A NITROX SCUBA Facility for the Bodega Marine Laboratory and Reserve

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The Bodega Marine Laboratory (BML) is a research unit of the University of California (UC) located on the Sonoma coast 70 miles north of San Francisco. Since 1966 the Laboratory has provided unique opportunities for field research on a rich flora and fauna in close proximity to the Laboratory buildings. BML has well-equipped laboratories, an excellent seawater system, strong on-site support staff and a firm commitment from the Davis campus to continue developing the facilities and support needed by the growing number of resident and visiting researchers at the site. The Laboratory is located on the Bodega Marine Reserve (BMR), a 362-acre protected field site with a diverse set of marine and terrestrial coast habitats. Adjacent subtidal areas are protected and available for study within the Bodega Marine Life Refuge. Subtidal research on invertebrates, algae, and fish (population biology, physiological ecology, biochemical and behavioral studies) is expanding rapidly at BML. This project will supply partial support for expansion of the existing dive locker and installation of an Enriched Air Nitrox Scuba facility. Nitrox Scuba is quickly evolving as the technology of choice for scientific underwater operations. Current research diving at BML is accomplished using air Scuba under physically demanding conditions. Nitrox Scuba capability will approximately double the time available per dive for benthic studies, while reducing diver fatigue, nitrogen narcosis, and incidence of decompression sickness. An enhanced diving facility is vital if BML and visiting researchers are to expand in situ benthic research exploiting the unique aspects of the site.