The primary goals of High Tech High's (HTH) "Integrated Urban Ecology Study of San Diego Bay" are to empower students to conduct original research in ecological assessment, identify the environmental issues impacting their urban ecology and to become stewards of San Diego Bay. From their studies and experiences, two student-produced field guides have been created. These guides, Two Sides of the Boat Channel: A Field Guide and Perspectives of San Diego Bay: A Field Guide, have informed and inspired local residents, marine scientists and conservation advocates. Both volumes address San Diego Bay's most pressing environmental concerns as identified by the students. These sources include scientific studies complimented by a variety of creative writing selections, field observations, historic photographs, as well as several maps and charts of the Bay. These field guides are intended as a resource for environmental and educational groups interested in the evaluation and assessment of San Diego Bay's ecological health.

In 2003 the project began with a study of the shoreline and boat channel directly adjacent to High Tech High. The indigenous species in this area have been severely affected by environmental pollutants like lead, copper, zinc and DDT. The Navy and the City of San Diego are working together to clean up the boat channel in order to complete the redevelopment of Liberty Station. The students of HTH are conducting research so they can provide local leaders and policymakers with information based on sound science. The ecological assessments conducted by the students will also serve as a baseline study for future scientific comparisons.

Last year the group conducted an extensive biogeographical study of San Diego Bay. In this environmental assessment of the Bay's intertidal fauna, students conducted a GIS-assisted analysis of species abundance and diversity. Using this data, they were able to examine the effects of human impact upon several sites around the Bay. This year the group will attempt to focus their analysis and attempt to integrate the disciplines of biology, mathematics and humanities. The effect of geography and natural resource utilization as outlined by Jared Diamond's text, Guns, Germs, and Steel, will be applied to the environmental issues surrounding San Diego Bay.

Recently a new partnership has been formed with San Diego Zoo's Conservation and Research for Endangered Species. The students have begun genetic field testing of San Diego Bay fauna. Student-collected zooplankton will be identified using DNA amplification techniques and DNA sequencing. They will also use DNA sequencing to identify bird feathers collected around the Bay. This data set will be used and incorporated into the Bar Code of Life Project.

"Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute applauds High Tech High's "Integrated Urban Ecology Study of San Diego Bay." Through original research projects in marine ecology, beautifully-designed field guides (which include creative reflections on urban ecology in addition to scientific data), and presentations to scientists, managers and the general public, the students of High Tech High and their mentors are raising awareness of the environmental issues facing San Diego Bay. This program embodies Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute's commitment to maintaining scientific objectivity in the pursuit of solutions to the challenges facing our oceans and coastal areas. High Tech High's innovative approach is serving as a model for educational programs in ecological assessment and environmental awareness in the U.S. and abroad. We congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to their continued success in advancing marine conservation and science literacy."