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Thesis Defense by Travis Leggett – May 8th

Olivia Beaudoin

"Advancing Benthic Survey Methods: A Novel Application of Diver-Operated Stereo Video to Survey the Influence of Benthic Habitat Variation on Urchin and Macroalgae Populations in California Rocky Reefs"

A Thesis Defense by Travis Leggett

MLML Invertebrate Ecology

Live-Stream | May 8th, 2025 at 2:00 pm PDT

Abstract
Subtidal surveys are critical for ecosystem monitoring, traditionally involving diver underwater visual census (UVC), though such methods can impose time or logistical restrictions on the study. Imagery-based techniques, such as diver-operated stereo-video (stereo-DOV), offer precise 3-dimensional measurements from 2-dimensional images, facilitating accurate size and distance estimates as well as the ability to survey large areas quickly. This study compared two stereo-DOV angles (45° and 90°) with UVC to estimate benthic macroinvertebrates, macroalgae, and habitat characteristics (relief, substrate, benthic cover) within kelp forests and urchin barrens. We also explored associations between habitat complexity, measured as relief and substrate transitions. Stereo-DOV and UVC surveys yielded similar estimates for species richness, diversity, and purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) densities in urchin barrens, and for stipitate algae species. However, algae significantly reduced the effectiveness of both stereo-DOV angles compared to UVC, largely driven by the absence of cryptic species in stereo surveys. The 90° stereo-DOV surveys performed better in kelp forests relative to 45° surveys but still measured lower species richness and diversity compared to UVC surveys. Habitat characterization accuracy was similar between methods, though these similarities occurred mainly for broad substrate categories (e.g., sand, bedrock) and intermediate relief sizes (>10 cm - <1 m). Habitats with relief transitions (>1 per 10m²) showed marginal positive correlations with giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and negative correlations with purple urchin densities. Substrate transitions positively correlated with stipitate algae density. Our findings suggest stereo-DOV may be suitable for monitoring community-scale changes in urchin barrens with reduced performance in kelp forests. The 90°Stereo-DOVsurvey estimates were more similar to UVC estimates than 45° stereo-DOV surveys, but habitat was a more significant influence on stereo-DOV performance. This study provides insight into using stereo-DOV as a benthic surveying tool in kelp forests and urchin barrens and the potential for habitat transitions to support kelp populations while limiting urchin movement.

Bio

Travis earned a B.S. in Marine Science from CSUMB after transferring from Santa Monica City College. At CSUMB, Travis was introduced to scientific applications for SCUBA diving and began on a career path that would keep him underwater. During his undergraduate degree, he worked with the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans at UCSC with Dr. Mark Carr, where he cemented his passion for subtidal research. He went on to work at Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University as an independent undergraduate researcher, studying the effects of climate stressors on urchins and other benthic grazers. Travis started his Master's at MLML in 2020 with Dr. James Lindholm, studying the influence of habitat contiguity on urchin populations at Monastery Beach in Carmel Bay. Travis received funding from the Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems and the Educational Partnership Program for Minority Serving Institutions through NOAA to expand his research to include a methodological comparison of stereo-video and underwater diver visual surveys. While at MLML, Travis served as the Student Body Treasurer and has certified over 100 individual students for various levels of SCUBA training as an instructor at CSUMB. In his free time, Travis enjoys underwater photography, backpacking, travelling, and spending time with his dog Lehua.

MLML Open House Auction Page is now LIVE!

Jackson Hoeke

Last weekend, Moss Landing had our first in-person open house in 4 years! The event was a huge success, including the kickoff for our online silent auction! The auction will run until April 29th, 9:00pm, where you can bid on a variety of item that local artists, business-owners, and organizations have donated to sold to the highest bidder! All money raised will go towards providing next year's financial aid and scholarships for our students. This will directly benefit the members of the MLML community by raising awareness of marine science while providing funding to graduate students. Items include golf and lunch for 2 at Carmel Ranch, a print by local biological illustrator Amadeo Bachar, a Folktale Winery Tasting and bottle of wine, and much more! If you're interested in any of these items and the current bids, you can check out the ongoing auction here!

 

 

 

Open House – April 22nd Schedule

Jackson Hoeke

Open House Schedule

As Open House approaches, we at MLML have finished scheduling our activities and events for the day. Lab-run events such as our touch tank, microscopy room, and miniature ROV tank will be available all day from 9am to 5pm. Merchandise will also be available all day, although we may run out of some items earlier in the day. Our speed talks and trivia sessions given by faculty and students will be on a scheduled basis that you can attend at your convenience. To see where our activities are located, please see the map below.

MLML’s 2023 Open House Crowdfunding Page is now LIVE!

Jackson Hoeke

In conjunction with our in-person open house event this year, Moss Landing is opening our crowdfunding page! Our goal is to raise $20,000 to support student scholarships, marine research equipment, and funding to cover student research expenses. If you cannot make it to our open house event this year, donating is an excellent way to help support MLML students. We will be sending a special thank you to everyone who donates on our social media platforms at the end of the crowdfunding event. If you're interested in donating, you can find the crowdfunding page here. If you'd like to attend our in-person open house from 9:00am - 5:00pm on April 22nd, you can RSVP through the following form.

