Looking for an adventure on the Oregon coast? Want to spend a day on the ocean, lend a hand with real science, and maybe spot whales, seabirds, or sea lions along the way? The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Marine Reserves Team is looking for volunteers to come aboard and help with our long-term research. We primarily have two surveys that we invite volunteers to join: our hook-and-line fishing survey and our intertidal seastar/mussel-bed surveys.

Hook-and-Line Survey

There are two distinct roles that volunteers can sign up for within our annual hook-and-line surveys.

Volunteer Anglers (Catch-and-Release Survey)

Hop aboard for an 8-hour research trip and put your fishing skills to good use! As a volunteer angler, you’ll help us catch fish that are measured and released as part of our hook-and-line survey. All fishing is catch-and-release, and no fishing license is required to participate.

• Must be 16+ years old
• Prior fishing experience required
• A unique way to spend a day on the water while supporting marine science!

Biological Assistants (Data Recorders)

Not a fisher, but still want to be part of the action? Join us as a Biological Assistant! You’ll help by recording data throughout the 8-hr day while ODFW staff handle the fish.

• Must be 16+ years old
• 1hr online training required prior to joining
• No fishing required—just an eye for detail and enthusiasm for science!

These trips are fun, hands-on, and a great way to experience Oregon’s marine reserves firsthand. Whether you’re casting a line or jotting down data, you’ll be part of a team helping us learn more about the incredible ocean ecosystems right off our coast.

Sign up to participate in the Hook-and-Line Survey here: [ODFW Volunteer Registration Form]

Intertidal Surveys

Since 2015, ODFW has partnered with Oregon State University and PISCO to survey permanent low-tide transects at Otter Rock Marine Reserve and Cascade Head Marine Reserve. Volunteers can assist to get down into the sand and tidepools to identify and count seastars as well as collect data on adjacent mussel beds during several surveys in the summer months. No prior experience is required. These are fun, early morning, half-day excursions to the rocky intertidal areas of two of Oregon’s beautiful marine reserves.

Sign up to participate in the intertidal surveys Survey here: [Link to intertidal volunteer form]