Science & Research

Overview

The Western Flyer is a working research vessel that supports collaborative ocean science—bringing together scientists, students, and communities to collect data, explore marine ecosystems, and deepen our understanding of the ocean.

While the Western Flyer Foundation is not a traditional research institution, we provide a platform where meaningful research can happen—and where students can participate in it.

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What This Looks Like in Practice

Work aboard the Western Flyer is hands-on and field-based. Activities vary by project, but often include:

• Conducting oceanographic profiling using CTD systems to measure temperature, salinity, oxygen, pH, and chlorophyll
• Collecting water samples and environmental data across multiple stations
• Sampling plankton and documenting marine life and ecosystem conditions
• Contributing to biodiversity studies through approaches such as environmental DNA (eDNA)
• Working alongside scientists and research partners in active field settings

These experiences give students and collaborators direct insight into how scientific knowledge is generated at sea.

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A Developing, Collaborative Program

This work builds across regions, from ongoing programs in Monterey Bay to larger collaborative efforts in the Gulf of California.

This year, we expanded the Western Flyer’s developing science program through oceanographic data collection and plankton sampling with students and research partners from Monterey Bay to the Gulf of California.

These early datasets—including CTD profiles, surface ocean conditions, and plankton observations—are helping establish a baseline for future research.

In collaboration with the Naval Postgraduate School and partners in Baja, this work is laying the foundation for a long-term, community-engaged research effort that will grow year by year.

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Current and Recent Work

Gulf of California Expedition (2025)

On the 85th anniversary of the original Steinbeck–Ricketts expedition, the Western Flyer returned to the Gulf of California to support a collaborative effort in scientific research, education, and community engagement.

Working with research partners, the expedition included:

• Oceanographic profiling at 26 stations, measuring temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and chlorophyll to depths of up to 500 meters
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and plankton collection to better understand marine biodiversity Learn More
• Intertidal and nearshore observations conducted with partner teams, contributing to ongoing ecological comparisons with historical data
• Additional fieldwork led by collaborators across multiple sites

Findings from this work highlight emerging ecological patterns across the Gulf, including variation in biodiversity across regions and early indications of warming, lower-oxygen waters at depth—consistent with broader climate trends.

At the same time, the expedition integrated education and outreach, engaging more 700 students and thousands of community members through hands-on programs, vessel tours, and public events.

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Monterey Bay Programs

In our home waters of Monterey Bay, the Western Flyer supports ongoing, field-based data collection with students, educators, and research partners.

These programs include oceanographic sampling, plankton collection, and observational studies that introduce participants to real scientific methods while contributing to a growing body of data.

This work provides a consistent, place-based foundation for the Western Flyer’s developing science program.

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Charter the Western Flyer

The Western Flyer is available for charter to scientists, educators, and mission-aligned partners seeking a capable, flexible platform for ocean research and field-based learning.

Visit Charter Page

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In the News & On the Blog