Credit: Bridgette White

If you and the family are looking for something fun to do this weekend,  the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its 3rd annual Urban Ocean Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6th.  The festival will feature art exhibitions, an eco inspired fashion show boat cruises, games, sustainable seafood cooking demos, live music and other ocean inspired activities. Our contributor Bridgette had the opportunity to hop aboard a boat cruises last week for a sneak peek at what the Urban Ocean Festival is all about.  Here is what she has to share.

I had the opportunity last week to learn all about the Urban Ocean Festival. I boarded a harbor cruise hosted by the Aquarium of the Pacific. The 2 hours harbor cruise was a great learning experience.  Marine biologists from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrated our cruise and shared their knowledge about our local sealife. I learned about our local waters and also learned all about the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of  Long Beach.  Did you know that these two ports combined are the 5th busiest in the world?  Over 90% of cargo travels by ship worldwide and shipping cargo by sea has the smallest ecological footprint than any mode of transportation.  Who knew?

Credit: Bridgette White

I was also treated to an Eco Fashion show or Trashin Fashion.  I got a sneak peek at some the wonderful designs featured this weekend that will be made with all recycled materials.  You’re going to love it!

We were  also treated to a cooking demo, sponsored by Seafood for the Future partnered with Sip Lounge, Fish Watch and National Marine Fisheries. It was wonderful. We learned all about sustainable seafood and how eating certain fish can help our ocean and eco systems survive.  To see a list of sustainable seafood and eateries that serve it, visit www.seafoodforthefuture.com.

The festival is a great way to bring awareness to the public about our ocean and how can help take care of it.  The Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants and ecosystems.

Credit: Bridgette White

If you want to learn more about the Aquarium of the Pacific and the 3rd Annual Urban Ocean Festival, head here. Admission to the festival is included with general admission. Members get in for free.  This will be a fun filled weekend for the entire family to enjoy!