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We are based out of the Moore Laboratory of Zoology at Â鶹ƵµÀ in Los Angeles.

We possess all scuba gear, fishing nets, water sampling equipment, sonar and bathymetry systems, and sediment collection devices and own multiple research vessels (from 21’ to 36’) that can be transported to various locations. In addition, we have access to the Southern California Marine Institute’s R/V Yellowfin, a 76’ research vessel that is optimally outfitted for tasks requiring large or heavy equipment.

Research Vessels

RV Nobilis

The Nobilis is a 2017 semi-custom built 36' Chesapeake by Judge Yachts, with twin outboard Suzuki 300 engines. She is our main dive vessel and has a 100 mile range. The Nobilis is located at King Harbor Marina in Redondo Beach.

Boston whaler guardian collecting sonar data
RV Neoclinus

The Neoclinus is a 2013 21’ Boston Whaler Guardian with a Honda 250 hp engine. She resides on a trailer for research out of other harbors in the Southern California Bight. The Neoclinus is outfitted for geophysical and hydrographic surveys, dive operations, fisheries surveys, plankton tows, and has a davit for water quality sampling.

DV Obscurus

The DV Obscurus is a 2004 25’ Boston Whaler Guardian with twin Suzuki 200 engines. She is the most recent addition to the Occidental fleet, and is outfitted for dive operations, plankton tows, and geophysical and hydrograpic surveys. The DV Obscurus is moored in King Harbor Marina in Redondo Beach

Laboratory

Sea to Sky mural in Moore Lab entryway

Our newly-renovated laboratory is located on the first floor of Moore Laboratory. With a state-of-the-art lab equipment incluing a Venturi fume hood and modular and flexible bench space, the new lab offers or our research team the space and flexibility we need to continue and expand our laboratory studies.

Dive Locker

Cubbies for dive gear storage

Our dive locker space is named for our founder Dr. John Stephens Jr. and was funded by a generous donation by the Leighton and Linda Taylor family. The dive locker can house gear for up to 12 scientific divers, has an air and nitrox compressor, contained fill station, and is located on the bioscience loading dock for easy loading and unloading of field gear.

Museum Collection

Currently awaiting construction, our new museum collection building will provide a home for our Biodiversity Collection. The 400 sq. ft. climate-controlled building with built-in fire suppression and secondary containment will be located in Syamore Glen. Construction of the new home of the biodiversity collection is supported by a generous donation from the Leighton and Linda Taylor Family.

Contact Vantuna Research Group
Anderson Center for Environmental Sciences

1600 Campus Road 
Los Angeles, CA 90041