Marine Ecology | Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute & Bodega Marine Laboratory

Sensory impacts of global climate change lays groundwork for further investigation of communication pathways in ocean

Climate change affects not only the growth and survival of marine animals, but also their senses. A new study synthesizes the results of sensory change studies -- revealing both broad patterns and intriguing outliers -- and provides a conceptual framework to help guide future research in this emerging field.

North Coast Mussel Die-Off Causes Alarm for Scientists

In Bodega Bay, marine biologists say something terrible happened to the mussel beds during a recent heat wave. The bivalves baked in their shells. Scientists are now worried about all the other marine life living in the mussel beds.

For KQED California Report, segment starts at minute 3:54

Marine Ecology

Blog Post: “CSI” for the Marine Ecologist

By Nicole Kollars

Marine Ecology

North Coast mussel die-off an alarming sign of warming world’s threat to marine life

Jackie Sones, Bodega Marine Reserve research coordinator, overlooks a bed of dead mussels that were fried during the June heat wave, Tuesday, July 2, 2019. The high temperatures and the mussels black shells leads to more absorption of sunlight.

For the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, read more

Marine Ecology

California’s Early June Heat Wave Cooked Coastal Mussels in Place

Between increasing heat and shell-dissolving ocean acidification, shellfish die offs may become more common and predictive mechanisms even more critical.

Listen on KQED Forum "June Heat Wave Baked Local Mussels"

How is climate change affecting oceans? Check the tide pools

Marine biologist Eric Sanford hikes down to Horseshoe Cove to study tide pools at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory in Bodega Bay, Calif. on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Sanford's research is examining the impacts that climate change is having within intertidal zones.

For the SF Chronicle, read more

Marine Ecology

Blog Post: Into the Deep End

By Helen Killeen

Marine Ecology

A Tradition of Terrestriality: Population Biology Ph.D. Student Victoria Morgan Journeys Among Land Crabs

While her focus is crabs, Morgan’s research could provide clues to reveal broader trends of terrestriality across all species.

Lost Sea Creatures Wash Up on California Shores as Ocean Climate Shifts

"Five years ago, the Gulf of Alaska warmed to record temperatures, likely due to a sudden acceleration in the melting of Arctic sea ice. Usually a cold southern current flows along California. That year, the warm “blob” spread down the coast and, instead of blocking tropical species from moving north, it served as a balmy welcome to a variety of animals far from home."

Marine Ecology

Unprecedented Number of Warm-Water Species Moved Northward During Marine Heatwave

Tropical Species Near San Francisco? New Range Limit Records Indicate Future Face of California Coast