Research Activity Panel

View of the Big Sur coastline
View of Bixby Bridge from Hurricane Point, Big Sur. Photo: Steve Lonhart/NOAA

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Research Activity Panel is a working group of the advisory council. The Research Activity Panel has several key objectives:

  • Advise sanctuary staff on science issues that will influence policy (e.g., address research questions in the management plan)
  • Review research issues and documents for the advisory council and sanctuary staff
  • Facilitate the exchange of regional research information and create opportunities for project coordination
  • Convey regional research needs and opportunities to the advisory council

The Research Activity Panel is composed of 23 representatives from regional research institutions and organizations. Administrative support of the Research Activity Panel is provided by sanctuary staff.

Members
Meetings

History, Protocols, and Activities

For more information about the Research Activity Panel, contact Erica Burton, research ecologist, erica.burton@noaa.gov.

Ed Ricketts Memorial Award and Lecture

Ed Ricketts was born in Chicago in 1897 and studied ecology at the University of Chicago. He moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1923 and opened Pacific Biological Laboratories, providing specimens and slides to research institutions. Ricketts met John Steinbeck in 1930 and became a major influence on the author's writing and philosophy, serving as the inspiration for many notable Steinbeck characters. On their famous trip aboard the Western Flyer, Ricketts and Steinbeck explored the Gulf of California and collaborated on the book "The Sea of Cortez." Ricketts also wrote "Between Pacific Tides," an ecological handbook of intertidal marine life that is still used as a textbook at many universities. The scientific catalog of organisms documented by Ricketts, both aboard the Western Flyer and during his other studies, has been invaluable to marine scientists. His work and unconventionally holistic approach to science has inspired generations of researchers.

Ricketts Award Criteria

The Ed Ricketts Memorial Award was created to honor scientists who have exhibited exemplary work throughout their career and advanced knowledge, appreciation, conservation and/or protection of the marine environment.

The Ricketts Award recognizes lifetime achievement in the fields of marine science conservation, or education, based in part on Ed Ricketts’ exemplary ability to study natural history and share knowledge in a compelling and holistic manner.

Recipients are selected by the Research Activity Panel of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Nomination and selection processes shall consider the following:

Achievement and Sharing of Knowledge

  • Contribution to, and impact upon, field of study
  • Ability to give an engaging and inspirational lecture

Collaboration and Engagement

  • Exceptional collaboration, communication and engagement
  • Engagement with all ways of learning about and understanding the natural world

Mentorship and Development

  • Active mentorship and development of all learners

Nominees do not have to be local to the Monterey Bay area.

2025 Ed Ricketts Memorial Award and Lecture

image banner of man and sharks
2025 Ed Ricketts Award recipient Dr. David A. Ebert (courtesy of David A. Ebert).

 

David A. Ebert

Pacific Shark Research Center / Moss Landing Marine Laboratories / San Jose State University

Searching for Lost Sharks

“Jaws” was the first summer blockbuster movie that people went to see again, and again, thus changing the movie industry and the way people went to movies forever. The movie brought world-wide attention to sharks, both exploitative and sensational. The negative consequences of sharks being overfished, culled from popular beaches or fished for sport have been well documented. It is hard to find an article or news report that does not state and restate that sharks are overfished and populations declining globally. However, rarely mentioned is how the movie gave birth to the modern field of shark science, conservation, and education. After WWII shark “research” mainly focused on preventing shark attack due to sensational stories of sailors and airmen who surviving combat found themselves stranded in the ocean with sharks. After the movie came out, and despite the sensational headlines, public and scientific interest in sharks increased and laid the foundation for contemporary shark research. The field of shark science may eventually have come into its own, but it was this movie that really put sharks in the public conscience. From my perspective, Peter Benchley’s real legacy is having brought the plight of sharks out of the shadows and to the forefront of public attention. Without his timely book and an exceptionally well-made blockbuster movie, the fields of shark science and conservation may never have come into being, and the vast majority of sharks would still remain lost from the public’s conscience, with many suffering dire consequences!

About David A. Ebert

Dr. Dave Ebert has devoted his life to studying the ocean's most elusive, dangerous and yet fascinating predator - the shark! Author of 38 books and over 800 publications, including the popular “Sharks of the World” and “Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras of California”, Dave holds numerous positions including Director of the Pacific Shark Research Center, past President of the American Elasmobranch Society, Scientific Advisor to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences and South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, and the IUCN Shark Specialist Group. A popular television guest, Dave has appeared on various programs for the BBC, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic. As a regular on Shark Week, Dave has lead expeditions in search of the rarest, most elusive sharks in the world. He has even discovered new shark species while filming on location. Dave is founder of the Lost Sharks project, co-host of the popular podcast Beyond Jaws, and producer of the documentary series Searching for Lost Sharks: Extinct or Alive!

For December 10, 2025 lecture information, see: MBNMS News

2024 Recipient

two people standing with one holding plaque
Recipient of the 37th Ed Ricketts Memorial Award, Dan Costa, and Research Activity Panel Chair, Brandon Southall. Photo: Amity Wood/NOAA

Dr. Daniel P. Costa - University of California Santa Cruz
"Beyond Pacific Tides: How Technology Has Provided a Window into the Secret Life of Marine Mammals"

Webinar Recording

Additional Information