MLML Executive Director

Samuel Sherrill

Employment Opportunity: MLML Executive Director

San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories has an outstanding leadership opportunity for an Executive Director. Moss Landing Marine Labs (MLML) is a unique marine research and education program within the College of Science at San Jose State University (SJSU). Faculty and researchers have expertise in a range of marine science disciplines, including marine geology, biology and chemistry. The laboratory is located between Santa Cruz and Monterey, and borders the Monterey Bay Marine Canyon,
the Salinas River, and the Elkhorn Slough, making it an ideal location for modern marine science.
This leadership role is responsible for administrative oversight of operations, budgets, fiscal management, leadership of staff, philanthropic activities and collaboration with the College of Science on strategic planning. The role reports to the Dean of the College of Science at SJSU, and collaborates with the Chair of the MLML academic department.

Key Responsibilities

  • Management oversight for MLML staff.
  • Recommends initiatives and changes to maintain quality and fiscal responsibility of services at MLML. Develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices to the college Dean; initiates and implements plans to solve problems with the college Dean’s approval.
  • Manages the physical facilities (properties, buildings, piers and
    ships) and oversees maintenance and development of facilities in a manner consistent with fiscal resources and SJSU strategic
    objectives.
  • Ensures contractual, fiscal, and accounting practices are followed in accordance with applicable federal, state, SJSU and California State University rules and regulations.
  • Oversees faculty affiliates and researchers, and fosters
    partnerships, while ensuring fiscal responsibility with respect to MLML SJSU state and Research Foundation properties and facilities.
  • Obtains outside funding in support of MLML in collaboration with the College of Science.

Key Competencies

Expert in Marine Sciences. Excellent communicator and strong leader to build and manage a diverse team. Experience managing complex budgets, strategic goals and balancing day to day operations. Ability to operate in a unionized environment. Excellent collaborator, innovator. Ability to influence and lead the organization into the future.

Requirements Include

  • Doctorate in one of the disciplines in the field of marine science.
  • A strong record of scholarly work or professional achievement rooted in conducting field-oriented marine studies balanced with laboratory work and quality teaching sufficient to qualify for tenure and appointment at the rank of professor in the college.
  • Three years of administrative experience as department chair, program coordinator, or other relevant leadership and supervisory experience.
  • Extensive experience managing complex
    budgets.
  • Proven track record in securing external
    funding.
  • Direct experience managing a team.

For Consideration, please email your CV/resume to Elaine Peters at elaine@nextsearch.com 949-400-1132

Virtual Seminar – The influence of oceanographic and environmental features on plankton and seabird communities in the North Pacific- March 10th

Taylor Azizeh

 

Caitie Kroeger, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories/Farallon Institute

Hosted by the Vertebrate Ecology Lab

Presenting: "The influence of oceanographic and environmental features on plankton and seabird communities in the North Pacific"

MLML Virtual Seminar | March 10th, 2022 at 4pm

Watch the Live Stream here or here

Caitie’s research is centered on understanding the direct and indirect effects of oceanic and climatological forcing on the energy balance, movement patterns, and distributions of marine organisms. She earned her Ph.D. in Ocean Science from the University of California Santa Cruz, where she studied the ecophysiology of sub-Antarctic albatrosses and co-founded a science communication group. She then joined the Farallon Institute as a postdoctoral researcher, where she explored the effects of marine mesoscale eddies on structuring plankton and seabird communities and used spatial-temporal models to map seabird distributions for oil-spill risk assessment. She recently joined MLML as a postdoctoral researcher in the Vertebrate Ecology Lab where she’s investigating the foraging ecology and habitat use of emperor penguins.

Ichthyology Lab alumnus Evan Mattiasen publishes results of thesis research on rockfish behavior and physiology

Lauren Cooley

MLML alumnus Evan Mattiasen recently published the results of his thesis research in the journal Global Change Biology!

This study, co-authored by SJSU/MLML Ichthyology Lab professor Dr. Scott Hamilton and CSUMB professor Dr. Cheryl Logan, examines the effects of low oxygen conditions (hypoxia) on rockfish behavior and physiology. The results of this study are particularly relevant for fish stock management in light of global climate change, which is predicted to increase the frequency and severity of hypoxia.

Read Evan’s paper, titled "Effects of hypoxia on the behavior and physiology of kelp forest fishes", here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/gcb.15076

MLML Welcomes Dr. Geoff Wheat

Mina Sattari
MLML welcomes Dr. Geoff Wheat from the University of Alaska!  He brings with him Claudia Paul and Trevor Fournier. Geoff uses tracers to understand processes that influence the cycle of elements in the oceans.  Much of his work focuses on the transport of fluids through the oceanic crust in a range of settings including hydrothermal systems on mid-ocean ridges and flanks and seepage sites along zones of subduction and in coastal environments.  Studies typically include sampling and analyzing fluids and solids, developing transport-reaction models, and relating results to geochemical cycles and crustal evolution. He also runs Seafloor Science ROV Day Camp,  a STEM-based summer camp for students entering 3-5th grades and 6-9th grades.
Geoff and his team will be working out of 502 in the Main Building and operating the ICPMS.  You might also find Geoff in his office over in the faculty wing.  Throughout the process of bringing him onboard, Geoff has expressed his eagerness and enthusiasm to meet and work with our students.  Please join me in welcoming Geoff, Claudia and Trevor to MLML!