Noyo Center for Marine Science

Noyo Center for Marine Science (Noyo Center) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), whose mission is to advance ocean conservation through education, exploration, and experience. Based in Fort Bragg, California, the Noyo Center is addressing the critical gap in marine science in this remote region of the northern California coast. Our goal is to connect the scientific and lay communities to our incredibly productive and critically important marine ecosystems, while raising the profile of our ocean’s increasingly vital role in physical climate, food supply, and economic resiliency. The Noyo Center for Marine Science offers research and educational opportunities to:

1. Support the understanding, conservation, and restoration of our marine ecosystem
2. Engage our local community and visitors in activities and education that support our beautiful Mendocino coast 
3. Generate sustainable economic opportunities for the Mendocino coast community

The Noyo Center is currently based out of two sites in Fort Bragg:  The Discovery Center, located in the downtown historic district, and the Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center on the Fort Bragg headlands. At these two locations and through community events, the Noyo Center engages with more than 100,000 individuals (both visitors and local community members) per year. Our exhibitions include a growing natural history collection, featuring the world’s largest killer whale skeleton; our virtual reality Ocean Immersion Dome where visitors can “swim underwater” to experience the kelp drama unfolding beneath the sea; and a rotating exhibit schedule of other marine skeletons, educational artwork, and marine science presentations. The organization supports science education initiatives through work with the local school system and summer camps; engages the community through citizen science initiatives; and partners on important science initiatives like Help the Kelp to address marine issues affecting our local coastal ecosystem.