Underwater Methods for Kelp Forest Ecology

Catalog description

Immerse yourself in the underwater forests of Monterey Bay during this intensive two-week field course centered around daily scuba diving. Building on foundational concepts from OCEANS 185, you will learn underwater research methods while studying the seaweeds, invertebrates, and fishes that structure kelp forest communities. The course emphasizes hands-on training in scientific diving techniques, including underwater navigation, environmental instrument deployment and maintenance, and standardized field survey methods for kelp, sea stars, abalone, and urchins. The data we collect will contribute to ongoing time series for the Hopkins Marine Life Observatory, some of which have been conducted for nearly three decades. You will gain experience conducting research from small boats, practice quantitative methods for assessing species abundance and population structure, and explore how ecological principles create observable patterns across kelp forests on the Monterey Peninsula. There will be two to three organizational meetings in Spring quarter to coordinate logistics; the field portion of the course takes place at Hopkins Marine Station from June 28 - July 9 2027. Prerequisites: AAUS scientific diver certification (offered separately at Hopkins Marine Station from June 14 to June 25 2027) ); OCEANS 185 is recommended. Students register for OCEANS 186 either in preceding Spring quarter or following Autumn quarter. Grades for students enrolled in Spring quarter will be added upon completion of the course (GNR applied)