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

West Coast Scientists Fishing For Solutions To Bluefin Tuna Overfishing

Senior Fellow, by courtesy, Barbara Block (Biology) discusses her research studying bluefin tuna, and how aquaculture may serve as a solution to...
February 23, 2015 - By Allen Martin, CBS San Francisco

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Watch Jumbo Squid Speak by 'Flashing' Each Other

Describes findings of study co-authored by Woods-affiliated professor of biology William Gilly that involved mounting cameras on giant Humboldt...
January 21, 2015 - By Jane J. Lee, National Geographic

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Sixth Extinction Proves Slower at Sea

Marine Sciences Professor and Senior Fellow, by Courtesy Stephen Palumbi, discusses steps we can take to slow the impact of industrial fishing on sea...
January 16, 2015 - By Brittany Patterson and ClimateWire, Scientific American

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Ocean Life Faces Mass Extinction, Broad Study Says

Marine Sciences Professor and Senior Fellow, by Courtesy Stephen Palumbi, discusses how limiting the industrialization of the oceans to some regions...
January 15, 2015 - By Carl Zimmer, New York Times

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