Benjamin Ruttenberg

Associate Professor | Biological Sciences Department

Director, Center for Coastal Marine Science 

Areas of Expertise

Aquaculture

Impact of Ocean Phenomena on Ecosystems

Marine Management and Policy

Offshore Wind Energy 

Contact Information

805.756.2498

Email

Website | CCMS Website

Instagram

Biography

Ben Ruttenberg is an associate professor in the Biological Sciences Department and director of the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, which includes the Cal Poly Pier in Avila Beach and several research vessels. Ruttenberg's research is highly applied, focusing on how we manage our impacts on the oceans and what we can do better. 

Education

• Ph.D., University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology
• M.S., Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies 
• B.A., Tufts University

Professional Appointments

• Associate Professor, Cal Poly, 2013-Present
• Director, Center for Coastal Marine Sciences
• Research Fishery Biologist, NOAA/National Marine Fishery Service, Miami, FL, 2009-2013
• Marine Ecologist, National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program, Miami, FL, 2008-2009
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 2007-2008
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Oregon State University/University of California/Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, 2006-2007

Research Interests

• Offshore wind energy
• Using artificial intelligence to monitor data in marine systems 
• The effects of climate change on nearshore fisheries
• Improving the resilience of coral reefs through parrotfish
• The decline and potential recovery of Pismo clams

In the News

• Federal support announced for offshore wind energy development in Morro Bay
• Offshore wind could provide energy when California needs it most, Cal Poly study says
• Cal Poly study: Morro Bay wind power could bring thousands of jobs
• Offshore wind could provide energy when California needs it most, Cal Poly study says
• Cal Poly researchers ask for community participation in Pismo clam population study
• Cal Poly researchers study the clam population in Grover Beach
• Protecting Pismo clams from poaching

Recent Publications

• Scenarios for Offshore Wind Power Production for Central California Call Areas
• Potential Environmental Effects of Deepwater Floating Offshore Wind Energy Facilities
• Impacts of parrotfish predation on a major reef-building coral: quantifying healing rates and thresholds of coral recovery
• Caribbean reefs of the Anthropocene: variance in ecosystem metrics indicate bright spots on coral depauperate reefs