The starfish are sassy, the urchins are ornery, the sharks act like sea puppies and, if you kiss a sea cucumber, you’re in for some good luck (allegedly). UC Santa Barbara's beloved The REEF offers a hands-on intro to marine and environmental sciences, taking advantage of its location just steps from Campus Point. Its state-of-the-art touch tanks are filled with seawater fed directly from the nearby ocean and feature local creatures — denizens of tide pools and the nearshore giant kelp habitats — while its aquariums recreate scenes from UCSB research sites off the Santa Barbara Coast and the Moorea Coral Reef in French Polynesia.
Some things never get old
Photo: Courtesy The REEF
Kids, meet urchins
Graduate student Bill Wheeler gives a group of firstgraders from Santa Barbara’s St. Raphael School a meetand- greet with a sea urchin in this circa-1970s photo. At that time, the Marine Science Institute welcomed more than 900 children annually, angling for some quality time with local sea creatures at UCSB’s original touch tank.
Photo by Monica Pessino
Introducing The REEF
Then came The Research Experience & Education Facility. Established about 25 years ago, The REEF connects ocean research to real educational standards, invites learners of all ages to explore marine life up close and inspires new generations of ocean lovers and stewards. It’s a popular stop for school field trips and tourists alike.
