Bodega Marine Laboratory - UC Davis

10/06/2026

It’s the best oyster you’ve (probably) never tasted. 🦪

For years, many people assumed Olympia oysters, affectionately known as "Olys," were gone from Tomales Bay altogether. But pioneering hatchery techniques, field science and restoration efforts are giving California’s only native oyster species a boost.

In June 2026, a partnership between the UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute and The Nature Conservancy in California helped bring 125,000 "Olys" to a new home at Sacramento Landing — the first “wild site” outplanting of restored Olympia oysters and a culmination of decades of lab and field work.

Explore the science behind this work and the next steps for restoring this California native: https://buff.ly/4ck1rWL

If you want to learn more about Olys, check out Team Oly!

📸 credits: Sam Briggs

Image description: A 5-slide carousel featuring photos of researchers conducting Olympia oyster restoration work along a rocky shore, with dark blue overlay boxes and gold text telling the story of raising and outplanting 125,000 native oysters.

10/05/2026

Check out this cool feature on White Abalone from the Washington Post! 🐌💙💛

09/30/2026

Hi neighbors! The UC Davis Bodega Marine Reserve (BMR) will be working with PG&E on an upcoming public safety and habitat restoration project at the entrance to the Bodega Marine Laboratory and adjacent housing area.

What to expect:

🌳 Tree Removal: Aging Monterey cypress trees located beneath power lines are being removed to prevent falling limb hazards and reduce wildfire risks. Specialized equipment will be used to safely cut and remove them. The project is expected to take 4-6 weeks total, starting the week of October 5th.

🚦 Traffic Control: Temporary measures will be in place on Westshore Road during tree removal. Please expect occasional minor delays and follow posted signage and personnel directions.

🌱 Dune Restoration: Following the tree removal, the area will be restored with native coastal dune scrub plants to help support a resilient coastal ecosystem.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work to keep our community, visitors, and reserve habitats safe!

Image descriptions:
Aging photos of aging Monterey cypress trees at the entrances to the Bodega Marine Laboratory and adjacent housing areas. The trees have sections of dead branches and visibly overlap with power lines.

09/25/2026

Congrats, Dr. Monuki! 🎉

Congratulations to DOCTOR Keira Monuki, who recently delivered her doctoral dissertation! 🎉🎓

Keira graduated with her PhD in Population Biology. Her dissertation research combined field surveys, laboratory experiments and genomics to investigate the processes facilitating species range shift in our changing oceans.

One of the best parts of her PhD experience was working with students at Bodega Marine Laboratory - UC Davis to spark their curiosity and passion for marine science. She is excited to continue her career as a postdoctoral scholar for the White Abalone Captive Breeding Program, working with national, state and local partners to restore white abalone populations.

Image description: A portrait of Keira Monuki wearing a beanie and jacket, standing on a rocky coastline and smiling at the camera.

09/21/2026

Thank you, Rotary Club of Healdsburg! We loved hosting your group and are deeply grateful for your generous grant in support of our work. 🌊

09/17/2026

The wildlife around Bodega Marine Laboratory never fails to amaze! 🦅🦌🪶🐚

UC Davis Summer Session II student Evelyn Potts recorded some wonderful encounters with our local coastal neighbors and residents of the laboratory and Bodega Marine Reserve!

📸: Evelyn Potts

Image descriptions:
Two dark birds perched together on dead tree branches in a coastal marsh area against a soft background.
A young black-tailed deer with spots standing among tall dry grass and brush near the coast.
Two pelicans resting on calm ocean water.
A close-up view of an abalone in an aquarium tank surrounded by a border of artificial grass and pink coralline algae.

09/16/2026

The residents of Bodega Bay come in all shapes and sizes! 🦎🐟🐦

UC Davis Summer Session II student Lauren Potts captured some of the local wildlife hanging around the lab, reserve and coast during our summer photo contest!

📸: Lauren Potts

Image descriptions:
A small lizard resting on gray gravel ground in a close-up shot.
A seagull perched on top of a sign that reads "SPEED LIMIT 35" against a clear blue sky.
A dark fish resting among rocks, seaweed, and pink coralline algae inside a water-filled tank or tidepool aquarium.

09/15/2026

Exploring the coast from every angle! 🌊🐚

UC Davis Summer Session II student Malik S. (.i0n) captured these stunning moments around the coast — from harbor seals and flying seabirds to iridescent abalone shells!

📸: Malik S. (.i0n)

Image description:
A low-angle view of a flock of seabirds flying in formation against a soft, bright sky.
White ocean waves crashing over the shoreline with a group of harbor seals hauled out on the rocks.
A close-up view of a piece of an iridescent abalone shell displaying vibrant mother-of-pearl colors along the shore.
A view looking out toward the ocean and beach framed through the dark mouth of a coastal rock cave.

09/14/2026

Sunset walks and coastal views 🌅

UC Davis Summer Session II student Alexis Yuen captured these cozy evening moments around Bodega Marine Laboratory!

📸: Alexis Yuen

Image descriptions:
A group of students walking down a dirt coastal trail surrounded by grassy hills toward the student housing during dusk.
A silhouette of a person wearing a jacket standing on the beach facing rolling ocean waves under a vibrant sunset sky.
A scenic sunset view showing soft pink and orange clouds above grassy coastal bluffs looking out toward the ocean.

09/11/2026

🎶 "You could travel the world... but nothing's as gray as Bodega Bay" 🎶🌫️🌊

No one does field station life quite like UC Davis students. A massive thank you to ESP 150C (Biological Oceanography) students Natalia, Ella, and Olivia for this hilarious take on Bodega Marine Lab life (and Katy Perry)! https://buff.ly/owhPqHR

This is "ESP 150C - "California Coast"" by nnguyen on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.