Marine Applied Research & Exploration (MARE)

?? Breakthrough in Coral Science: Rare Mesophotic Coral Spawning Observed in Captivity ?? For the first time, scientists have documented the captive spawning of Swiftia exserta, a mesophotic octocoral that plays a vital role in deep-sea ecosystems! Researchers from USGS and NOAA observed the corals spawning in federal labs, marking a major step in understanding their reproductive cycle and potential for restoration. Collected using ROVs, these corals spawned simultaneously in two labs, revealing a seasonal cycle from late September to early November. The study also found that colonies are either male or female, with a higher proportion of females. Their larvae swim for a few days before settling—key insights that could help restore deep-sea coral habitats damaged by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This research is part of the Coral Propagation Technique Development project, focused on restoring mesophotic and deep benthic communities. Captive breeding programs like this could be a game-changer for deep-sea conservation! ???? ?? Learn more about this exciting step toward deep-sea coral restoration! https://lnkd.in/gXinF7Mh ?? credit: Ben Higgins/NOAA

Dive Into Discovery: MARE's New Short Film Premiere! Directed by Natasha Benjamin, this captivating journey uncovers unseen ocean realms while showcasing MARE's crucial work monitoring California's Marine Protected Areas since 2003. By partnering with state agencies and academic institutions, MARE gathers vital data that enhances scientific understanding and improves ocean management strategies. Join us as we protect and preserve these critical habitats for future generations. Watch now on MARE's YouTube channel! https://lnkd.in/gpcuDcHu

Exciting news! MARE is thrilled to join partners for the Stone Soup Leadership Institute's Blue Job Shadow Day, hosted by the College of Marin's Environmental Action Club! ?? Dive into sustainable career pathways, internships, and more on February 12, 2025, from 12:30 PM - 1:40 PM in Room AC255. Enjoy FREE lunch and refreshments while meeting local & state leaders. Ready to explore blue jobs? Click the link below learn more and register. See you there! https://lnkd.in/geDt7A42 #BlueEconomy #SustainableCareers #CareerDay

Cultivating Sunflower Sea Stars for Ocean Conservation Sunflower sea stars, crucial predators that control sea urchin populations, nearly vanished due to a mysterious disease in 2013, causing a drastic decline in California's kelp forests. Now, scientists are breeding these colorful giants in labs across the state, aiming to reintroduce them and restore the devastated marine ecosystems. Their success in raising millions of embryos offers hope for understanding and combating the disease, although challenges remain before these stars can return to their natural habitat in the Pacific Ocean. At Marine Applied Research & Exploration (MARE), we monitor California Marine Protected Areas and witnessed the Sunflower sea star decline firsthand. This effort underscores the critical role of predators in maintaining marine biodiversity amidst ongoing environmental challenges. For more information, check out this recent article by Grant Stringer (Bay Area News Group): https://lnkd.in/g4aBq8Az

?? Dive into innovation! Isaac Travers, one of our team members, shares his journey integrating a new compass into an ROV sensor package. From silent starts to diving deep into datasheets, his perseverance paid off! ?? #Innovation #ROV #STEM

?? Join Us in Protecting Our Oceans ?? Thank you for your generosity and partnership in advancing ocean conservation and education—your support empowers us to make a lasting impact for our oceans and future generations. As we approach the end of the year, there’s a short window to amplify your impact. An anonymous donor has pledged to match every gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000 if made by December 31st! Our oceans face unprecedented pressures, but together we can turn the tide, revitalizing ecosystems and securing a sustainable future. Make your gift today and double your impact: https://lnkd.in/gs86crJx Let’s work together to protect the oceans that sustain us all. ??? #OceanConservation #YearEndGiving #ProtectOurOceans #MARE

Happy Holidays from all of us at MARE! As we celebrate 21 years of advancing marine science, exploration, and STEM education, we’re filled with gratitude for your support. Together, we’ve made incredible strides: - Restoring deep-sea coral habitats - Protecting marine reserves & ocean health - Expanding our ROV research fleet - Inspiring 1,500+ students through STEM programs Your generosity powers this vital work. Thank you for helping us protect our oceans and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. ?? #MARE #OceanConservation #STEMeducation #HappyHolidays #ROVS #deepsea

?? Dive Into Action: Explore, Discover, Protect with MARE ?? As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to join us in making a lasting impact on the future of ocean conservation. Our oceans face unprecedented pressures, but your support is the key to turning the tide. Together, we can revitalize our oceans and rebuild the vital ecosystems that sustain us all. Join Us in Protecting the Oceans This holiday season, If you make your gift by December 31st, it will be?DOUBLED, thanks to an anonymous donor who will match up to $5,000. Your contribution will directly support our mission to Explore, Discover, and Protect the ocean's deep-sea frontiers. MAKE A GIFT TODAY?– Together, we can make a difference. https://lnkd.in/gs86crJx Your Impact: The Power of Your Donation With your generous support, we can continue to: ?? Expand our deep-sea robotic fleet. ?? Integrate breakthrough technologies, like Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. ?? Safeguard critical ocean habitats for future generations. ?? Increase STEM education opportunities for SF Bay Area youth. It took decades to overfish our waters, but with proven tools like Marine Protected Areas, we now have a path to recovery. We are grateful to you—our MARE family—for making this possible. Thank you for your continued partnership. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and peaceful holiday season.

The MPA Film Day is this Saturday - December 7th in Sausalito, CA. We hope you can join us for this FREE event. Details below. ??????????????

?? ?? Save the Date! ?? ?? We are excited to invite you to an?MPA Film Day and Wildlife Celebration?on?Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 1:00 - 3:30 PM?at the?Bay Model Visitor Center?in Sausalito, CA! This?FREE, community event?is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about?California’s marine protected areas (MPAs)?and the amazing species and habitats they safeguard. We’ll be screening MARE’s film,?"Eyes on the Seafloor,"?which showcases over 20 years of MARE's conservation efforts within California's MPAs. What to expect: Engaging films?featuring California’s MPAs Insightful discussions?with local Bay Area experts Interactive activities?and a stunning?photo show Free refreshments?for attendees This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the incredible diversity of marine life along our coast, connect with others passionate about ocean conservation, and celebrate the importance of protecting our natural world. Event Details: Date:?Saturday, December 7, 2024 Time:?1:00 – 3:30 PM Location:?Bay Model Visitor Center Address:?2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965 Cost:?Free | Open to the public, ages 7+ Whether you're a long-time ocean advocate or new to marine conservation, this event offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this exciting chance to learn, engage, and celebrate! We encourage you to share this opportunity widely with your networks, friends, and community members. We hope to see you there!