A Natural Laboratory for Social Science Research

Over the past several years, researchers studying people’s reactions to Oregon’s marine reserves have begun to understand the complex values and experiences that underpin how different communities interact with the ocean in different ways. Many insights from our ongoing human dimensions research centers on the importance of recognizing how and why different stakeholders interact with and value the ocean in different ways. Read More

Don Sarver is Serving Science with His Fishing Skills

From beach cleanups to family fishing events to research surveys, it’s almost impossible to attend a volunteer event on the central Oregon coast without crossing paths with Don Sarver. Join us as we talk with this stalwart fisherman and avid volunteer as he shares his reasons for volunteering, some of his most memorable moments and what he’s learned about the reserves in the process. Read More

Update on Spring Field Season

We wanted to share with you that the ODFW Marine Reserves Program has made the decision to postpone our spring field season. Keeping our volunteers, contractors, and staff safe is our top priority right now. Our current plan is to postpone the field season through May 31st. Read More

Meet Our Newest Team Member: Ryan Fields

Ryan officially joined the ODFW Marine Reserves Program in February 2020 and is one of our three ecological monitoring team members. He originally hails from Kodiak Island Alaska where he spent his summers commercial fishing for salmon with his family. He received a Master’s degree in 2016 in marine science at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. Read More

“Sense of Place” a Short Film by OSU-MSI Filmmaking Intern

This past summer, Amir Ahmad was an OSU-MSI Science Filmmaking intern. He collaborated with us to produce a short film highlighting some of the volunteers assisting in the scientific monitoring of Oregon’s marine reserves. This 5 minute film explores some of the different ways these volunteers identify with and are connected to the ocean and why they volunteer. Read More

Black Oystercatcher Study With Help From Volunteers

While the Black Oystercatcher has a conspicuous presence on our coast, little demographic information has been collected on this seabird in recent years. Portland Audubon, research partners, and volunteers conducted a statewide survey to get an updated population estimate and learn more about their distribution at marine reserve sites and along the coast. Findings from this study have recently been published. Read More