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Kelp secured with zip-ties and plumbing hardware in big plastic bags.

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And, as researchers, we’re right down there too.

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The vibrant marine life attracts large mammals looking to eat, too. Here, two sea lions dive into the depths.

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On the pilings under the rigs, invertebrate life thrives.

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Fish congregate under the structure oil rigs provide.

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An oil rig in the Santa Barbara Channel.

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A research boat flies through the chop.

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Happy plants covered in dew from the fog.

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Coring for soil samples.

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The Fog Collector. It looks like a harp with two perpendicular sets of strings. As fog water condenses on the vertical strings, it drips down into PVC funnels and is collected in a container with mineral oil in it to prevent the water from evaporating.