IMS Newsfeed
Study connects marine heat wave with spike in whale entanglements
January 27, 2020
Entanglements of humpback whales in fishing gear along the U.S. West Coast increased dramatically during the 2014 to 2016 marine heat wave known as the ‘warm blob’.
California’s sea otter population could triple by recolonizing San Francisco Bay
December 10, 2019
A new study highlights the importance of estuaries as prime habitat for the endangered southern sea otter.
Island 'soundscapes' show potential for evaluating recovery of nesting seabirds
December 5, 2019
Conservation biologists are taking a holistic approach to acoustic monitoring for evaluating the effectiveness of restoration efforts.
UC Santa Cruz researchers funded to develop new technology for monitoring toxic algae
November 26, 2019
As the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms increases along the California coast, ocean scientist Raphael Kudela is working to improve the technology for monitoring them.
Reef fish caring for their young are taken advantage of by other fish
October 9, 2019
Biologists have reported the first evidence of brood parasitism in coral reef fish, finding unrelated young fish in groups of young being protected by their parents.
Norris Lecture features expert panel on saltwater intrusion October 23
October 9, 2019
The 2019 Ken Norris Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, October 23, addresses saltwater intrusion along the Monterey Bay: Is our groundwater too salty?
Climate report describes escalating impacts on oceans, ice, and snow
September 25, 2019
UCSC ocean scientist Raphael Kudela is a lead author of the IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, which provides new evidence for the benefits of limiting global warming.
Alumna Stacy Jupiter wins coveted MacArthur Fellowship
September 25, 2019
Stacy Jupiter, a marine scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society who earned her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz in 2006, is among the 26 new MacArthur Fellows for 2019.
Elephant seal 'supermoms' produce most of the population, study finds
September 17, 2019
High mortality rates for young elephant seals means long-lived females dominate the reproductive output of the population.
Marine scientist Adina Paytan to receive A.G. Huntsman Medal
September 5, 2019
Adina Paytan, a research professor in the Institute of Marine Sciences, has been honored with the 2019 A.G. Huntsman Award for Excellence in the Marine Sciences presented by the Royal Society of Canada.
Switzer Environmental Fellowship awarded to UCSC graduate student
September 5, 2019
Melissa Cronin, a Ph.D. candidate in ecology and evolutionary biology, has been awarded a Switzer Environmental Fellowship from the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation.
Researchers enlist citizen scientists to count animals on Año Nuevo Island
August 7, 2019
Volunteers will use drone photos uploaded to the Zooniverse platform to count birds, seals, and sea lions for an unprecedented census of the island.
Conservation biologists find new applications for AI tools
July 30, 2019
Deep learning algorithms can be trained to recognize anything from the types of vegetation in a coastal wetland to the sound of a bird hitting a power line.
Dream job: Combining science and illustration
July 16, 2019
Ph.D. student Jessica Kendall-Bar is fascinated by how wild marine mammals sleep, and also passionate about using art to explain science.
Corals can survive in acidified ocean conditions, but have lower density skeletons
June 26, 2019
A two-year transplantation experiment near a natural low-pH submarine spring evaluated growth and physiological response of different coral species to ocean acidification.
UCSC scientists study rare beaked whale stranded at Scott Creek Beach
June 5, 2019
The Hubb's beaked whale is one of the rarest and least studied marine mammal species in the world.
Alumni Excursion: Sea change, up close and personal
May 30, 2019
A curated trip called "The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life" offered attendees a detailed look into how UC Santa Cruz researchers are contributing to the discussion of climate change and its direct impact on marine ecosystems.
Anne Kapuscinski receives 2019 Ocean Award for innovation
May 9, 2019
Anne Kapuscinski, professor of environmental studies and director of the Coastal Science and Policy Program, has received a 2019 Ocean Award for innovation from Boat International magazine and the Blue Marine Foundation.
U.S. coral reefs provide flood protection worth $1.8 billion annually
April 30, 2019
New report finds coral reef barriers provide flood protection for more than 18,000 people and $1.8 billion worth of coastal buildings, infrastructure, and economic activity yearly.
Can a drone weigh an elephant seal?
April 23, 2019
Undergrad’s innovative research may lead to new methods of weighing seals, expanding our understanding of the mammals and the oceans
New genus of marine organisms named in honor of ocean scientist Jon Zehr
April 5, 2019
A newly described genus of marine microorganisms has been named in honor of Professor of Ocean Sciences Jonathan Zehr.
Coral study traces excess nitrogen to Maui wastewater treatment facility
April 3, 2019
Nutrient pollution has been blamed for algal blooms and degradation of coral reefs along Maui's west coast.
Biologist Daniel Costa appointed director of the Institute of Marine Sciences
March 21, 2019
Daniel Costa, distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, has been appointed to serve as the next director of the Institute of Marine Sciences, beginning in July 2019.
Review of noise impacts on marine mammals yields new policy recommendations
March 12, 2019
After a comprehensive review of current knowledge, a panel of scientists has published new recommendations regarding marine mammal noise exposure.
Seymour Center honors alumnus John Laird with Global Oceans Award
February 22, 2019
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center will honor Laird at the Global Oceans Gala on Saturday, March 23.
Grad student Sara Gonzalez wins policy award from Ecological Society of America
February 13, 2019
Sara Gonzalez, a Ph.D. student in ecology and evolutionary biology, is among the recipients of the Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Awards from the Ecological Society of America.
