dark ocean water

The Benthic Ecology lab studies how global climate change and human activities affect marine species at the molecular, organism and population-level as well as affect community structure and ecosystem functioning.

The silhouett underwater along a rocky ocean bottom

The work of Drs. James Sulikowski and Taylor Chapple of the Big Fish Lab centers on marine apex predator conservation, especially sharks. Together, they have built a team of international collaborators and a unique community, bringing complementary expertise in climate science, ecology, behavior, and physiology that are critical to advancing the mission to conserve sharks and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Whale surfaces on sunny day.

The GEMM Lab focuses on the ecology, behavior, health, and conservation of marine megafauna, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, seabirds and sharks.

A tank with live shrimp.

In the Heppel Lab, a diverse group of ecologists work on both basic and applied research in marine ecology, conservation biology, population ecology and fisheries science.

An aerial view of a small fishing boat  on blue-green water. There is a foamy stream created from the motor behind the boat and two dolphins next to the boat.

At the LABIRINTO, we are interested in mapping the network that behavioral and ecological interactions form to understand their nature and to measure their consequences for individual organisms, their populations, their communities, and the ecosystems around us all. 

ling cod

This lab studies how animals move throughout rivers and oceans and how that movement affects their growth and survival. 

Ice bergs floating on still water on a cloudy day.

The Marine Mammal Bioacoustics and Ecology Lab (MMBEL)  uses passive acoustic monitoring to eavesdrop on vocalizing marine mammals and understand spatiotemporal presence and behavior, as well as human-caused threats.

Map of the Newport Hydrographic Line as is stretches from the shore out into the ocean.

The Newport Line team monitors the pulse of the ocean with year-round, bi-weekly sampling of phyto-, zoo-, ichthyo-plankton, and hydrography in continental shelf and oceanic waters off Newport, Oregon.

A mother whale and calf seen from above, swiming in blue water.

The Ocean Ecology Lab studies animal movement, foraging ecology, health, and population dynamics to support the science-based management of threatened species.

salmonoid

MRP is ODFW’s home for the management of fish and wildlife species and habitats in the ocean, bays and estuaries.

close up of beach grass

The Pacific Ecological Systems Division (PESD) conducts innovative research on watershed ecological epidemiology and develops tools to assist stakeholders in achieving sustainable and resilient watersheds.

plankton glowing white on black background

The Plankton Ecology Lab conducts basic and applied research on the ecology of marine fishes and the dynamics of their early life history stages in the plankton.

seabirds flyinig close to research boat

SOL is involved in research focusing on seabird ecology, movement ecology, oceanography and integrated ecosystem studies while providing research and educational opportunities for students. 

three submerged humpback whales

The WHET lab has pioneered the development of satellite-monitored radio tags to study the movements, critical habitats, and dive characteristics of free-ranging whales and dolphins around the world.