UC San Diego

Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Scripps Oceanography) utilizes a flow-through aquarium system to provide seawater to the various aquaria used to conduct research on campus; however, information on this system is not readily available. This thesis serves as a guide on how the Scripps Oceanography aquarium system works. Through facility tours and consultation with Scripps facilities staff, information was compiled on the aquarium system from the initial collection of seawater at Scripps Pier, the various filtering, piping, and seawater holding tanks, the aquaria that hold research organisms, and the final disposal of wastewater. This system also includes Birch Aquarium and the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. This thesis also describes several emergency responses that are available in the event of system failure or extreme seawater conditions, including “crash carts” that can be used as mobile life support systems. Additionally, information on a coral recirculating aquarium system (RAS) built in the Tresguerres laboratory is provided, which better reflects seawater conditions at natural coral reefs instead of California seawater. Finally, this thesis discusses some of the funding, staffing, and infrastructure challenges experienced at the Scripps Oceanography aquarium system, as well as potential measures to improve the aquarium system and lead to better research practices and facility knowledge.