COUNTYWIDE : Institute Broadens Peeks Into the Sea

Just over the side of Orange County Marine Institute’s research vessel, the Sum Fun, a bright yellow robot sputtered like a sprinkler before diving deep into the harbor waters.

As the robot--a remote-controlled video camera device--descended into Dana Point Harbor, images of tube worms, jellyfish and other sea life began appearing live on a television screen in the vessel.

Until now, such views of the ocean offered through the institute’s educational programs and activities were mostly available only to schoolchildren.

That will soon change.

For the first time since the institute was established in 1977 at the harbor, officials will offer an expanded series of summer activities and exploration cruises to adults, as well as children.

“There’s just a tremendous demand,” Harry Helling, associate director of the institute, said. “People are so thirsty to learn more about the ocean.”

Beside entertainment, officials say the programs are designed to educate.

“It is important to us,” said Dan Stetson, director of maritime affairs, “that people learn we’re entrusted with the safekeeping of the oceans.”

Starting in July, the institute will offer four different 2 1/2-hour weekend cruises on its leased laboratory vessel: the Floating Lab Dusk Cruise, the Kelp Ecology Cruise, the Bioluminescence Night Cruise and the Environmental Fishing Cruise.

On the dusk cruise, for example, visitors will view sea lions resting on buoys and examine long-finned sand dabs, sea urchins, rockfish and other creatures temporarily captured in a trawl net. There will even be a chance to dig through mud from the ocean bottom that is brought to the surface by a device known as a “Benthic grab.”

The institute’s new underwater robotic camera will be featured on several of the cruises.

On weekends from noon to 4 p.m., the institute also will hold three 50-minute programs: “Life of the Sailor” on the tall ship Pilgrim; “Underwater California” on board the research vessel; and a guided journey into the Dana Point Marine Life Refuge.

All cruises cost $22 for adults, $14 for children under 12.

Tickets for the weekend programs are $3 for adults, $2 for children under 12. A ticket allows visitors to attend any or all three programs.

For more information, call the institute at (714) 496-2274.