The Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies operates the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) on Santa Catalina Island and supports research throughout the year. The marine lab is an ideal location for marine research, providing convenient access to a variety of near-shore and open water environments. Three decades of ecological and oceanographic research in this area provide a rich context for new studies. The WMSC marine life refuge, established in 1988, comprises relatively pristine bedrock and boulder intertidal habitats, soft sediment and kelp forest subtidal habitats, and a broad diversity of algae, invertebrates, fish and plankton. Deep oceanic water for blue-water research is a short distance offshore.

For more information about our laboratory and waterfront facilities, please visit our facilities page, write to lauren.czarnecki@usc.edu or call Lauren Czarnecki at (310) 510-4002.

For housing and lab costs, see our fee page. To schedule housing reservations or visits to WMSC, please fill out and submit our reservation form.

To conduct research at WMSC, you will need to complete our Research Activities Plan (PDF format) or (Word Document). Please send it to:

Lauren Czarnecki
Attn: Research Activities Plan
1 Big Fisherman Cove
P.O. Box 5069
Avalon, CA 90704

We recommend that you apply to WMSC at least 5 months before you plan to begin your research here, since space is limited. Go directly to our reservation form.

Those interested in scientific diving at WMSC should visit our dive site or contact the USC Dive Safety Officer, Gerry Smith, at (310) 510-4022 or gsmith@usc.edu for more information.

If you are a graduate student interested in conducting your masters or doctoral research at WMSC, we provide a limited number of Graduate Student Summer Intern Scholarships.