Where do New Zealand sea lions and fisheries cross?

Of the six extant species of sea lions around the globe, three are endangered, including the New Zealand sea lion. Once intensely hunted for its pelt, the New Zealand sea lion now mainly breeds at remote sub-Antarctic islands...

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Blue Whale Articulation Fund

In 2015, a 78-ft blue whale carcass washed ashore near Gold Beach, OR. Our researchers submerged its bones in nets in Yaquina Bay to allow marine scavengers to clean them.

Now we hope to raise $125,000 to remove oil from the bones and treat the skeleton for display, so that the public can enjoy the magnificent presence of the largest species the world has ever known.

Put a Whale on Your Tail

Every purchase supports the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute, which means the license plates are more than distinctive and stylish — they also help support whale research, graduate student education, and public outreach.

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Come Explore With Us

The OSU Marine Mammal Institute is a multi-disciplinary facility incorporating the work of academics from engineering, genetics, agriculture, aquatics, ecology, veterinary medicine, biology, and communications.

As the only institute of its kind, the Marine Mammal Institute combines the efforts of top researchers from around the world to continue the legacy of discovery and preservation of critical habitats of target species and to understand how those species interact with their environment and human activities.

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Marine Mammal Institute


What To Do If You Find a Marine Mammal Ashore

Do:

  • Keep people and dogs away
  • Observe and report to authorities
    • 800-452-7888 (Oregon State Police Tipline)
    • 541-270-6830 (OMMSN Stranding Cell Phone)

Marine mammals are protected by federal law. It is illegal for unauthorized persons to disturb, handle, or feed them.

Learn more about Stranding Do's and Don'ts.

Whale Telemetry Group

The Whale Telemetry Group uses satellite-monitored radio tags to determine the distribution and critical habitats of endangered whales.

Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory

The Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory explores the genomes of whales and dolphins to understand the past, assess the present, and conserve the future.

Pinniped Ecology Applied Research Laboratory

The Pinniped Ecology Applied Research Laboratory investigates the ecology, behavioral physiology, and conservation biology of pinnipeds.

Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory

The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory focuses on the ecology, behavior and conservation of marine megafauna including cetaceans, pinnipeds, seabirds, and sharks.

Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network documents occurrences and investigates the causes of marine mammal strandings in Oregon.

Bio-Telemetry and Behavioral Ecology Laboratory

The Bio-Telemetry and Behavioral Ecology Laboratory is focused on using new biotelemetry technology to understand the underwater behavior and ecology of marine mammals.