Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute Campuses

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) at its Moss Landing Campus focuses on advanced oceanographic research and education, offering specialized programs that blend scientific inquiry with hands-on learning. While primarily a research institution, MBARI provides educational courses and workshops for graduate students, researchers, and professionals in marine sciences.

• Oceanographic Instrumentation: This course explores the design, deployment, and data analysis of underwater sensors and vehicles, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Participants learn to calibrate instruments for measuring temperature, salinity, and currents in deep-sea environments, with practical sessions on MBARI's research vessels.
• Marine Biology and Ecology: Delving into the biodiversity of Monterey Bay, this program covers microbial oceanography, deep-sea ecology, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Students conduct fieldwork using MBARI's video annotation tools to study benthic communities and pelagic species.
• Underwater Robotics and Engineering: A hands-on engineering course teaching the principles of robotics for ocean exploration. Topics include propulsion systems, computer vision for navigation, and AI integration for autonomous operations, drawing from MBARI's development of vehicles like the Doc Ricketts.
• Physical Oceanography: This curriculum examines ocean circulation, wave dynamics, and modeling techniques using MBARI's high-resolution data sets. Learners use software like MATLAB to simulate coastal upwelling and predict environmental changes.
• Bioacoustics and Marine Mammal Studies: Focusing on sound in the ocean, participants study cetacean behavior, underwater noise pollution, and acoustic monitoring methods. Field exercises involve hydrophone arrays to track marine life migrations.
• Geological Oceanography: Courses on seafloor mapping, tectonics, and hydrothermal vents, utilizing MBARI's multibeam sonar and submersible data to analyze Monterey Canyon geology.
• Data Science for Ocean Research: Emphasizing big data handling, machine learning for image recognition of deep-sea organisms, and open-source tools for collaborative science.

These programs, spanning from introductory workshops to advanced seminars, total over 300 hours of instruction annually, fostering interdisciplinary skills essential for ocean conservation and exploration. MBARI's integration of cutting-edge technology ensures participants gain real-world experience, contributing to global marine research efforts. The campus's proximity to Monterey Bay provides unparalleled access to diverse habitats, enhancing experiential learning in environmental monitoring and sustainable practices.