Research

With otters away, what keeps urchins at bay?
California sheephead and spiny lobsters may be helping to control sea urchin populations in Southern California kelp forests, where sea otters — a top urchin predator — have long been missing

Wetland restoration shows promise for climate mitigation
Restoring degraded wetlands could help California meet its climate goals—but it can take up to 100 years to make the switch from carbon source to carbon sink.

New research sheds light on hidden ocean waves close to shore
Measurements off Scripps Pier provide the first long-duration analysis of important, but elusive underwater waves

Could fish sounds help scientists monitor ocean health?
Acoustic recordings of fish species could be a powerful and less expensive way to monitor California’s marine protected areas.

When it comes to sustainability, some Americans are willing to pay
The good news is that consumers prefer sustainable seafood. The challenge is in making the choices clear and available.

Ocean Protection Council Awards $6 million to research projects that advance ocean and coastal management in California
At its October 25, 2018 meeting, the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) unanimously approved 24 research projects totaling $6 million in funding through the

Struggling Olympia oysters get a boost from scientists in Monterey Bay
Once common up and down the West Coast, Olympia oysters now need help to survive.

NOAA grants support California aquaculture research
California Sea Grant has been awarded two new grants totaling $506,615 for research on aquaculture. 

From eelgrass to mudflat: New research dives into Morro Bay mystery
From 2007 to 2017, Morro Bay’s eelgrass beds nearly disappeared. A new study helps explain why levels remain low.

New assessment helps California prep for climate change impacts
California Sea Grant experts contribute to the new report, which boils down climate projections into a useful analysis for state and local decision makers.