Visionary in Marine Sciences
Ocean health and coastal sustainability are critical national and international issues, and marine scientists at UC Santa Cruz are leaders in addressing these challenges. UCSC has long been on the forefront of marine science research and education. With state-of-the-art facilities and internationally recognized faculty and researchers, the campus's Institute of Marine Sciences supports scientists in a wide range of disciplines. Their investigations range from microscopic plankton to massive blue whales, from the depths of the seafloor to the coastline, and from frigid polar waters to tropical coral reefs. This diversity reflects the many ways in which the oceans affect the global environment and the lives of people, in California and around the world. Through partnerships with state and federal agencies, environmental policy groups, and other organizations studying marine and coastal issues, UCSC has become a major hub for research, training, and outreach activities in marine science and conservation.
Latest news
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New coral reef fish species shows rare parental care behavior
Evolutionary biologist Giacomo Bernardi and his students discovered a new species of damselfish that cares for its young.
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Gary Griggs stepping down after 26 years as director of Institute of Marine Sciences
Peter Raimondi, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, will serve as director on an interim basis starting July 1.
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Climate scientist James Zachos elected to National Academy of Sciences
Election to the academy is one of the highest honors a U.S. scientist can receive.
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Climate experts release latest science on sea level rise projections
A report led by UCSC geologist Gary Griggs addresses how much the ocean will rise along California's coast in coming decades.
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Colorful new species of sea slug named after Long Marine Lab's Gary McDonald
McDonald, who has spent decades studying and documenting California nudibranchs (sea slugs), was honored by fellow researchers.
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Need for speed may contribute to dolphin and whale strandings
The energetic cost of swimming at high speed when startled may be a factor in strandings of dolphins and whales.
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Reef madness: A coral grows at UC Santa Cruz
Hundreds of students and community members are contributing their handiwork to the Crochet Coral Reef, a massive participatory art project that combines higher geometry with handicraft while calling attention to the disappearing wonders of the marine world.
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Study supports increased funding for long-term ecological research
Despite critical importance to scientists and policymakers, funding for long-term ecological and environmental studies has declined while funding for short-term studies has increased.