First Wednesdays: Lecture, Cocktail Hour, and Music

Restoring California’s Kelp

Presented by Nancy Caruso

Imagine a beautiful underwater rainforest that can grow up to 2 feet daily, serves as a vital habitat for ocean life, and plays a key role in combating climate change. Kelp Forests are towering underwater algae that flourish along the coastline in cool, nutrient-rich waters. They provide food, nursery grounds and shelter for hundreds of marine species. They also protect shorelines from storm erosion, pollutants, and absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, kelp forests are disappearing at alarming rates, with losses reaching up to 95% in Northern California. This once-lush underwater habitat is turning into barren seafloors.

Join us to discover the history of kelp restoration in Southern California and the current efforts to “Help the Kelp” on the north coast. While most people will never see a kelp forest, thousands of passionate individuals have been involved in restoring them over the last century. Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy live music, crafts, cocktails (available for purchase) and conversations in our Art Gallery. The lecture will also be live-streamed.

TICKETS

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DATE

Wednesday
July 1, 2026
7:00–9:00 pm PT

COST

$8.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door (pending availability. Please check first).

Parking is $6.00 for the first 2.5 hours in the structure located directly across from the Aquarium. Drinks available for purchase before and after the lecture.

Speaker Bio

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays series focuses on animals, nature, and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high schools and college students, young professionals, and adults of all ages.

A smiling Nancy Caruso wears a wetsuit on a boat on the water

Nancy Caruso is a marine biologist and the Executive Director of Get Inspired! Originally from Virginia, her fascination with ocean science sparked at the age of 10, which prompted her to obtain scuba certification by 16. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at the Florida Institute of Technology and began her professional career working in aquaculture, hydroponics and aquaponics. In 2009 she founded Get Inspired!, a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of marine species. Between 2002 to 2012, she led the kelp restoration efforts in Orange County. She also founded KelpFest, an annual festival that celebrates the ecological importance of underwater kelp forests while promoting awareness for their conservation and restoration. Nancy has collaborated with over 6,000 students and volunteers to revitalize marine species, including abalone, white seabass, and pismo clams. She teaches students how to grow species in their classrooms and has built a robust community of ocean stewards to assist in the ocean, on beaches, and in tidepools. Her work has been recognized globally, earning her a spot in the Women Divers Hall of Fame and featuring her in MY HERO Project documentaries.