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The SDWI is organized as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to bringing a world-class public aquarium to Tucson promoting education, conservation and preservation of Arizona's rivers and the Gulf of California for future generations. Sonoran Desert Waters Institute, Bringing the sea to the desert!

El Acuario del Mar de Sonora (Sonoran Sea Aquarium)™ está organizado como una corporación sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3), dedicado a traer a Tucson un acuario público de primera clase para promover la educación, la conservación y la preservación de los ríos de Arizona y el Golfo de California para el disfrute de generaciones futuras. El Acuario del Mar de Sonora. ¡Trayendo el mar al desierto!


Web site funding provided by the Bert Martin Foundation

Website Design &
Hosting provided by
Specialty Enterprises.

 

Welcome to the
Sonoran Desert Waters Institute web site
(Formerly Sonoran Sea Aquarium)

While our permanent facility in Tucson, Arizona is not yet developed, we do offer exciting and interesting education, research and conservation programs delivered at your location.

Please review the opportunities described on these pages to help determine how we can best bring "Arizona's Waters to Mexico's Gulf of California" to your students or organization.

 

QUICK LINKS 

 

Desert Waters Program
Presentation of the rivers and native fishes of Arizona, and Gulf of California.
Events
Specialty Programs
Specialty classes for your school. Also available at ASDM.
Natural History
  Arizona Rivers
 
Gulf of California
School & Events Calendar
Scheduled school presentations and other events.
Arizona Academic K-12 Standards.

 

WHAT'S NEW 

 

Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program Partnership

More Info >>>

The Sonoran Desert Waters Institute, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program have formed a partnership to bring a sustainable seafood program to our community. You can contact the SDWI to have a presentation for any community interest group!

The Cool Law
Any Seafood you purchase must have the country of origin included on the retail label. This helps the consumer determine if the product is sustainable.
Requiring the labeling of the 'method of harvesting' should be the next important step.

Country of Origin Labeling

On May 13, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, more commonly known as the 2002 Farm Bill. One of its many initiatives requires country of origin labeling for beef, lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities and peanuts. On January 27, 2004, President Bush signed Public Law 108-199 which delays the implementation of mandatory COOL for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. On November 10, 2005, President Bush signed Public Law 109-97, which delays the implementation for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2008. As described in the legislation, program implementation is the responsibility of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.


Volunteer Roundup


Shannan Marty, President of the Board of Directors,
addresses new volunteers during orientation on January 28th.


Ken Wintin, ASDM's "Fish Keeper" gives a
behind-the -scenes tour to the volunteer staff.


SARSEF 2008 WINNER

Brynn Hill, a 3d grader at Mesquite Elementary in the Vail School District, won first place in the Ocean Science Division of the 2008 Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SARSEF). Brynn's project was entitled "Water, Water Everywhere” and explored methods of cleaning up oil spills." All Ocean Science related projects were judged by the Director of Education of the SDWI. Brynn was awarded a Sonoran Sea Aquarium Certificate of achievement, a glass sculpture of a Cortez Angel and a $50 check.

2007 Winner: Brianna Jensen, 4th grade Richardson Elementary, Flowing Wells SD.

A complete list of all SARSEF 2008 winners can be seen at:

http://www.sarsef.org/

 

EVENTS 

Sonoran Desert Waters Institute School Outreach Programs

The Education and Outreach Program offers a variety of learning experiences for students which can be tailored to fit teacher's needs. Click here for the Education and Outreach Program School Registration Form.
More Info >>>

 


Earth Camp

The SDWI staff in partnership with the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum will be participating in a high school level Earth Camp this summer. This ten day resident camp will include five days in San Carlos Mexico studying the Sea of Cortez and the surrounding environment. The theme of the camp is "Leadership for a Shared Planet." For more information go to:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/camp_page.php