welcome to the Marine Mammal Institute

The Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University integrates research, graduate education, and public outreach to advance knowledge of marine mammals, train the next generation of professionals, and engage with stakeholders to ensure that these animals and their ecosystems are always healthy.

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Lisa T. Ballance Appointed Interim Director of Hatfield Marine Science Center

Lisa T. Ballance, Director of the Marine Mammal Institute, Endowed Chair for Marine Mammal Research, and Professor Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, has agreed to serve as the Interim Associate Vice President for Marine Research Operations and Executive Director of Hatfield Marine Science Center starting July 1, 2025.

Dr. Ballance will serve in this role as Oregon State University recruits the successor of the current Associate Vice President for Marine Research Operations and Executive Director of Hatfield Marine Science Center, Robert Cowen, who has announced his retirement after 13 years of service to Oregon State University.

Dr. Ballance will continue to serve in her current position as Director of the Marine Mammal Institute while additionally providing leadership for the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the university's marine research efforts during this transitional period. 

OSU Marine Mammal Institute Highlights.

Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory

The Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory explores the genomes of whales and dolphins to understand the past, assess the present, and conserve the future.

Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory

The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory focuses on the ecology, behavior, and conservation of marine megafauna including cetaceans, pinnipeds, seabirds, and sharks.

Ocean Ecology Laboratory

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

Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network documents occurrences and investigates the causes of marine mammal strandings in Oregon. Report strandings at 1-866-767-6114. Learn what to do if you find a marine mammal ashore.

Laboratory for Animal Behavioral Interaction Research in the Ocean

The Laboratory for Animal Behavioral Interaction Research in the Ocean integrates animal behavior, ecology, and human dimensions.

Marine Mammal Bioacoustics and Ecology Laboratory

The Marine Mammal Bioacoustics and Ecology Laboratory uses passive acoustic monitoring to study the underwater soundscape around the globe.

Centers of Excellence

The Center of Drone Excellence (CODEX) develops analytical methods for using drones to non-invasively monitor marine mammal populations. 

Marine Offshore Species Assessments to Inform Clean Energy

A federally funded institute-wide project to survey cetaceans and seabirds off the US West Coast to inform the responsible development of offshore wind energy.