South Bay : USC to Upgrade Marine Science Center

The University of Southern California plans to transform its ailing Philip K. Wrigley Marine Science Center on Santa Catalina Island into the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies.

The $60-million renovation will mean that the center, which so far has studied marine biology, especially sharks, around the island, will expand to study a broad range of environmental issues across the island’s terrain.

The expansion will be funded in part by a $5-million donation from William and Julie Wrigley Jr., owners of Santa Catalina Island Co., which used to own the entire island, and an $8.7-million endowment from the university, said Eric Mankin, a university spokesman. Officials hope to raise the rest of the money through fund-raisers.

Located on 14-acre strip of land on the leeward side of the island, the current center uses more than 30,000 square feet for teaching and research. Mankin said the facilities have not been in full operation because renovations are needed and that plans for the new center will include an expansion in addition to housing for researchers and students working on the island.

The institute will be part of the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, which includes the 2-year-old enviPronmental studies program. Mankin said there are more than 1,500 students registered for classes in the program.