SBMM collaborates with community stakeholders on important issues surrounding the ocean and the Santa Barbara Channel. As such, the museum is proud to be the fiscal agent for two major projects providing a positive impact to the Santa Barbara community.
Deepwater Diving Monument Project
Known as the birthplace of deepwater diving, Santa Barbara has profound roots in the development and implementation of specialized diving methods and equipment. To celebrate and honor this history, a bronze fine-art sculpture will be installed at the Santa Barbara Harbor, serving as a testament to the inspiring individuals and pioneering techniques. As the fiscal agent, SBMM is receiving donations in support of this project.
“Deepwater commercial diving began right here in the Santa Barbara Harbor, and this statue helps honor and celebrate the divers who took mankind to deeper and deeper depths,” said SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga. “Their hard work and innovations benefited all of us, especially the Santa Barbara Community, and I believe it is important that we recognize their achievements.”
Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area
The Santa Barbara Channel, renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, has long been a haven for more than 25 different species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). Additionally, more than 15,000 Pacific gray whales migrate through the channel on their way to their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico.
The World Cetacean Alliance and World Animal Protection recently announced the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area as the ninth such area in the world. This designation highlights the region’s commitment to promoting responsible ecotourism, providing more ocean educational opportunities, supporting on-going research and conservation efforts, and honoring the timeless cultural connection we have with whales.
SBMM plays a key role in helping to fulfill the education components of this designation. Learn more about the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.