Keeping Marine Institute’s Mission Afloat

Should the publicly owned Orange County Marine Institute (OCMI) be given to the privately owned organization called Friends of the Marine Institute of Orange County? An argument is being made that it will make fund-raising to expand the institute easier. But are there better choices?

The institute is currently publicly owned under a joint powers authority of the county and six other agencies. It provides marine education programs to our local youth. Orange County provides a rent-free lease on the public land the institute occupies in Dana Point Harbor.

Although the Friends group has been an asset in fund-raising for the institute, it lacks adequate scientific expertise in marine biology. A report to the Board of Supervisors from Michael M. Ruane, director of the Environmental Management Agency, states, “The county has been provided no information on the corporate structure, experience or financial condition of the Friends.”

Why should the county turn over a rent-free lease and refuse to take bids from groups who may be better qualified? It would also be questionable to transfer the institute’s donated assets to a private group with the resulting loss of public accountability.

I agree with those who would like to retain public ownership and governance. However, if a transfer to private ownership is to take place, it should be to a well-established, scientific organization such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Scripps Institute/Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum or the Jacques Cousteau Society. They are nonprofit and well funded. Expansion of facilities and scientific research would occur. This would benefit our youth, residents and economy.

Interest has been expressed in making competitive bids. I understand that the Monterey Bay Aquarium group is interested in the possibility of bidding. Each year more than 70,000 schoolchildren take part in their custom-tailored educational programs.

These programs and the print materials and services are provided free of charge. Whereas, I understand that some students from our local schools cannot afford the typical charge for institute half-day educational sessions. Summer program charges at OCMI currently range from $8 to $195. Both Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum have extensive youth programs.

The availability of a prestigious, scientific group should be pursued. The institute should not resist a bidding process. I feel sure that both the institute and the Friends group would welcome the best we can get for our Orange County youth.

Public input is needed and a bidding process should take place. Let’s determine what’s in our best interest. Let’s not be shortchanged.

Barbara Netzley writes from Dana Point.