WMSC Visitor Guide

Important Information for Your Visit

We’re excited to welcome you to the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC)! Please read this Visitor Guide carefully, as it contains crucial information and requirements you must complete before arrival.

General COVID Guidelines

All WMSC campus visitors must comply with the following guidelines. Please share this information with all members of your group, as each visitor will need to comply.

• COVID-19 vaccination (primary series and booster when eligible) is strongly recommended.
• All students, faculty, staff, and visitors should monitor themselves daily for COVID symptoms when accessing the Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI) or WMSC. If you develop any of the possible COVID symptoms listed by the CDC, please stay home and get tested as soon as possible.
• While on the island, a limited supply of take-home antigen test kits may be available for those who are experiencing COVID symptoms or who need to test due to possible exposure.
• The Miss Christi is operating at full passenger capacity. Masks are highly recommended, but not required, on board the boat and while indoors at WMSC.
• Physical distancing is not required but is encouraged where possible.
• Housing will be booked at full capacity (usually double occupancy).
• Any visitor who tests positive for COVID while at WMSC must isolate immediately for at least five days. Note that we cannot guarantee the availability of isolation space at WMSC. All visitors, including groups, should have a plan for leaving the island to isolate or seek medical treatment on the mainland if necessary.
• While at WMSC, if you become a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID, you must wear a KN95 or N95 for 10 days, even if you test negative.

COVID Guidelines for Groups

• If a person who is part of a group tests positive for COVID-19, all members of the group will be considered close contacts. Group members must test for COVID if they become symptomatic. Close contacts who are not symptomatic must still wear KN95 or N95 masks indoors and around others for 10 days.
• WMSC does not stock KN95 or N95 masks for guests. Group leaders should either provide masks for group members before departing for the island, or ensure that all group members bring their own masks. We recommend at least two masks per person.
• All groups must have a COVID response plan, which should include (1) standards for following the most stringent of guidelines publicized between the CDC, State of California, Los Angeles County, City of Los Angeles, USC, and (for non-USC groups) your home institution; (2) protocols to ensure that members of the group are doing a daily symptom check; (3) an isolation plan in case a member of your group tests positive for COVID and there is no availability for isolation at WMSC; and (4) a continuity plan for the group if critical members need to isolate or require medical attention. A downloadable example of a COVID response plan is included here for reference.

Before You Arrive

At least two weeks prior to your arrival, please provide your reservation coordinator with:

• Names of everyone in your group
• Name and cell phone number of an on-site contact
• Any dietary restrictions
• Medical conditions or needs
• Your confirmed agenda

Please note that the Wrigley Marine Science Center is in a remote location with limited access to certain products, equipment, and other resources. For this reason, we are not always able to accommodate certain dietary restrictions, and we must sometimes distinguish between those who need to avoid a food due to a medical condition and those who choose to avoid it for personal reasons.

Review our full dietary policy >>

Contact your reservation coordinator with questions.

All visitors must electronically sign our Participant Waiver and Community Agreement (también disponible en Español) before arrival. Note that your particular activities on the island may require additional paperwork.

What to bring:

• At least two KN95 or N95 masks, in case you or someone in your group tests positive for COVID-19 while at WMSC
• Closed-toe shoes appropriate for uneven terrain (required to board the boat)
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletries
• Medications (Note: there is no pharmacy nearby)
• Beach towel
• Swimsuit or other swimming attire
• Water shoes, if you want your own (loaners available at WMSC)
• Sunglasses, hat, and sunblock
• Jacket/sweatshirt for layering at night
• Pajamas and clothing, including athletic clothing and hiking shoes
• For students: any school supplies required for your program or course (contact your instructor with questions)

Please do not bring power strips, as they are a serious fire hazard in our remote, drought-affected location. Power strips will be provided for appropriate use in meeting and classroom spaces.

Special requirements for groups:

Due to the remote location of our campus, we require at least one person in your group to be an authorized driver of USC vehicles, in case a member of your group requires after-hours medical care.

The closest hospital to our campus is the Catalina Island Medical Center (CIMC) in Avalon, which is a 90-minute drive away on a winding dirt road. In a medical emergency, individuals should call 911 for assistance, and emergency services will respond and, if needed, transport the patient to CIMC. However, individuals needing non-emergency care, or individuals who need to return to our campus after receiving care at CIMC, will need to be transported by a member of your group.

For information on how to obtain authorization to drive USC vehicles on Catalina Island, please see the “Vehicles” section at the bottom of our Transportation page.

WMSC is a non-smoking campus. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on campus, including outdoors. WMSC also requires all visitors to comply with our Alcohol Use Policy.

Transportation

USC’s vessel Miss Christi provides transportation between the Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI) and WMSC. Crossing takes approximately 90 minutes.

