The sun rising on the horizon, viewed from a coastal bluff on the edge of the ocean.
Coastal and Marine Sciences

From the Davis Campus to the Coast

Horseshoe Cove Webcam
Upcoming Events
Visit the Bodega Marine Lab
Connect With Us

What's New?

A portrait of Anya Brown standing next to a large tank of seagrass outside the Bodega Marine Laboratory

Anya Brown is investigating microbes’ critical role in coral reefs
“So the clue was, ‘This temperate coral undergoes quiescence in the winter. Another word for this is … ?’” Anya Brown has spent most of her adult life around coral reef systems. Her brother, meanwhile, has cultivated a career as a writer on the American quiz show, “Jeopardy!”
An aerial view of Bodega Marine Laboratory and the Bodega Marine Reserve

Public Tours of Bodega Marine Laboratory
Our free, Friday public tours are led by our wonderful crew of ocean-loving docents, and visitors will learn about ongoing marine and coastal science research at Bodega Marine Laboratory and its history on the Sonoma Coast. Plus, you'll get to meet a variety of colorful and diverse ocean creatures.
A large coral shown underwater with small, brightly colored gobies swimming around it.

Fish ‘Beauty Salons’ Offer Insight into How Microbes Move Within Reefs
Where do you go when you’re a fish and you need a skincare treatment? Coral reefs contain natural “beauty salons,” lively social hubs of activity where fish “clients” swim up and wait to be serviced by smaller fish cleaners.
A line drawing in dark blue that depicts a cluster of anemones surrounding a large sea star.

Science Meets The Sea

California’s coastal regions are a cornerstone of its economy and cultural identity. However, evolving challenges like climate change and resource extraction demand innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions. The UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute, with its premier facilities and strategic location, is uniquely equipped to address these issues, forging vital partnerships to ensure the sustainable management of our invaluable coastal and marine resources.

About Us   Contact Us

A graduation cap seen from behind. On a silver background are the words "If I can't SCUBA then what's this all been about?"

Major Developments

Our Marine and Coastal Science Major emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of marine sciences and hands-on experiences as interns or researchers.

Learn About The MCS Major
A student researcher leans down to peer into shallow coastal waters

Coastal Connections

Undergraduates can spend a Summer Session or Fall Quarter studying on the coast in exciting, integrated courses taught at the Bodega Marine Laboratory.

Study at BML
A researchers working in the dark on a piece of equipment with a swirl of tubing that glows brightly

Our Spaces, Your Science

Visiting researchers can utilize on-site reserve, laboratory, library and housing resources at the Bodega Marine Laboratory and Reserve.

Resources for Visiting Researchers
A blue and teal graphic that reads "Subscribe to Tideline, our quarterly newsletter"