CMBC was established in May 2001 to promote a holistic, interdisciplinary approach in the education of future leaders in marine biodiversity and conservation and in research to find better ways to effectively interface between the natural and social sciences.

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Leadership
Our thanks to founding Director Dr. Nancy Knowlton (2001 – 2007) and Dr. Jeremy Jackson (2007 – 2011) for their visionary leadership. Dr. Lisa Levin was appointed Director in July 2011 and served through June 2017.  Dr. Levin was the first to hold the Oliver Chair in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. Dr. Stuart Sandin is the current director appointed in July 2017 and currently holds the Oliver Chair .

Educational success:

*  Created a 16 unit summer intensive interdisciplinary training course

*  Created a  Master of Advanced Studies Degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation

* Created an Interdisciplinary Specialization Degree (PIER) for Ph.D. students in 12 departments

*  Created the student run Interdisciplinary Forum for Environmental Research (IFER) to promote cross campus research and education

Public Awareness
Created the student run Environmental Science and Policy group at SIO to promote integration of student research into the policy process

* Sponsored the Climate Science for Informed Policy website to inform international delegates on the importance of the oceans in climate negotiations.

* Established student managed Salty Cinema bi-annual outreach event

Research
* Established  3 major research groups within CMBC with subgroups

Research success
* 20 years of Cabo Pulmo science: Twenty years ago, the reefs at Cabo Pulmo were heavily degraded. Community foresight and hard work turned this small village into a nationa park and conservation success story. Total fish biomass inside the reserve has increased more than 400% from pre-reserve levels and now resembles some of the world’s most pristine ecosystems.Download the report: 20_yrs_Cabo_Pulmo_GCMP_eng

*CMBC research cited in California Shark Fin Ban
Research by CMBC associated faculty and students was cited as an important source for deliberations (and ultimate voting support) for the bill to ban the trade of shark fins.

*CMBC research cited in establishing US Marine Monument
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
Sandin et al. 2008 Baselines and Degradation of Coral Reefs in the Northern Line Islands.
PLOS One Vol 3 (2) e1548

*Graduates making a difference
Our graduates have a global impact: 25% of our graduates are working with government agencies, 30% are with non-government agencies working with communities on public education and policy issues, 15% in research or consulting positions in the marine industry and the remainder in academic research. Learn more about our Alumni.

Publications