NEWS...
Green Turtle Netting San Diego Bay
January 22nd
Time: 7:00 AM-4:00 PM


















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In addition to our work with the new Whale Sightings Database and the California Marine Life Protection Act, we have a variety of research and conservation projects underway including: 























Green Turtle Movement and Habitat Use Study
Did you know that there are between 60-100 green sea turtles living in San Diego?  Monitoring the movements of the green turtles, and development of an Endangered Species Management Plan is the core of this project.  Capture/ tagging/measuring are also included.  This study is being done with the support of the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center and the Unified port of San Diego, and in cooperation with the US Navy.





















Artificial Reef PCB Study
When a ship is sunk as an artificial reef, if it is not prepared properly there is the potential of
an increase in contaminants surrounding the ship.  The Yukon was properly cleaned and prepared, and we are examining the PCB levels surrounding the Yukon, a wreck in San Diego.  Scripps Institution of Oceanography is our partner for this study.

Artificial Reef Fish Abundance
We are monitoring the increase in fish population on the Yukon, a 366’ destroyer escort that was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in 2000.  This study was started by the San Diego Oceans Foundation shortly after the Yukon was sunk, but was abandonded after 3 years. Now, 9 years later we are repeating the study to compare the increase in fish population to the previous levels.  This study is used in conjunction with in our Scientific Diver Training Program. Students accompany the trained researchers to practice the techniques and skills necessary to become certified Scientific Divers. Scripps Institution of Oceanography is our partner for this study.

California Least Tern Monitoring Project
As part of an ongoing monitoring project, our researcher will be monitoring the population and
nesting success of the endangered California Least Terns.
  

Marine Mammal Survey (formerly Coronado Canyon Cetacean Abundance Monitoring)
We have been monitoring cetacean abundance, and collecting data for over 3 years in the ocean surrounding the Coronado Canyon.  We began with two transects 3 years ago that included Coronado Canyon and the outer banks.  In 2008 this project was been expanded to include transects from Torrey Pines in the North down to La Jolla Point, Point Loma, down to the Mexican border off of Imperial Beach, and of course our original transects surrounding the Coronado Islands.  Our goal is to produce a database that can be added to and accessed by naturalists and researchers.  Finescale data of cetaceans is very limited within the Southern California Bight.  Marine Mammals observed have included Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Common Dolphins, Pacific Whitesided Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, and Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins.
 



















Risso’s Dolphins Identification and Behavior
Using photography submitted by naturalists and researchers, we are building a database using
FinScan, a program that identifies individual dolphins using the outline of their dorsal fin.  By observing individuals we can determine if the pod are residents, if there is a pattern to their travels, and observe relationships between individuals.

Wreck Alley Mooring Project
We maintain the Wreck Alley Moorings in San Diego.  The moorings are important because they help protect the shipwrecks and their inhabitants from damage by boat anchors.



NOAA Marine Mammal Stranding Network
Our researcher assists with stranded marine mammals, mainly cetaceans.  Necropsies are performed on the animals and the samples are delivered to Hubbs to determine the cause of the stranding.