Oregon Sea Grant

The Visitor Center is managed by Oregon Sea Grant, an OSU-based program which for more than 40 years has conducted an integrated program of research, outreach and education to help people understand, rationally use and conserve ocean and coastal resources.

The program is part of the national network of Sea Grant College programs organized under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which provides major support for the program. Additional funding comes from state appropriations and contributions from local governments and private enterprise.

Sea Grant's marine education activities at the HMSC date back to 1968, and have always included both formal marine education programs for school-aged children and their teachers and informal learning opportunities for people of all ages. For example, the Sea Grant-initiated "Whale Watch Week" has become a popular coastal activity.

Sea Grant's competitive grants program supports ocean and coastal researchers from academic institutions all over Oregon, addressing issues of high importance and societal relevance. Our research and outreach programs in invasive species, ornamental fish and commercial fisheries have been showcased in in exhibits at the Visitor Center, and a number of OSU students receiving support as Sea Grant Scholars have conducted their graduate research here.

Visit the Oregon Sea Grant Web site to learn more.