camp Emerald Bay

WHAT WE DO

Education

The PMSC supports this mission by using its exhibits, classrooms and proximity to the ocean to teach the Oceanography Merit Badge (OMB), BSA Aquarist (BSAA), and ROV classes. These courses are taught by the marine educators and teach fundamental concepts of oceanography, how to setup and care for an aquarium, and stewardship of the ocean.

Conservation

We are constantly looking for ways to get involved in conservation efforts in order to create a positive and lasting impact on the marine environment. Currently, we are working towards white abalone restoration and white seabass aquaculture. In addition, we are open to serving as a host site for field studies or research.

Exploration

We spend a lot of time in the ocean, whether it be for collection dives, training, or for leisure. Our goal is to inspire and encourage our guests to explore the ocean. Recently, we developed a ROV course for Scouts that promotes exploring our bay with a self-assembled ROV. In addition, we have a BlueROV that allows our staff to explore deeper depths than within our diving range.

Our Story

The Pennington Marine Science Center is a one-of-a-kind aquarium and marine science education facility located on Catalina Island, just 28 miles from greater Los Angeles. Situated on the rugged and relatively uninhabited West End of the island, the Pennington Marine Science Center offers visitors and students unparalleled opportunities to get up close and personal with the local marine life of Emerald Bay. The marine science center is a part of Camp Emerald Bay, which is owned and operated by the Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America. The camp has been in operation since 1925 with the marine science center opening in 2004.

We operate a 6,000 gallon aquarium with over 10 exhibits housing local temperate marine fish and invertebrates. We use the center as a focal point of our education program, which teaches marine science, conservation and stewardship to children of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The marine science team teaches classes and educates thousands of people every year, with our busiest season in the summer.