SCMI location: 820 S. Seaside Ave., San Pedro, CA (Directions to SCMI)

Parking is free along the street outside SCMI. Please do not park inside SCMI’s gate. Space is limited, so carpool if possible.

SCMI requires closed-toe shoes to enter the property. Please arrive wearing closed-toe shoes.

Boat rules:

• The boat leaves promptly at the posted departure time; if you are running late, call the boat crew directly at 213-700-4508
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory; you must be wearing them to enter the facility
• Use the restroom before departing (facilities are available at SCMI, but there is no restroom on board)
• Children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket while on board
• No smoking or alcohol consumption

If needed, take seasickness medication one hour before departure.

Baggage limitations:

• 2 personal pieces of luggage per passenger
• Each piece of luggage must be no larger than 23”x23”x37” and weigh no more than 50 pounds
• Do not tie or attach anything to the outside of your bags
• Pack dive/snorkel gear separately, as it may be stored on deck
• Notify the boat crew if your luggage contains fragile items or expensive equipment or otherwise requires special handling
• If you require additional luggage space or will be transporting large cargo or equipment that requires the use of a crane or forklift, please make this clear at the time of reservation

Checkin/Checkout

Checkin is at 2 p.m., so there may be several hours between your arrival at the island and the time your room is ready. Please plan accordingly. Your assigned room will be unlocked once the room is ready for check-in. If you need help finding your room or storing your luggage, please visit the Administrative Office or ask a staff member for assistance.

Checkout is at 8:30 a.m. Baggage storage is available behind the bar in the WMSC dining hall. WMSC assumes no liability for luggage left in storage. Please do not remove linens, towels, or furnishings from the rooms.

Hours of Operation/Dining

WMSC is on Pacific Time.

Quiet hours: 9 p.m.-7 a.m.

Dining Hall

Breakfast: 7:30-8 a.m.
Lunch: 12-12:30 p.m.
Dinner: 6-6:30 p.m.

Gift Shop and Administrative Offices: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

Emergency Information/Medical and Mental Health Care

In a medical emergency, call 911 for assistance; identify your location as “Two Harbors USC.” For first aid assistance while emergency services are en route, call the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber team at 310-510-1053.

For non-medical emergencies, call the WMSC emergency line at 213-764-3335.

Catalina Island Medical Center offers medical and mental health services for the Catalina community, including WMSC visitors. If you need non-emergency medical or mental health assistance, call one of the numbers below.

CIMC hospital: 310-510-0700
CIMC clinic (including mental health services): 310-510-0096
For WMSC staff assistance obtaining care, contact the Administrative Office. After hours, call the WMSC emergency line at 213-764-3335.

As a satellite campus of USC, WMSC is subject to the university’s policy regarding animals on campus. Generally speaking, we are not able to accommodate animals on campus, including in housing, unless they are certified service animals. Please see the university policy for more information.

In case of fire:

• Sound the alarm
• If indoors, leave the building
• Once out of the building, call 911
• Meet at evacuation assembly area across from cottages
• Note that winds and dry brush can cause fires to change size, direction, or location rapidly; remain alert as you wait for evacuation

In case of earthquake:

• Drop to the floor and seek cover under a heavy table or other sturdy piece of furniture
• If no cover is available, brace yourself in a doorway
• Stay away from shelves, tall furniture, cabinets, and other possible sources of falling objects
• Wait for shaking to stop before leaving the building; be prepared for aftershocks as you exit
• If outdoors, stay away from power lines, signs, and other tall objects that could fall; be alert to cracking or shifting ground
• Stay away from water and be alert to signs of tsunami (tidal wave)
• Make your way to the assembly area across from the cottages

In case of tsunami (tidal wave):

Make your way as quickly as possible to the evacuation assembly area across from the cottages, where staff will guide you to higher ground.

Special requirements for groups:

Due to the remote location of our campus, we require at least one person in your group to be an authorized driver of USC vehicles, in case a member of your group requires after-hours medical care.

The closest hospital to our campus is the Catalina Island Medical Center (CIMC) in Avalon, which is a 90-minute drive away on a winding dirt road. In a medical emergency, individuals should call 911 for assistance, and emergency services will respond and, if needed, transport the patient to CIMC. However, individuals needing non-emergency care, or individuals who need to return to our campus after receiving care at CIMC, will need to be transported by a member of your group.

For information on how to obtain authorization to drive USC vehicles on Catalina Island, please see the “Vehicles” section at the bottom of our Transportation page.

Location, Land Use, and Precautions

WMSC is located at Big Fisherman Cove on Catalina Island, about 20 miles from the port of Los Angeles, CA. Nestled in a remote and protected natural area, the center provides ready access to open ocean and coastal ecosystems.

