Research at the Marine Mammal Institute encompasses a wide range of disciplines and taxa. Our science is conducted in the laboratory and in the field, from our backyard in the coastal waters of Oregon to open-ocean ecosystems around the world. We use tools and techniques ranging from the simple to the highly sophisticated. Our scientists play strong roles in advancing state-of-the-art technologies. Our research has revealed surprises about marine mammals that have changed scientific paradigms. The themes of conservation biology, marine ecosystem health, and sustainable use of the marine environment permeate everything we do.
The Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory explores the genomes of whales and dolphins to understand the past, assess the present, and conserve the future.
The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory focuses on the ecology, behavior and conservation of marine megafauna including cetaceans, pinnipeds, seabirds, and sharks.
The Laboratory for Animal Behavioral Interaction Research in the Ocean integrates animal behavior, ecology, and human dimensions.
The Marine Mammal Bioacoustics and Ecology Laboratory uses passive acoustic monitoring to study the underwater soundscape around the globe.
The Ocean Ecology Laboratory studies animal movement, foraging ecology, health, and population dynamics to support the science-based management of threatened species.
The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network documents occurrences and investigates the causes of marine mammal strandings in Oregon.
The Center of Drone Excellence (CODEX) develops analytical methods for using drones to non-invasively monitor marine mammal populations.
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.
