Pacific Ocean
Latest Stories

Scientists off the West Coast watch for whales — and their food
Scientists aboard the Bell M. Shimada keep an eye out for whales. One scientist hopes to help predict where whales will show up by studying the food they eat.

Tsunami advisory lifted for Oregon, Washington coasts, after high waves follow volcanic eruption in Pacific Ocean
An undersea volcano has erupted in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga. A tsunami advisory was in effect for the U.S. West Coast through most of the day Saturday, and remained in effect from the Oregon-California border to the San Diego area within the United States in the early evening hours.

To help black oystercatchers, groups push for education — and a few new rules
Seen throughout the Oregon Coast, black oystercatchers are shorebirds that nest high up on large rocks. But as more visitors flock to the Coast, these birds face threats from human disturbance. Advocates think education — and in some places, new restrictions — will help.
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How Reagan’s oil push led to the Oregon way of coastal habitat protection
In the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan pushed for offshore oil, Oregon pushed back. Reagan’s oil agenda inspired the state to create new policy to protect its shores.

Saving Oregon’s rocky coast: Checking in on the sea stars
Scientists don’t know why some types of sea stars are returning to Oregon while others were hit so hard by disease they’re critically endangered. Continued research at places like Cape Blanco on Oregon’s South Coast could provide insights.
Meet the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s ‘jelly mom’
Behind the scenes of the strange and surreal world of the sea jelly, formerly known as jellyfish.
Fake US leg band gets pigeon a reprieve in Australia
A pigeon that Australia declared a biosecurity risk has received a reprieve after a U.S. bird organization declared its identifying leg band is fake.
New Washington whale watching rules to take effect in 2021
The state Fish and Wildlife Commission says new regulations for whale watching in Washington's waters will take effect in 2021 in an effort to protect endangered orcas

Are marine heat waves the new normal for the Pacific Ocean?
This year brought one of the biggest marine heat waves on record in the Pacific Ocean. Scientists are wondering if these warm water events are actually the new normal for the Pacific Ocean.

Shark bites surfer off Oregon Coast in rare but scary attack
Shark attacks are extremely rare in Oregon. Still, public safety officials say you should never swim or surf alone.