welcome to the Marine Mammal Institute

The OSU Marine Mammal Institute integrates research, graduate education, and public outreach to advance 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 License Plate Surpasses 30,000 Plates Sold

Since 2019, more than 30,000 Oregonians have purchased the Coastal Playground gray whale license plate and become direct supporters of marine mammal research, education, and outreach.

The proceeds from this special plate provide the Marine Mammal Institute with the ability to respond to urgent opportunities, innovate new technologies, support graduate student professional development, publish our research in peer-reviewed journals, and hire skilled scientists and technicians to work on research questions that address issues of critical importance to Oregonians and beyond.

Please visit whaleplate.com for a growing list of projects that the whale plate is making possible. And if you haven't yet...

PUT A WHALE ON YOUR TAIL!
 

A DNA Register for PCFG Gray Whales

 

Holistic Assessment of Living Marine Resources off Oregon

 

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.