News archives

The fluke of a blue whale off the coast of California.

Underwater Microphones Capture 15 Years of Ocean Change

Marine heatwaves and economic crashes left distinct acoustic signatures

UNOC logo for 2025

Ocean Science Leaders, Advocates to Push for Action at UN Event

Scripps Oceanography will seek to make ocean protection a larger part of global climate action

A largemouth bass in a lake

Freshwater Fish in U.S. Carry Introduced Human-Infecting Parasites

Fish species frequently caught and eaten by people were found carrying large numbers of invasive parasitic worms

A juvenile silky shark in the open ocean

Silky Shark Population Study Offers Clues for Conservation

New assessment uncovers population structure of vulnerable silky sharks in the Eastern Pacific

Some beaches in Southern San Diego were closed for nearly three years due to pollution. (cr: Greg Bulla / iStock)

Pollution From the Tijuana River Affects Air Quality in San Diego

A new study finds pollutants from the river are transmitted to the ocean and air

Justin Funa Headshot

Scripps Student Spotlight: Justin Funa

MAS MBC student and U.S. Air Force veteran maps the distribution of endangered marine species for conservation planning

scientists looking at coral in an experimental aquarium

New Gel Could Boost Coral Reef Restoration

The substance, applied to surfaces as a coating, improved coral larvae settlement by up to 20 times in experiments compared to untreated surfaces

Lihini Aluwihare takes samples from a water pan in Botswana

Elephant Tragedy Prompts Scientists to Probe Viral Secrets of Botswana Water Pans

Scripps researchers analyze viruses in water pans to understand potential disease threats while laying the groundwork for future wildlife protection

Argo float in the water

NOAA Collaboration Provides Backbone for Global Environmental Intelligence

Support helps protect monitoring programs, weather forecasting, and technology development essential for public safety

A scalyhead blenny in the ocean

New Guide Seeks to Advance DNA Library of Marine Species

Scientists outline best practices for cataloging DNA reference databases, deepening our understanding of marine biodiversity

The EAT-SLE 2025 crew and science team.

Sailing Scholars

Student cruise helps identify the residents of a new California marine sanctuary

Scripps Director Margaret Leinen (right) presents species description to Ray and Alex.

Seastar Named for Youngest Cousins of Scripps Family

Invertebrate inhabits seafloor ecosystem that develops around sunken pieces of wood

Theodora Mautz Headshot

Scripps Student Spotlight: Theodora Mautz

PhD student explores cephalopod reproductive and behavioral ecology

Scripps Oceanography marine biologist Daniel Wangpraseurt

A Scientist’s Life: Daniel Wangpraseurt

Marine biologist creates bioengineering techniques to help coral recover

A diver swimming near a school of fish

‘Marine Prosperity Areas’ Represent a New Hope in Conservation

Improved approach to marine conservation aligns ecological restoration with human well-being

A diver swimming near a school of fish

‘Áreas de Prosperidad Marina’ Representan una Nueva Esperanza en la Conservación

Un enfoque mejorado para la conservación marina alinea la restauración ecológica con el bienestar humano

Fernando Melendez Vazquez headshot

Scripps Student Spotlight: Fernando Melendez Vazquez

PhD candidate follows passion to understand evolutionary biology of fishes

Seawater samples collected as January 2025 fires in Los Angeles raged.

Marine Ecosystem Survey Encounters a New Variable: Falling Ash from Los Angeles Fires

CalCOFI cruise documents ash deposits as far as 100 miles offshore

Spinner dolphin in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Scripps Oceanography 2012 NOAA NMES Permit # 779-1633

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Correlates with Steep Declines in Whale Populations

After 2010 Deepwater Horizon incident, some Gulf of Mexico species densities declined as much as 83%

A midwater trawl net is used to collect juvenile fishes

CalCOFI at 75

A California science gem is cutting-edge but still devoted to the fundamentals

Ethan Staats Headshot

Scripps Student Spotlight: Ethan Staats

PhD student examines biofluorescence in marine organisms

Kelp bass, a popular target of recreational anglers, in Southern California’s coastal waters.

Study Finds Pattern in DDT Contamination Among Fish off Southern California

The findings could help predict fish toxin levels and inform fish consumption advisories

Ocean Pavilion design

The Ocean Pavilion Returns to International Climate Conference for a Third Year

Leading science institutions and partners will make the case for greater inclusion of the ocean at COP29

Dahiana Arcila, curator of the Marine Vertebrate Collection at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego

A Scientist’s Life: Dahiana Arcila

Marine biologist and Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection Curator explores the evolution of fishes

Domoic acid producing Pseudo-nitzschia diatom in seawater sample. Image:  G. Jason Smith / Moss Landing Marine Labs. Satellite image shows increasing chlorophyll concentration at California coast. Image: Mati Kahru

Scientists Discover Molecular Predictors of Toxic Algal Blooms

Genes that act as warning beacon for dangerous neurotoxin identified

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