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Go inside this hidden Corona del Mar marine lab – and its 100 years of ocean science
By Robert Garrova at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 11, 2026
· 2 min read
Kerckhoff Marine Lab, Corona del Mar, circa 1935 (Courtesy Caltech photo archives )Hiding out among the luxury beachfront condos in the Newport Beach neighborhood of Corona Del Mar is an outpost where scientists have been conducting important marine research for nearly a century.And you can go ch...
Key takeaway Originally built as a boat and club house, it was purchased by Caltech in 1929 for use as a beachfront science outpost.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory's nearly century-long presence in Corona del Mar underscores the significance of marine research in Southern California's coastal communities. As a hub for ocean science, the lab's work has direct implications for the region's ecosystem and economy. The research on kelp forests and seagrasses, for instance, informs conservation efforts and coastal management strategies that affect local fisheries, tourism, and property values. Moreover, the lab's collaboration with engineers from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory highlights the potential for innovative technologies to address pressing environmental issues, such as climate change and coastal erosion. As the laboratory continues to advance our understanding of the ocean's role in mitigating global warming, its findings will likely resonate with the local community, from beachfront residents to policymakers, and shape the future of coastal conservation in Los Angeles County. The lab's unique blend of science and history makes it a valuable resource for the community.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Kerckhoff Marine Lab, Corona del Mar, circa 1935 (Courtesy Caltech photo archives )Hiding out among the luxury beachfront condos in the Newport Beach neighborhood of Corona Del Mar is an outpost where scientists have been conducting important marine research for nearly a century.And you can go ch...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Robert Garrova at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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