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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Coastal wetlands dramatically reduce property losses during hurricanes
A new scientific study reports that coastal wetlands significantly reduce annual flood losses and catastrophic damages from storms.
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Study uncovers hidden factors that shape sea life around islands and seamounts
A study of reef fish on a chain of volcanic seamounts and islands off the coast of Brazil has enabled scientists to extend to marine organisms the landmark theory of island biogeography.
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Century-old seal pelts reveal changes in Ross Sea ecosystem
Scientists found valuable samples for comparison to modern Weddell seals in the huts of Antarctic explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.
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What causes algal blooms to become toxic?
NOAA grant funds an investigation to find what triggers production of the toxin domoic acid by marine algae in events that can harm wildlife and close coastal fisheries.
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Florida flood risk study identifies priorities for property buyouts
A study of flood damage in Florida proposes prioritizing property buyouts based on flood risk, ecological value, and socioeconomic conditions.
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Marine biologists John and Vicki Pearse honored at international conference
Marine biologists John and Vicki Pearse were honored for their contributions to echinoderm research at the 2017 North American Echinoderm Conference.
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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.