In the News

MARCH 2013

The Hatfield Marine Science Center is proud to host a new tsunami awareness exhibit. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a section of the Japanese dock that washed ashore as a result of the 2011 Japanese earthquake and resulting tsunami. The opening and dedication ceremony took place on March 10, marking the two-year anniversary of the tsunami.  Read more

JUNE 2012

A large floating dock from Japan was dislodged during the March 2011 tsunami, and has now made its way to Oregon.  It landed on Agate Beach in Newport in June, and has received both local and national attention.  The debris is notable as being the first large piece to reach North America from the tsunami - months before the predicted schedule.  Furthermore, the thriving colonies of algae and invertebrates encrusting the dock have sent several HMSC researchers to the scene to collect specimens and search for potential invasive species.  Read more

Watch this June 7, 2012 NBC Nightly News segment

JANUARY 2012

Oregon Business magazine cites the HMSC, along with NOAA's new Pacific research fleet facilty, as part of a "wave of activity" helping bolster the Newport economy - by bringing in big research dollars, but also by supporting small businesses such as a local biciycle shop. Read more

OSU is retiring its venerable research vessel, the Wecoma in favor of a more efficient vessel, the Oceanus, acquired through the National Science Foundation from Woods Hole. The Oceanus is expected at the HMSC docks in late February, after travling down the east coast, through the Panama Canal and back up the Pacific coast to Newport. The Wecoma is a familiar fixture at our dock when it's not at sea, and has provided many tours to students and families during events such as our high school Career Day. Read more.

SEPTEMBER 2011

Governor Kitzhaber has proclaimed September 17th to be "Oregon Sea Grant Day"!  Read more

A tagged western gray whale continues to help scientists understand more about this critically endangered whale population.  HMSC-based researcher Dr. Bruce Mate of OSU's Marine Mammal Institute is leading the satellite tagging portion of this exciting project.  Follow Flex's progress online and read more in this Oregon Live article.

MAY 2011

A reporter from Oregon.com explored the Visitor Center with Dr. Bill Hanshumaker, and learned that the Hatfield Marine Science Center is "one big classroom".  Read the article