programs in the institute's oceanfront labs and abroad.

The institute is open to the general public on weekdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and weekends, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; visitors can see marine animals and ocean-themed exhibits. While creating the Nickelodeon animated television show SpongeBob SquarePants, biologist and cartoonist Stephen Hillenburg drew inspiration from his time