ORA

The waters of Monterey Bay, California form part of the California Current Ecosystem — one of the most biologically productive marine systems on Earth. Offshore habitats here, shaped by strong upwelling and the Monterey Submarine Canyon, attract a wide diversity of oceanic species, including whales, dolphins, seabirds, sharks, and large pelagic fishes. Many of these species remain understudied, especially in offshore waters where dedicated surveys are rare.

​

The Oceanic Species Surveys aboard the research vessel Pacifica aim to document the abundance, distribution, and ecology of offshore marine wildlife in Monterey Bay and adjacent waters. By focusing on the shelf break, canyon systems, and pelagic habitats, we seek to better understand how oceanic species use these dynamic environments and how they may be influenced by climate variability and human activities.
 

Methods

• Vessel-Based Surveys: Systematic transects are conducted aboard the Pacifica, equipped with binoculars, digital cameras, and GPS logging to ensure standardized data collection.

• Species Documentation: Sightings of whales, dolphins, seabirds, sharks, and other pelagic wildlife are recorded, with photo-identification used where possible.

• Environmental Monitoring: Sea surface temperature, oceanographic fronts, and prey indicators are documented to understand habitat relationships.

• Community Collaboration: Observers, students, and local partners join surveys to contribute to data collection and gain hands-on field experience.

Goals

• Build long-term datasets on offshore species occurrence in Monterey Bay.

• Identify seasonal patterns and hotspots of biodiversity along the canyon and shelf edge.

• Support conservation efforts by providing data on species at risk and habitat use.

• Create opportunities for students and community members to engage directly with ocean science.