Bodega Marine Laboratory

View of Bodega Marine Laboratory with green grass visible in the foreground and the cove in front of the lab building, which is predominantly white with blue skies behind.
Bodega Marine Laboratory
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For Researchers

Find out how to conduct research at the Bodega Marine Laboratory and Bodega Marine Reserve.
Conducting Research Here Facilities and Resources
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For Visitors

Visit the lab virtually or in person, plan a conference here, or join us for one of our in-house events.
Visiting the Bodega Marine Lab Conference and Event Planning
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For Students

Information for graduate and undergraduate students interested in studying at the Bodega Marine Laboratory.
Undergraduate Studies at BML Graduate Studies
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A Legacy of Learning

For over 50 years, the UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute's Bodega Marine Laboratory's multidisciplinary research discoveries have advanced ocean and coastal health, and its hand-on educational programs have been training the nation’s next generation of leaders in marine science and policy.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Org Chart
A collage of three images showing the entrance sign at Bodega Marine Laboratory, a view looking down into Horseshoe Cove, and a sweeping view of the lab from the opposite side of the cove.

About Us:

Perched on the iconic bluffs of Bodega Head, on the Bodega Marine Reserve, BML sits at the epicenter of one of only four coastal upwelling regions in the world – areas of extreme biological productivity – that are rich for research discoveries. The Laboratory is also adjacent to a State Marine Protected Area and two National Marine Sanctuaries, yet only 65 miles from San Francisco Bay, one of the most impacted estuaries in the world. BML offers a front-row seat in which to study the real-time impact of commercial, recreational, and residential activity along the coastline and to assess the effectiveness of current and future marine conservation efforts.

BML is also the core research and educational facility of the UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute (CMSI), which links BML with the more than 70 marine science faculty from all across the UC Davis campus. CMSI unites and coordinates the multifaceted community of UC Davis marine researchers, including many from the social sciences arena, so that together they can identify the most effective strategies for sustaining our irreplaceable coastal environment. CMSI expands upon BML’s strong foundation with programs like the Marine and Coastal Sciences undergraduate major.

A view of the webcam tower, looking out at the ocean in Horseshoe Cove

A View From The Beach

The Horseshoe Cove webcam on the Bodega Marine Reserve offers a front row view to observe marine life, ocean conditions, and how they're changing over time in Bodega Bay, all while minimizing human impacts on the protected research and wildlife space of the reserve.

Watch the Livestream

For additional real-time conditions in Bodega Bay, CA, visit the Bodega Ocean Observing Node (BOON) an ocean observing system centered at the Bodega Marine Laboratory.

Visit boon.ucdavis.edu

Bodega Marine Reserve
Boating Safety Program
Diving Safety Program
Volunteer Opportunities