welcome to the Marine Mammal Institute

The OSU Marine Mammal Institute integrates research, graduate education, and public outreach to advance our knowledge of marine mammals, train the next generation of professionals, and engage with stakeholders to ensure that these animals and their ecosystems are always healthy.

RESEARCH     EDUCATION     OUTREACH

  • this month's featured story

Oregon Whale Watch Week is March 28–April 2, 2023

Oregon Whale Watch Is Back!

For years, the Marine Mammal Institute has partnered with Oregon State Parks to conduct trainings for its Whale Watching Spoken Here volunteer program. The program has been rebranded as Oregon Whale Watch and is returning in person for the first time in four years. At the volunteer training event at Hatfield Marine Science Center on March 11, MMI affiliate faculty Renee Albertson and Jim Sumich co-taught a session on the biology and habits of gray whales, and MMI Director Lisa T. Ballance presented the keynote talk. For information about becoming an Oregon Whale Watch volunteer, visit the Oregon Whale Watch website at orwhalewatch.org. Then get ready for Whale Watch Week, March 28–April 2, 2023!

OSU Marine Mammal Institute Highlights.

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.

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.

Laboratory for Animal Behavioral Interaction Research in the Ocean

The Laboratory for Animal Behavioral Interaction Research in the Ocean integrates animal behavior, ecology, and human dimensions.

Marine Mammal Bioacoustics and Ecology Laboratory

The Marine Mammal Bioacoustics and Ecology Laboratory uses passive acoustic monitoring to study the underwater soundscape around the globe.

Ocean Ecology Laboratory

The Ocean Ecology Laboratory studies animal movement, foraging ecology, health, and population dynamics to support the science-based management of threatened species.

Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network documents occurrences and investigates the causes of marine mammal strandings in Oregon. Learn what to do if you find a marine mammal ashore.

Whale Habitat, Ecology, & Telemetry Laboratory

The Whale Habitat, Ecology, and Telemetry Laboratory develops tag technology, advances ecology, and informs conservation of the largest animals on earth.

Marine Offshore Species Assessments to Inform Clean Energy

A federally funded institute-wide project to survey cetaceans and seabirds off the US West Coast to inform the responsible development of offshore wind energy.