AGATE: Assessment of Genetic Associations Through Exhalations

We are studying the genetic relatedness of gray whales using minimally invasive methods to inform population management. 
AMBER: Assessing Morphometrics and Behavior of Eschrichtius Robustus

We are able to collect detailed behavior and body condition data using Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS, ‘drones’). These data will help us study how behavior varies across space, time, and individual body condition and sex.
APATITE: Assessing Patterns of Associating whales and Their Interactions in The Environment

We are studying the social behavior and structure of baleen whales on their foraging grounds. 
Mouth open whale DIAMOND: Drone-based Innovative Assessments of Megafauna Offering New Discoveries

We are using drones and developing new tools and methods to help obtain accurate morphological measurements of marine megafauna to better monitor the health of populations in changing oceans.

Gray whale breaches in the front of the Yaquina Lighthouse, Newport, OR, US GRANITE: Gray whale Response to Ambient Noise Informed by Technology and Ecology

Cetaceans are acoustically active, dependent on, and sensitive to the surrounding soundscape. Therefore, understanding the scales, intensities and types of impacts from ocean noise on their ecology and populations is a critical step toward improved management and protection.
HALO: Holistic Assessment of Living marine resources off Oregon

Using a combination of physical and biological oceanographic measurements, passive acoustic monitoring, and visual surveys, the HALO project links environmental conditions to biological patterns across space and time.

Local students JASPER: Journey for Aspiring Students Pursuing Ecological Research

Providing high school and undergraduate students with an opportunity to experience ecological field research and learn valuable skills in data collection, processing and analysis has always been a central part of the TOPAZ Gray Whale Foraging Ecology Project.
Fin whale OPAL: Overlap Predictions About Large whales - Identifying co-occurrence between whales and fishing effort in Oregon to reduce entanglement risk

Through extensive survey effort and community partnerships, our co-occurrence analyses aim to reduce whale entanglements while minimizing impacts on fishers.
SAPPHIRE: Synthesis of Acoustics, Physiology, Prey, and Habitat in a Rapidly changing Environment

A multidisciplinary research program to investigate the resilience of the world’s largest animal—the blue whale—to changing ocean conditions.
SLATE: Scar-based Long-term Assessment of Trends in whale Entanglements

Whale entanglements are notoriously under-reported, so photographs of entanglement-related scarring are being used to better understand this issue in humpback whales.
TOPAZ: Theodolite Overlooking Predators And Zooplankton (gray whale foraging ecology)

Linking predator-prey interactions is a favorite topic among ecologists, but can be expensive and challenging to accomplish at fine scales, particularly in shallow waters that limit traditional prey mapping methods. The Pacific Coast Feeding Group of gray whales forages in the Oregon near-shore environment, making them accessible for study with creative, low budget technology.