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Ocean and Beaches

On the water and on the sand, our research explores ocean health and evolution so we can better understand how to protect and preserve the largest area of Earth.

Whale fluke, with cargo ship in background
Photo Credit
Asha de Vos

Global workshop focuses on protecting whales from ship strikes

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A half-corroded barrel seeps toxic waste into the seafloor.
Photo Credit
Courtesy Image
Untold amounts of toxic waste were carelessly, though legally, disposed of off the California coast. Their presence continues to haunt human and wildlife health.

Award-winning documentary explores the unfinished tale of DDT
A scuba diver conducts surveys surrounded by bright orange Garibaldis.
Photo Credit
author Jennifer Caselle
California's network of marine reserves enables conservation and management without closing large areas of the ocean.

California’s marine protected areas boost fish populations across the state
A researcher in a hardhat looks off to the right on a boat.
Photo Credit
Courtesy Image

Professor David Valentine’s toxic waste discovery featured in LA Times documentary at SBIFF
A close-up view of fluorescent coral.
Photo Credit
Anemone via AdobeStock
Coral underpin ecosystems as vibrant as they are. But these iconic animals face many challenges in the 21st century.

UC Santa Barbara leads $1.3-million research project on coral regeneration
Samantha Mladjov pilots a drone above a beachgoers and dogs.
Photo Credit
Neil Nathan
With an eye in the sky, researchers can track white sharks off the coast.

Scientists use drones to track white sharks along California beaches
UCSB professor Deron Burkepile explores the North shore of Moorea’s fore reef.
Photo Credit
Andrew Thurber
The structural complexity of a healthy coral reef provides habitat for a diversity of lifeforms.

Dead coral skeletons hinder reef regeneration by sheltering seaweed
a small group of student filmmakers gather footage on Santa Cruz island
Photo Credit
Ian Kellett
Student filmmakers (foreground, from left) Ryan Grant, Jade Ipina and Catherine Scanlon filming the sunset on Santa Cruz Island.

Coastal Media Project screens environmental documentaries at Pollock Theater
A shortfin mako encountered off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Photo Credit
Neil Ferdinand Nathan
Apex predators like this shortfin make have an outsized influence on their ecosystems. Unfortunately, they’re also the hardest hit by fishing.

Big sharks have a big impact — and a big problem
Fishing boats in Peru
Photo Credit
Renato Molina

Expanding marine reserves will redistribute global fishing effort
Yellowtail dascyllus and other tropical fish swim by a cauliflower coral in American Samoa.
Photo Credit
Dam via Adobe Stock
Damselfish like these yellowtail dascyllus have an outsized effect on reefs compared to their humble proportions.

Coral reefs: battlegrounds for survival in a changing climate
A collage of marine creatures.
Photo Credit
Harrison Tasoff
Transferable conservation credits could incentivize comprehensive protection the ocean’s diverse habitats and wildlife.

A conservation market could incentivize global ocean protection
Theo world map fading into blue water.
Photo Credit
Philip Hoeppli via iStock

UC Santa Barbara leads $9 million research project on ocean cycles
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