A NITROX SCUBA Facility for the Bodega Marine Laboratory and Reserve

博德加海洋实验室(BML)是加州大学(UC)的一个研究单位，位于旧金山以北70英里的索诺马海岸。自1966年以来，实验室为对实验室大楼附近丰富的动植物进行实地研究提供了独特的机会。BML拥有设备齐全的实验室、出色的海水系统、强大的现场支持人员以及戴维斯校区的坚定承诺，将继续开发设施和支持，以满足现场越来越多的常驻和访问研究人员的需要。该实验室位于博德加海洋保护区(BMR)，这是一个362英亩的受保护野外地点，拥有各种海洋和陆地海岸栖息地。邻近的潮下区域受到保护，可在博德加海洋生物保护区内进行研究。在BML，对无脊椎动物、藻类和鱼类的潮下研究(种群生物学、生理生态学、生化和行为研究)正在迅速扩大。该项目将为扩大现有潜水柜和安装富氧Nitrox Scuba设施提供部分支持。Nitrox Scuba正在迅速发展成为科学水下作业的首选技术。目前BML的潜水研究是在身体要求苛刻的条件下使用空气潜水完成的。Nitrox Scuba的能力将使每次潜水用于海底研究的时间大约增加一倍，同时减少潜水员疲劳、氮气麻醉和减压病的发生率。如果BML和来访的研究人员要扩大利用该地点独特方面的现场海底研究，增强的潜水设施是至关重要的。

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.