Seafloor biology research
A third group of marine biologists studies “benthic” animals and microbes that live on or within the seafloor.
biology research-topic
Open ocean biology research
Other MBARI scientists study larger animals, such as jellies, squids, and fishes that drift or swim beneath the ocean surface.
Microscopic biology research
Some of our scientists focus on microscopic algae, animals, and microbes that live in the open ocean.
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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.