BML FAQ

General Information

  • What is the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, and where is it located?

  • Bodega Marine Laboratory is located within the Bodega Marine Reserve (BMR), part of the University of California's Natural Reserve System, and is situated on the Sonoma County coast, 60 miles north of San Francisco.

    Since the 1920s, Bodega Head has been a vibrant field site, drawing researchers and students to explore its unique coastal ecosystems. The Bodega Marine Laboratory was founded by UC Berkeley in 1960. Its first building was completed in 1966 with National Science Foundation funding, followed by two additional buildings in subsequent years. In 1983, BML joined UC Davis, and in 2013, became part of the Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute (CMSI).

  • What unique habitats and ecosystems can be studied on the Bodega Marine Reserve?

  • The UC Davis Bodega Marine Reserve (BMR) protects eight diverse habitats: rocky intertidal zones, sandy beaches and nearshore ocean, mudflats and sandflats, salt marshes, coastal bluffs, coastal prairies, sand dunes, and freshwater wetlands. The Reserve is directly adjacent to the Bodega Head State Marine Reserve and NOAA’s Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, creating additional opportunities for coordinated research. 

    To safeguard long-term research sites, access to BMR is restricted and clearly posted. Public hiking and recreation are available nearby in State Park and Sonoma County Regional Park areas on Bodega Head.

Visiting and Tours

  • Can the public visit the Bodega Marine Laboratory? If so, what are the hours?

  • Yes, we host free, docent-led tours for the public on most Friday afternoons with a reservation. These tours are for individuals and groups of up to 10 people and are geared toward adults and children over the age of 12 years, though all ages are welcome.

    For a minimal fee of $10 per adult and $5 per child, we also offer large group and class tours for groups of 10 or more. Group tours must be reserved and scheduled in advance by contacting our Lab Manager, and the tour size is limited to 45 adults or 30 children. Due to parking limitations, we are not able to accommodate RV groups or car clubs.

  • Can I take a walk on the Reserve?

  • The Overlook Trail, starting at the top of Bodega Head and extending across the dunes to Salmon Creek Beach, is open to the public (see the Bodega Head trails section on the map). Other areas of the Reserve are restricted to protect research sites, but open-access trails are available in adjacent State Park and Sonoma County Regional Park areas.

  • What should I do if I have specific accessibility needs when visiting BML?

  • Tours are conducted on level and gently sloping terrain that can accommodate most mobility aids. Other accessibility needs can be addressed by contacting our Lab Manager.

Education and Training

  • How can undergraduate students take classes at BML?

  • Undergraduate students from any college or university (not just UC Davis) can apply to take summer session classes at BML. We also have a fall quarter program for UC Davis undergraduates to spend an entire fall quarter living and studying on the coast.

  • Does BML offer internships or research opportunities for undergraduate students?

  • UC Davis undergraduate students from any major can apply to participate in the EVE Scholars program, which connects UC Davis students with evolution and ecology research opportunities on the Davis campus and at BML.

    Students at Santa Rosa Junior College can participate in the SRJC-BML Internship Program, which provides summer research opportunities for Santa Rosa Junior College students at the Bodega Marine Laboratory. 

  • Are there programs specifically for high school or community college students?

  • We offer an internship program for students at Santa Rosa Junior College, who can spend time over the summer in our SRJC-BML Internship Program working under the guidance of one of our volunteer mentors.

    BML has no programs specifically for high school students at this time.

    For information about volunteering, please see “Are there job or volunteer opportunities at BML?”

Research and Conservation

  • What are the main areas of research at BML?

  • Researchers at BML are involved in research on climate change, oceanography, conservation and restoration, ecology and evolution, ocean health, and physiology, among other topics. Each individual lab group at BML has its own focus, but they interact with each other in a multitude of ways, creating an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration. Learn more about research topics and projects here.

  • What facilities are available to visiting researchers at BML?

  • Visiting researchers can apply to access spaces on the Bodega Marine Reserve, or lab, desk or bench spaces in BML. They can also reserve space in our on-site housing and dining enclave. Additional resources are available through the BML and BMR Use Application System.

Environmental and Community Impact

  • How can I see the weather and environmental conditions on the coast?

  • Please see the Bodega Ocean Observing Node (BOON) for current conditions at Bodega Head or watch the livestream from our webcam in Horseshoe Cove.

  • I have found a stranded, injured, or dead animal, what should I do?

  • BML does not perform wildlife rescue or rehabilitation and does not track marine mammal strandings or deaths. Please use one of the links below to contact the appropriate agency:

    Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal

    Contact Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue

    Contact the Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma County

  • How does BML engage with the local community and indigenous groups?

  • BML and BMR collaborate with local communities and indigenous groups on conservation projects, educational outreach, and land stewardship that honors traditional knowledge and promotes sustainable coastal management practices.

  • What outreach programs does BML offer to educate the public about marine science?
  • BML offers public tours, public lectures, school group programs, and open houses, all aimed at educating and engaging the public in marine science and conservation. More information about specific programs and events can be found on our website.

Employment

Logistics and Facilities

  • What are the on-site housing and dining options for students and researchers at BML?

  • The Bodega Marine Laboratory Housing Enclave, located about one mile from the lab, includes various housing options, from the Lodge and Graduate Dorm to undergraduate dorms and family units, as well as a dining hall.

    Learn about housing options

    Learn about dining options

  • Does BML offer housing for visiting scholars or program participants?

  • Housing is available for visiting classes, researchers, graduate students and conference attendees, however, some units are reserved for faculty, families, or long-term visitors.

Additional Information