Oceans

Our vast marine environments span nearly three quarters of the earth, and play an essential role in regulating climate and weather systems as well as providing food, employment and transportation for people globally. In turn, society must play a key role in managing and mitigating its impact on the ocean. Through the Center for Ocean Solutions (COS), Woods has partnered with Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) to study and develop solutions to address ocean threats and prepare leaders to take on those challenges. COS leverages the research and policy expertise of Stanford and its partners to gather key data and develop new insights into the human-ocean interface ranging from ocean acidification to overfishing to sea level rise. Drawing on the interdisciplinary expertise of scientists, engineers and lawyers, the center harnesses the best available science to advance science-based solutions. Read on for highlights of the work COS researchers are doing to support informed ocean decisions, healthy marine ecosystems and vibrant coastal communities.

In The News

Revealed: The Ocean's Tiniest Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain

Senior Fellow, by courtesy, Steve Palumbi (Biology) discusses the importance of the trillions of microorganisms in the ocean such as plankton,...
May 22, 2015 - By Christopher Joyce, NPR

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BBC, PBS to Highlight Monterey Bay Rebound

Quotes Senior Fellow, by courtesy, Steve Palumbi (Biology) on how the efforts of many people over time made the Monterey Bay’s ecological...
May 11, 2015 - By Jason Hoppin, Monterey Herald

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White House Expands Protections for California’s ‘Blue Serengeti’

Notes that Senior Fellow, by courtesy, Barbara Block (Biology) dubbed two federal marine sanctuaries off California’s north-central coast...
March 13, 2015 - By Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post

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Ocean Glider Helps Keep An Eye on Marine Life

Senior Fellow, by courtesy, Barbara Block (Biology) discusses how she and her colleagues at Stanford and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are using...
March 11, 2015 - By Chris Cesare, Monterey Herald

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