A FREE event for the general public held each summer.
The next MBARI Open House is July 19, 2008.
The MBARI open house will feature science and technology exhibits, displays of deep-sea video from Monterey Bay, research presentations, children's activities, and ocean career information. MBARI staff, scientists, and engineers will share their excitement about the institute's work.
Visitors can view MBARI's robotic deep-sea vehicles: our remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) Ventana and Tiburon; our autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs); and our Benthic Rover-distant cousin to the Mars rovers. MBARI's three research vessels will also be at the dock with related displays. The Monterey Bay Aquarium will provide ocean conservation information and selected gift store items.
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- Where is MBARI located? MBARI is located in Moss Landing, halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey off Highway 1. The Duke Energy Power Plant is a visible landmark to Moss Landing. From Highway 1, turn west (toward ocean) onto Moss Landing Road. Turn on Sandholdt Road and cross the bridge. MBARI is on the west side of the road. Directions
- Is parking available? Limited free public parking is available along the streets. There is also public parking at the Moss Landing Harbor District within walking distance (parking fee required payable at Harbor District).
- Are restrooms
available?
Yes, there are public restrooms. - Are there picnic areas?
Yes, there are several benches around MBARI that you can use to picnic with your family. MBARI also has access points to the beach. - What food is available?
There are several restaurants within walking distance to MBARI. Food will not be available at MBARI. - Can I see the ships?
All three MBARI research ships will be at the dock during the event and crew from the ships will be available to answer your questions. -
Can I board the ships?
New Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard regulations restrict access to the R/V Western Flyer. The public will not be able to board any of the ships.
- When should I arrive?
The Open House begins at 12:00 noon and ends at 5:00 p.m. Because much of the setup occurs in the morning prior to opening, we ask that people refrain from coming more than a half hour ahead of time. The exhibits and activities will be available at 12:00 noon. - What presentations are planned for the Pacific Forum? Presentations at the 2007 Open House included:
- Susan von Thun, Research Technician: Mysteries of the Deep
-
Joe Needoba, Ph.D., Chemist: The Land-Ocean Observatory in Elkhorn Slough
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Marcia McNutt, Ph.D., President and CEO:
Sustaining David Packard's vision beyond our 20th anniversary-
Mark Chaffey, Engineer: MOOS, the innovative mooring
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Bruce Robison, Ph.D., Midwater Biologist: Understanding deep sea biodiversity
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Mark Talkovic, ROV pilot Ventana, the most successful scientific ROV ever
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Keith Hester, Ph.D., Chemical Engineer
The first deep sea laser Raman spectrometer
For information or to receive an announcement for our next Open House: openhouse@mbari.org.

