News and Events

With fewer salmon to eat, Southern Resident killer whales spend less time in the San Juan Islands
OSU Newsroom: 03/27/2023

As a key food supply declines, the endangered population of Southern Resident killer whales, known to frequent the Salish Sea off the coasts of Washington and British Columbia, is spending far less time in that region, a new study shows. MMI Assistant Professor Josh Stewart is the study's lead author.

Uptick in Oregon whale beachings prompts research and warnings
Jefferson Public Radio: 02/13/2023

Jefferson Public Radio recently talked to MMI Assistant Professor Josh Stewart about whale strandings. To report a dead or distressed marine mammal in Oregon, contact the Stranding Network hotline at 541-270-6830 or stranding@oregonstate.edu, or call NOAA West Coast Region Stranding Hotline at 866-767-6114.

Largest Manta Ray Population Discovered Off Coast of Ecuador
12/14/2022

“It’s clear that something different is happening here,” said study co-author Joshua Stewart, an assistant professor with the OSU Marine Mammal Institute. “This is a rare story of ocean optimism.”

Climate change likely playing role in 40% drop in Pacific gray whale population
Oregon Capital Chronicle: 11/21/2022

“It seems like these big die-offs are driven more by conditions in the Arctic, which these days is probably a result of climate change,” Assistant Professor Josh Stewart said. Doctoral student Lisa Hildebrand shared that the body conditions of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales have been improving over the years, while the body conditions of whales going all the way to the Arctic have been getting worse. 

Largest known manta ray population is thriving off the coast of Ecuador, new research shows
OSU Newsroom: 11/14/2022

Scientists have identified off the coast of Ecuador a distinct population of oceanic manta rays that is more than 10 times larger than any other known subpopulation of the species.

Whale entanglements affect future generations
The Wildlife Society: 07/12/2022

When North Atlantic right whales get entangled in fishing gear, it can have long-term consequences for their populations. Not only can the energy cost of carrying the gear around cause the whales to become smaller, it can also result in them having fewer calves. “These impacts are influencing population growth rates,” said Joshua Stewart, assistant professor at the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute. 

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