Inside Look at Marine Research
SDSU scientists interact with local creatures and research San Diegos diverse marine ecosystems.
Rebecca Lewison is conducting research on sea turtles and shorebirds in and around San Diego Bay.
She is one of nearly a dozen San Diego State University researchers working with the Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory on research that ranges from coral reef interactions to the way the ocean affects the survival of sea urchins.
“At the laboratory, my students and I are able to conduct research on how seabirds and sea turtles use this biodiversity hotspot, how human impacts are affecting these populations and ultimately, what managers can do to support these important wildlife populations,” said Lewison, a SDSU biology professor.
Community members will be able to explore and learn about the research being conducted by SDSU students and faculty at the laboratory’s third annual open house on Sunday, March 9. Guests will be able to get hands on with the various tools that aid researchers in studying San Diego’s marine environment.
Diverse ecosystems
San Diego is well-known for its beaches and diverse ecosystems, which is why this laboratory plays such a huge role in helping researchers. Researchers from SDSU take advantage of the diverse ecosystems with the help from the laboratory to further explore topics including:
- Population ecology and behavior of fishes in kelp forests, embayments and marshes
- Kelp forest ecology and the effects of ocean acidification on macroalgae and sea urchins
- Seagrass community ecology, lobster ecology and behavior
- Soft sediment and invertebrate ecology in estuaries
- Chemical ecology of invertebrates and trophic interactions
- Characterization of marine microbial communities
- Coral reef microbial interactions
- Conservation ecology of turtles and shorebirds
Event details
The open house, which is geared for both children and adults, is free and open to the public. The event provides educational activities about marine science and conservation in the local marine ecosystems. It will take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 at the Coastal and Marine Institute laboratory at 4165 Spruance Rd in Point Loma
