The VRG is dedicated to studying long-term and large spatial scale processes in the Southern California Bight. This research program features both the longest continual time series studies of rocky reefs in the world and the largest spatial scale studies of reefs in the bight. Thus, we are experts in marine monitoring, time series analyses and spatial modeling.

In addition we have a focus on the taxonomy of fishes and ichthyoplankton. We also emphasize life history studies on nearshore marine fishes and complete extensive larval and adult studies using otoliths. In our research, we use fishes as models for production in the marine environment. We are currently emphasizing large scale collaborative projects to better understand production in the bight.

Since we are a nonprofit research program, our focus is on publishing our studies in peer reviewed journals. As such, we feature more published research on these topics than any other program in Southern California.