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Algalita Marine Research Foundation

www.algalita.org

Organization Type:
Non-Profit

Mission:
Algalita Marine Research Foundation (AMRF) was established in 1994 with the intent to emerge as the conscience of the marine scientific community; today AMRF is poised to propel society toward preservation and sustainable restoration of the marine environment.

AMRF is based on a dynamic model of science and public service; providing insight and ideas to the marine scientific and educational community. AMRF, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, will engage in environmental research and restoration that fosters marine ecological stewardship. Projects undertaken by AMRF are carefully scrutinized and selected based upon the maximum benefit to the marine ecosystem and the general public. The Founder, the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and the Board of Advisors are drawn from a community of scientific researchers, educators and environmental professionals who are interested in preservation and restoration of the marine ecosystem. With sustained member support, generous donations from concerned individuals, as well as foundation and corporate sponsors, AMRF will provide answers to questions about anthropogenic imprints on the marine environment that will improve public awareness so that informed decisions will be made on policies affecting the marine environment.

While carrying on our own marine research and restoration projects, AMRF also solicits proposals for research and restoration projects within the larger marine scientific community. Our collaborations with other organizations include projects and programs at the national and international levels. AMRF will promote research that directly benefits the marine environment, and will gather and publish scientific information in a form that is easily accessible to the public through educational forums, professional conferences, the internet and other publications. By broadening public awareness and concern about the consequences of our society’s impacts on the marine environment, and working to develop practical methods of restoring its natural state, AMRF will positively influence public policy.

Contact:
Marieta Francis
Captain Charles Moore
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
148 Marina Drive
Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone: (562) 598-4889
Fax: (562) 598-0712
info@algalita.org

Geographical Focus:
Local, Regional, State, National, International

Counties Served:
Los Angeles, Orange

Activities:
Research, Education, Policy, Conservation, Restoration, Regulation, Water Monitoring, Resource Management, Water Pollution Prevention

Topic:
Wetlands, Aquaculture, Cultural History, Kelp Forest, Beaches, Rocky Intertidal, Wildlife, Energy, Watershed Hydrology, Habitat Restoration, Endangered Species, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Bay & Estuary Habitats, Plastic Particulate Pollution

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Outreach Program, On-Site Program, Publications, Newsletter, Brochures, Exhibits/Display, Website, Speaker/Lecture Series

Speaker/Lecture Series:
AMRF speaks to interested groups and schools regarding our ongoing activities including research voyages to the Central Pacific and Baja California on our Oceanographic Research Vessel, Alguita.

Education Programs:
We teach students and volunteers from middle school onward on-site water monitoring; we have a specially designed “kelp cart” which can be used in grades K-12 to grow kelp from spores in the classroom. It can also be used as a tide pool eco-system or touch tank. (school must purchase the $3,500 cart or get it donated) The kelp cart program includes:

  • Kelp Cart set up in their school
  • Semi-weekly service for one school year, parts and labor included, and teacher instruction
  • Complete marine eco-system includes:
  • Chiller with controller
  • Biofilter
  • Water pump
  • Growing trays
  • Lights with timer
  • Rolling plastic cart, holds 400 pounds
  • Instructions
  • Expansion trays and lights available
Originally designed for growing kelp in schools but can also be used for growing tide pool specimens or used as a touch tank.

AMRF presents information in Power Point and video formats on our Baja California Whale Lagoon Research, Escalera Nautica and on our Plastic Debris in the Pacific Ocean Voyages and studies; we have curricula in Spanish for wetlands education and the Brandt project.

AMRF is developing a program to teach sample analysis to ninth grade and above students. The researchers teach collection and analysis of beach sand samples to students. Students assist in lab analysis. This program provides staff members and classroom space and the school provides people power.

Target Audiences:
Grades 5 and up

Other Languages:
Spanish:   Bilingual speaker for presentations of work in US and Mexico, curricula for the Brandt Project for students along the migration route from Alaska to Baja California, and curricula in Spanish for students who live near wetlands or estuaries.

In-Service Training:
General Public
Volunteer Crew positions available on Research Vessel Alguita includes training.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Description:
Volunteers are needed throughout the year to help with administrative duties, table at various events, write, help plan and assist at fundraisers, assist in research projects (e.g. sorting and counting plastic bits under a microscope), Volunteer Crew on Oceanographic Research Vessel, Alguita Sailing and Collecting Data.
  When Needed:
Throughout the year
  Qualifications:
Ability to write in English and/or Spanish, willing to travel for some jobs to Long Beach, some jobs elsewhere, computer skills for some tasks, scientific background for some tasks
  Commitment Required:
Some day trips on vessel, some longer, other commitments depend on project
  Application/Training:
Apply by email or phone- will train on day trips for crewmembers, volunteer coordinator will train for other jobs.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Marieta Francis
(562) 598-4889
marieta@algalita.org


Internship Opportunities

  Description:
Work on compilation, publication and dissemination of research work on one of two projects: Multidisciplinary Study of Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio Lagoons, or Comparison of Plastic and Plankton in the Central Pacific Gyre and elsewhere.
  When Needed:
All year
  Qualifications:
Typing and word processing experience, scientific background
  Application:
Apply by phone or email with resume.
  Number of Interns:
Up to 4
  Housing Provided:
No
  Paid:
No
  Stipend:
Negotiable
  Credit:
No


Videos:
For use on-site, loan, or purchase
•  Synthetic Sea ($15.00 incl. S&H)
•  Red Tide Study, 1995-96 ($29.00)
•  Baja Nautical Ladder, Escalera Nautica (loan)
•  Pacific Gyre Voyage, 1999 ($10.00)

Slideshows:
For use on-site, loan, or purchase.
•  PowerPoint : History of Algalita Fdn., Gyre Voyages, San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre Lagoon research voyages - available on Zip Disk ($29.00)



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