Research Labs

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hand covered with tiny oyster larva
Aquaculture

The COMES aquaculture lab currently focuses on a range of topics important in the cultivation of shellfish and seaweeds.

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dark ocean water
Benthic Ecology Lab

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.

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The silhouett underwater along a rocky ocean bottom
Big Fish Lab

The work of James Sulikowski and Taylor Chapple of the Big Fish Lab centers on marine apex predator conservation, especially sharks.

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The tale of a whale peaks out of the water.
Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory

The Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory conducts research on whales, dolphins and porpoises with an eye towards the conservation of several species of marine mammals.

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A close-up view of a petri dish with small dots in a medium.
Fisheries Oceanography & Population Dynamics Lab

This lab uses a variety of quantitative and empirical tools to investigate the dynamics of marine populations and communities across a range of spatial and temporal scales.

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Whale surfaces on sunny day.
Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM) Lab

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

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A tank with live shrimp.
Heppell Lab

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

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ling cod
Marine and Anadromous Fisheries Ecology Lab

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

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boats in a harbor
Marine Fisheries Genomics Lab

Research in this lab centers on applied population genetic and genomic principles to better understanding processes important to the management, utilization and conservation of marine fisheries.

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Ice bergs floating on still water on a cloudy day.
Marine Mammal Bioacoustics and Ecology Lab

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. Visit MMBEL's website.  

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

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.

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A large research ship at sea with large ice bergs and floating ice.
NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center Behavioral Ecology Program

This lab researches the behavioral responses of commercially important marine fishes to environmental factors critical to controlling their distribution and survival.

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yelloweye rockfish held in fisherman's hand
NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Scientists in this lab are conduct leading-edge research to provide the foundation for management decisions to protect, recover, restore and sustain ecosystems and living marine resources in the PNW.

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salmonoid
ODFW Marine Resources Program

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

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Newborn Harbor Seal Pup Laying On Beach
Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Stranding Network encompasses observations of marine mammal stranding events, and the systematic collection, analysis and archiving of stranding data and biological samples.

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close up of beach grass
Pacific Ecological Systems Division

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.

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plankton glowing white on black background
Plankton Ecology Lab

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.

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seabirds flyinig close to research boat
Seabird Oceanography Lab

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

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coho salmon spawning
State Fisheries Genomics Lab

This state lab conducts fisheries genomics research addressing the science and management needs of the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.