Douglas McCauley

Professor @UCSantaBarbara.
Director @UCSBenioffOcean.
Understanding how nature works and what tools we can use to keep it around longer.

[Douglas McCauley @McCauley_Lab]

Thank you @VICE @motherboard for elevating the conversation about how #science and #technology can help our oceans https://t.co/ulNMaKu5AF

[Douglas McCauley @McCauley_Lab]

Love seeing #Oceans on the cover of @TIME 💙

[TIME @TIME]

TIME’s new cover: The mysteries of the ocean and the race to save it https://t.co/PeaS0Ct3dZ

[NBC Bay Area @nbcbayarea]

Thousands of fishing traps lost at sea are damaging ocean ecosystems and threatening marine life, including whales, sharks, turtles, and seabirds, according to wildlife experts.
https://t.co/dnAOLUXcLb

[Marc Benioff @Benioff]

AI for the good of the Whales! ❤️🐳@McCauley_Lab & team are deploying a network of AI-powered cameras in the SF Bay to stop ships from colliding with migrating gray whales. With 7 whales already lost this year (after 21 in 2025), this tech is a literal lifesaver. Brilliant work, Doug! ❤️ https://t.co/uxN5Ru5sA8

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

We are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Fisheries or Environmental Economic Modeling to develop tools for applying fisheries and economic modeling in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ; the “high seas”), particularly with relevance to large-scale Marine Protected Area (MPA) designation in this region. Apply by April 19th for full consideration.

Learn more and apply at: https://t.co/uFUBEKZTL5

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

🌊We are hiring a Communications Specialist to plan and execute our research center’s external communications with the goal of advancing meaningful improvements in ocean health through raising awareness and influencing policy. Apply by April 6th for full consideration.

Learn more and apply at https://t.co/8bnypAWOJc

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

A global study featured in @latimes by @susrust revealed that chemicals from pesticides, medicines, and food packaging have reached the middle of the ocean and are mixing with the microorganisms that sustain marine life.

Ready the story here: https://t.co/vQXLMsQVB3

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

The @iwc_int and the @UCSBenioffOcean co-hosted a workshop @IMOHQ to tackle one of the most complex threats whales face around the world: vessel strikes.

Day one focused on a critical challenge: differing regional risk assessment methods make it hard to compare threats and set global priorities. Experts explored metrics and methods that could bring greater consistency and coherence to vessel strike risk assessments, which are now being written up as guidance to be presented to the IWC Scientific Committee in April 2026.

Days two and three brought scientists, policymakers, and shipping industry representatives together to explore mitigation measures, regional case studies, incentive programs, and practical pathways for implementation.

By bringing together expertise across sectors and regions, we're building shared understanding and identifying practical next steps to protect whales worldwide.
🌍🐋

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

Exciting Spotlight! RiverVision was featured on Spectrum News.

RiverVision is an AI-powered computer vision system we are developing to collect more data on plastic debris in rivers to learn about this source of marine pollution.

Read the full story on Spectrum News and stay tuned for more RiverVision updates: https://t.co/M1V2GL2AR5

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

"With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live."- @SylviaEarle , Ocean Explorer, Aquanaut, and Hero of the Planet.

We applaud @wef for making our oceans the focus of this year’s Blue @Davos meeting.

Read more about Sylvia’s inspiring story and hopeful vision for the future of our oceans: https://t.co/SAaZkfIxqp

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

Today is the day 🌊
The High Seas Treaty is officially in force, marking a major step forward for ocean conservation beyond national borders.

The treaty sets global rules to protect high seas biodiversity, require environmental impact assessments, share marine genetic benefits, and build ocean science capacity worldwide.

A new era for the ocean begins.

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

📢 We’re hiring! The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory at UC Santa Barbara is seeking an Emissions Modeling Specialist to support cutting-edge, applied research on global maritime shipping emissions.

We’re looking for someone excited to work at the intersection of marine science, data, and policy, helping translate complex emissions modeling into insights that inform industry best practices and global decision-making. 🌊📊

🗓️ Apply by January 19, 2026 for full consideration
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://t.co/NiCFM00PJs
#hiring #emissionsmodeling #ucsb

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

🌊Papahānaumokuākea.

You may have never heard of it. But it’s one of the largest protected areas on Earth — an ocean sanctuary bigger than all U.S. national parks combined. Imagine hundreds of Yellowstones or Yosemites beneath the waves. 500,000+ square miles of underwater wilderness.

Ancient sea turtles glide through coral forests found nowhere else on the planet. Apex predators thrive as they have for millennia. An ocean rainforest — irreplaceable, thriving and alive.

Not only does it sustain the ecosystems we all depend on, but it delivers for the economy, helping drive Hawaiʻi’s $17 billion dollar tourism industry. It preserves the sacred history and ancestral homeland of Hawaiians, who continue to steward these special waters. And it safeguards national history, with a legacy connected to the sacrifice of Americans lost at Pearl Harbor during World War II.

But these sensitive ecosystems can be damaged to a point beyond recovery. Nothing lasts forever. Protected areas help ensure we have a secure and prosperous future.

🎥 (b-roll) provided by: Environmental Justice Foundation, The Outlaw Ocean Project, Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project #papahānaumokuākea

To see the wildlife of Midway in real time, check out this live cam: https://t.co/m6SwkaBHce

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

📣 BREAKING: Deep-Sea Mining Watch is LIVE.
Developed by the @UCSBenioffOcean and powered by @GlobalFishWatch technology, this new public data portal maps vessel activity linked to deep-sea mineral exploration around the world.

Read the press release:
https://t.co/CBTOls2Ms3

Explore the new portal → https://t.co/R5FNZeoYtx

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

The new Deep-Sea Mining Watch is LIVE!
Learn how the platform uses AIS data and Global Fishing Watch technology to reveal deep-sea mineral exploration happening thousands of miles offshore.
Read → https://t.co/uQJe9E9Nr3

@GlobalFishWatch

[Marc Benioff @Benioff]

We’re giving $100 M to build a new 7-story @UCSFBenioffOAK tower — expanding emergency & trauma care, adding a new NICU, advanced surgery suites, and more than 100 private rooms. 💙 Every Oakland child deserves world-class care.

[Marc Benioff @Benioff]

Today we’re giving another $100M to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland & Salesforce is pledging another $39M for AI education in San Francisco & Oakland public schools. We have now given over $1B given to our local children’s hospitals and public schools! ❤️🤖🌉 Read more ➜ https://t.co/lG6P4P4sdG

[Douglas McCauley @McCauley_Lab]

One of the best of our species. Ambassador of love to other species. Thank you Dr. Goodall for the good you did for people & planet.

https://t.co/bOmtt1yDHe

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

🚨With the 60th UN State ratification in place, the long-awaited High Seas Treaty to conserve Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction is ready for action!

The BBNJ Agreement will enter into force in 120 days, providing an unprecedented opportunity to safeguard our global ocean. 🪸

📷: Schmidt Ocean Institute

[Marc Benioff @Benioff]

Imagine living on an island where most of the plastic choking your shores isn’t even yours. In Fiji, less than a third of plastic waste is local, and the rest drifts in from abroad. The burden on Pacific Islands is deeply unjust. 🌊
https://t.co/qzySwJ3llG

[Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory @UCSBenioffOcean]

👥 10 students.
🌎 1 mission: a healthier planet.

Meet the 2025 Benioff Scholars—driving real-world solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.