Kelp Forest Ecology

Discover the kelp forests of Monterey Bay in this introductory ecology course comprising lecture, lab, and field components. You will learn the natural history of common seaweeds and animals and investigate how ecological principles (abiotic controls, population dynamics, species interactions) manifest in local kelp forest ecosystems. The course will explore modern marine monitoring technologies used to study kelp forests, including, for example, underwater video surveys, environmental sensors, satellite imagery, and environmental DNA. Finally, we will consider how kelp forests are responding to climate change and explore conservation and restoration strategies being implemented along the California coast. This course does not have a diving component, but we will observe kelp forests from the shore, snorkeling, and / or boating. This course provides foundational training in marine ecology and is a recommended prerequisite for Underwater Methods for Kelp Forest Ecology (OCEANS 186). A limited travel stipend may be available for students traveling to Hopkins Marine Station - located approximately 80 miles south of Stanford's main campus in Pacific Grove, CA. For information about spending a quarter in residence at Hopkins Marine Station please see here: https://hopkinsmarinestation.stanford.edu/stanford-hopkins-residence