Bodega Marine Reserve

Welcome to the Bodega Marine Reserve, a unique and vital hub for marine research and conservation located at 2099 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, California. As part of the UC Natural Reserve System, our reserve is one of 36 field stations across the state dedicated to supporting scientific inquiry and education. Our team coordinates and facilitates research from San Francisco to Point Arena, providing essential resources and support for field investigations conducted by laboratory visitors.

Our reserve is a living laboratory where we meticulously monitor climate, vegetation, and select animal populations to support ongoing research and foster new scientific opportunities. Our robust monitoring programs include meteorological and oceanographic stations, ground-based and aerial photographic surveys, and periodic censuses of wintering shorebirds.

Established to protect the delicate marine ecosystem, the Bodega State Marine Reserve is a no-take zone extending 1,000 feet offshore. Seasonal marker buoys delineate the boundaries, ensuring the protection of this invaluable research site. Our 326-acre property, with additional managed areas including the Bodega State Marine Reserve and leased tidelands in Bodega Harbor, provides a diverse array of intertidal and subtidal habitats for study.

Bodega Head, a striking feature of the southern Sonoma County coastline, offers a rich and productive environment for research and exploration. This rugged headland, situated about 40 miles northwest of San Francisco, is integral to understanding California's coastal ocean waters.

Researchers and educators interested in utilizing the Bodega Marine Reserve must apply for access prior to commencing their work. For more information, please contact us at bmr@ucdavis.edu or call (707) 875-2021. We are located at P.O. Box 247 (USPS) or 2099 Westshore Rd. (UPS/FedEx) Bodega Bay, CA 94923-0247. Join us in exploring and preserving the natural wonders of the Bodega Marine Reserve.