Please note that Big Fisherman Cove is a state-designated Marine Protected Area, and WMSC is located on lands sacred to the Tongva/Gabrielino people, who continue as stewards of the area. WMSC also borders wild areas that contain potentially hazardous terrain and wildlife, and medical facilities on the island are limited.

While you are at WMSC, observe the following guidelines:

• WMSC is an active research facility; please do not disturb any ongoing experiments. Keep in mind that research activities may not be immediately recognizable. When in doubt, do not disturb.
• Treat the land and surrounding waters with the utmost care and respect.
• Follow all regulations pertaining to Marine Protected Areas. Do not remove flora or fauna from the cove or dump/throw anything into the water. Fishing or anchoring in the cove is not allowed.
• Do not disturb areas that are sacred to the Tongva/Gabrielino.
• There is an active helipad at WMSC, and it may be used at any time. If you see the helipad lights flashing, leave the waterfront area immediately.
• Remain watchful for rattlesnakes, bison, foxes, and other wildlife, and do not attempt to interact with them. Do not feed wildlife (including squirrels or birds) or leave food or drinks unattended.
• Travel with a partner as much as possible, especially if leaving WMSC grounds, and keep water with you.
• California, including Catalina Island, is prone to extreme drought conditions. Please make every effort to conserve water.

Facilities/Things to Do

In addition to lodging and labs, the following facilities are available for your use at WMSC:

• Waterfront facilities, including a dock, pier, and helipad
• Dining hall (your reservation includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day)
• Coin-operated washers and dryers
• Wireless internet (use USC Guest network)
• Outdoor gym with select weights and workout equipment
• Student lounge with cable TV and a pool and ping pong table
• Snorkel and kayak equipment are available to rent through the Two Harbors Dive and Recreation Center. Please contact them directly for activity options. USC can provide a vehicle to a registered driver or you can reach the town of Two Harbors via water taxi.

Recreational options include:

• Hiking trails; we recommend the Deer Valley Trail or Blue Cavern Nature Loop Trail (note that trails are rugged and pass through wild areas; view or download the trail guides for more information)
• Outdoor games; volleyballs, soccer balls, etc. are available in the storage containers outside the Administrative Office

If you encounter a problem with our facilities while staying with us, please notify our facilities team through our Repairs Request form.

WMSC Campus Map

Click here to download WMSC Campus Map >>

Equity and EEOC/Title IX Reporting

The Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, including the Wrigley Marine Science Institute, welcomes and values our diverse and interdisciplinary community of students, staff, faculty and other members. As scholars and professionals dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion, we commit to providing a safe and responsive space that empowers all participants to fully and authentically engage in education, research and other opportunities.

Resources for reporting:

• For immediate threats, call 911.
• For issues related to professional ethics, contact the USC Office of Professionalism and Ethics (213-740-5755).
• For issues related to workplace safety or environmental health, contact USC Environmental Health and Safety (323-442-2200). This office serves all USC employees, including faculty, staff, student employees, fellows, postdocs and volunteers.
• The USC Office of the Ombuds (213-821-9556, upcombuds@usc.edu) provides a safe place for faculty, students and staff to navigate policies, issues, concerns, and conflicts without fear of reprisal or judgement.
• For issues related to workplace discrimination or harassment due to sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), race, color, nationality and ethnic origin, disability, age, religion and other protected classes, contact the USC Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (213-740-5086, eeotix@usc.edu).
• Staff can report concerns to their manager and, if needed, escalate the complaint under the USC Staff Complaint Process.
• All visitors (including staff, faculty and students) can report conduct violations directly to the Wrigley Institute director by completing this form. Please note that some violations may prompt further investigation, but reports of violations can be made anonymously

Shipping and Receiving Packages

If you need to ship materials to the WMSC ahead of your visit, or you need to receive packages while you are here, please use one of the following mailing addresses. Note that delivery may take 2-3 business days longer than the time predicted by your carrier, due to our remote location.

To ship directly to the island:

Your Name and Program
USC Wrigley Marine Science Center
1 Big Fisherman Cove
PO Box 5069
Avalon, CA 90704

You can also ship to our receiving facility at Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI), and our boat crew will bring your packages to the island on the Miss Christi as long as space is available. Make sure to add “USC-WMSC” to the end of your name. SCMI serves multiple organizations and facilities, and they will not know where to send your package without this indicator.

To ship to SCMI:

Your Name USC-WMSC
Southern California Marine Institute
820 S. Seaside Ave.
San Pedro, CA 90731

Note: We strongly discourage guests from shipping groceries to SCMI, as we cannot guarantee the availability of refrigeration or other safe, secure storage. In addition, a charge will be added to your invoice to cover SCMI handling fees for food. Instead, you may purchase food supplies through the WMSC Dining Hall. Please contact the Hospitality Manager (kennithc@usc.edu) for details. Alternatively, please bring groceries with you on the boat or plan to rent a vehicle and obtain groceries in Avalon.