News

Oregon Sperm Whale to Be Given Back to Nature Before Potential Burial
01/18/2023

A sperm whale carcass washed up on a northern Oregon beach this week. Jim Rice, stranding program manager, said, "We document an average of six large whale strandings annually in Oregon. In the vast majority of cases, the animal is dead before it comes ashore."

OSU researcher revisits dead orca saga through genetic analysis
KLCC: 01/02/2023

Charles Nye, a graduate fellow with OSU’s Marine Mammal Institute, said he was able to examine some organic material from the crabbing gear line. Nye has determined that the dead orca was not [endangered Southern Resident killer whale] K44. 

California Sea Lions Sick with Leptospirosis
OMMSN: 10/14/2022
leptospirosis-warningsmall

As in past years, we are currently seeing a significant increase in the frequency of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) appearing on Oregon beaches in varying states of health and disease. Many have been affected by Leptospirosis, a contagious bacterial infection of the kidneys. This disease causes animals to appear very lethargic and unable or unwilling to move their hind limbs, and is often accompanied by weight loss and...

Guadalupe fur seal receives care at Oregon Coast Aquarium
News-Guard: 08/01/2022

The seal, a male yearling, was found stranded on Salishan Beach and reported by a private citizen to Jim Rice, Stranding Program manager with the Marine Mammal Institute. Rice and Research Assistant Charles Nye responded to the call.

Where did they all go? Sea lions travel south for mating season
Newport News-Times: 06/24/2022

Once a year for two months, the cacophony of barking coming from the Newport Sea Lion Docks falls silent. “They will probably be absent from the Yaquina Bay and most of the Oregon coast from early June to late July,” said Jim Rice, Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Stranding Program manager.

Sea lions in distress? Stay clear and call it in
News-Times: 04/01/2022

What do you do if you happen across a carcass or an animal that seems to be in distress? Call the Stranding Network at 541-270-6830.

Sea otter bitten by shark found on Oregon Coast, taken to Aquarium for care
12/01/2021

An unlikely visitor to the Oregon Coast -- a live sea otter -- was transported by Jim Rice to the Oregon Coast Aquarium for care after it was bitten by a shark. 

Gray whale found washed ashore near Yachats along the Oregon Coast
KGW8: 08/20/2021

In a video interview with KGW8 News, Stranding Program Manager Jim Rice talks about a dead gray whale that washed ashore near Yachats.

Don’t stand so close to me
Oregon Coast Today: 05/20/2021

A reminder to please give a very wide berth to seal pups on the beach, including keeping dogs far away. 

Give molting seal a wide berth
Newport News Times: 02/10/2021

Jim Rice, stranding program manager for the Marine Mammal Institute, said it’s normal behavior for what the seal is currently going through — catastrophic molting.

Warm-Water Marine Animals Are Increasingly Becoming Stranded on Oregon Beaches. Jim Rice Is Trying to Find Out Why.
Willamette Week: 11/10/2020

Jim Rice was recently interviewed by the Willamette Week about the process of responding to marine mammal strandings on the Oregon coast.

Sei Whale Stranding
09/11/2020

At approximately 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 5, a live 39 foot sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) was reported to be struggling in shallow water on the beach amongst large rocks at Face Rock in Bandon, Oregon. It became high and dry with the outgoing tide under a bright, warm sun. Supportive care was provided by personnel with the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation (OPRD), Oregon State Police (OSP), and several local and regional volunteers (who...

Public urged to refrain from approaching seal pups on Oregon beaches
OSU Newsroom: 05/15/2020

Jim Rice, who coordinates the statewide Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network headquartered at OSU's Marine Mammal Institute at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, urges the public to refrain from touching or approaching seal pups, which in most cases are not orphaned or abandoned. Seal pups are frequently left on the beach by their mothers, who are out looking for food.

Sea lions heating up for breeding
Newport News Times: 04/21/2020

According to Jim Rice, stranding coordinator for the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University, the boys are getting geared up to vie for a mate when they return to California during late May and June.

Stinky Whale Washes up on N. Oregon Coast Beach near Pacific City
Oregon Coast Beach Connection: 04/19/2020

The north Oregon coast’s Sand Lake Recreation Area near Pacific City received a rather large and unsettling visitor on Friday. A camp host at the area discovered the corpse of a 39-foot gray whale. Jim Rice of OMMSN responded.

View News Archive