Effects of humans
A major focus of our laboratory is the response of marine animals and ecosystems to changes in ocean conditions that originate in human activity.
benthic biology topic
Faunal patterns
The objectives of these projects are to determine the patterns of abundance of marine populations on the continental shelf and slope in Monterey Bay, and measure changes in abundance and over time.
Previous research
Many benthic communities in Monterey Canyon are linked to the seepage of methane- and sulfide-rich fluids from the ocean floor.
Technology development
The Free Ocean CO2 Enrichment system (FOCE) and the Benthic Respiration System (BRS) are tools we use to manipulate the pH and chemical composition of seawater.
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About MBARI
Research programs at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) encompass the entire ocean, from the surface waters to the deep seafloor, and from the coastal zone to the open sea. The need to understand the ocean in all its complexity and variability drives MBARI's research and development efforts.