Checklist for researchers, students and instructors
planning fieldwork at BML/BMR:
1- Reserve Use Application You must apply to use the Bodega Marine Reserve and adjacent areas before you begin your research or instruction. Apply online, see Reservation & Application Form. You must submit an application and an activity request. These are the same forms as you use to apply for Housing or laboratory use. The Reserve staff will receive an email when you submit an activity request, and you will be notified by email when the Reserve staff approves the activity request. We recommend that you discuss your plans with the Reserve Research Coordinator, before application. For additional information, see Bodega Marine Lab and Reserve Policies and Procedures. Most Reserve users will also need to download and submit a signed Reserve Use Waiver.
2- Lab Space and Support
If your research requires Lab space, you will need to complete the BML Reservation & Application Form.
Arrangements can be made for desk, bench or general work space through Kitty Brown, 707-875-2006. BML has a computer lab and the BML Cadet Hand Library,
both available to all authorized Reserve users. For specific questions
regarding computer support, contact the BML Information Technology Group. For specific questions regarding
the library contact the librarian at chlbml@ucdavis.edu.
3- Housing
Housing at BML requires a formal (but simple) application. BML housing
can fill up quickly so reservations should be made early. A variety
of housing arrangements are available. For information and reservations
contact Lisa Valentine, 707-875-2002. Also see BML Housing.
DFG Collecting permit (link) The Department of Fish and Game requires a scientific collecting permit
for collecting most organisms in California. These permits can take up to 3 months to process, so submit early.
NOAA Marine Sanctuary permits- Permits are required to conduct research within the Gulf of the Farallones
National Marine Sanctuary, including the placement of temporary moorings.
To find out if your study site falls within these boundaries (includes
Bodega Bay) see the Sanctuary
map. See National Marine Sanctuaries for
permit information.
Local Notice to Mariners- You will need to post a notice to mariners if you plan to deploy any
structure in waters where vessels navigate (which includes flat intertidal
areas). This can be done through the US Coast Guard.
Federal and state park permits-
You will also need a research permit to work in any of the state and
federal parks in the Bodega Bay area. Contact Renee Pasquinelli at the
Department of Parks and Recreation 707-865-2391 for an application to
work in local state parks. To apply to work in Point Reyes National
Seashore, contact
415-464-5202.
5- Diving certification
Special diving status is required to use scuba under UC auspices:
Letter of reciprocity from home campus diving officer
Regular certification
Records of 12 open-water dives
Dive medical exam
Current first aid, CPR and Oxygen administration
Check-out dive with Diving safety officer Henry Fastenau
The Diving Control Board must approve any research project requiring
scientific diving.
Contact
well in advance of planned diving activity.
6- Boating Training is required to operate BML motorized boats, and a running-time
fee is charged. Operators are available but require an additional
hourly fee. Useful links:
7- Greenhouse Use
Greenhouses are available to support field experiments or for greenhouse
experiments. Contact the Reserve Research Coordinator to inquire about space.
8- Animal Care
If your research involves vertebrate animals, you will need an Animal
Use and Care permit from the UCD campus.
If you plan to keep plants or animals in BML tanks you should consult
with the Aquatic Resources Group (ARG) to acquire aquarium space. There is
no charge for graduate students to use a reasonable amount of space,
and collecting, extra care, or specialized feeding can be provided
at an hourly rate.
Basic life support and feeding arrangements should
be made in advance so that specimens do not suffer through neglect.
Consulting with ARG about your project will help you in the planning
phase and in determining how to budget for research expenses.
9- Travel grants (For UC Davis Faculty, Researchers and Graduate Students ONLY)
BML offers limited grants for travel from Campus to BML/BMR and for
research expenses at BML/BMR. Contact Kitty Brown, 707-875-2006 to find out when the next applications are due.
Download Travel Grant application here (PDF)
<BMRBodega Marine Reserve P.O. Box 247 (2099 Westside Road) Bodega Bay, CA 94923 Phone 707/875-2021
Bodega Marine Reserve P.O. Box 247 (2099 Westside Road) Bodega Bay, CA 94923 Phone 707/875-2021
) The Department of Fish and Game requires a scientific collecting permit
for collecting most organisms in California. These permits can take up to 3 months to process, so submit early.