Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Visitors: Our campus is open for hiking, biking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm, with closures only on Sundays and federal holidays. Per Executive Order dated Jan. 20, 2021, masks are required in all buildings and outdoors on SERC property. See our COVID-19 Visitor Guide for where to park, updated maps and hours, and new safety measures for visitors and staff.

Marine Invasions Research

Principal Investigator

Gregory Ruiz

ruizg@si.edu

Specialty

Biogeography Invasion Biology Marine Ecology

Citizen Science Projects

We are studying an invasive parasitic barnacle that infects native white-fingered mud crabs. We are working to track their populations and need your help!

Chesapeake Bay Parasite Project
Help our scientists collect marine organisms living on debris that can travel thousands of miles across our oceans!

Floating Ocean Ecosystem Tracker
Help us track changes in coastal environments by identifying marine invertebrates using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop!

Invader ID
Scientists on the West Coast are tracking the whereabouts of a non-native kelp, and we need your help to report new sightings!

Kelp Watch
Olympia oysters are native to San Francisco Bay and their populations have been depleted due to overharvesting and pollution.

Oyster Drills in Richardson Bay
Scientists need help identifying invasive species of invertebrates! There are several different species we look for on the West Coast of the United States, including plants, micro-algae, and invertebrates.

Plate Watch

Citizen Science Projects

Chesapeake Bay Parasite Project

Floating Ocean Ecosystem Tracker

Invader ID

Kelp Watch

Oyster Drills in Richardson Bay

Plate Watch