We are dedicated to studying long-term and large spatial scale ecological processes in the Southern California Bight. Our research program features both the longest continual time series studies of  rocky reefs in the world and the largest spatial-scale studies of reefs in the Bight. This makes us experts in marine monitoring, time series analyses, and spatial modeling.

In addition, we focus on the taxonomy and life history of southern California marine fishes and ichthyoplankton and complete extensive larval and adult studies using otoliths. We are currently emphasizing large-scale collaborative projects to better understand secondary (fish) production in the Bight.

As a non-profit educational program, we encourage our undergraduate students to participate in all aspects of our research, from data collection to publishing in peer-reviewed journals, preparing them for graduate programs or careers in marine science.