Whales
Latest Stories
Marine biologist Carrie Newell shares her dogs’ connection to Depoe Bay gray whales in new kid’s book, ‘Koda and the Whales’
Carrie Newell studies the seasonal residents of Depoe Bay and her book shares the story of how she trained her dogs to sniff out whales.
Whale Watch Week is a chance to get a glimpse of ‘magnificent animals’ off the Oregon Coast
Gray Whales are making their annual southward migration this winter. And Oregon State Parks hosts Whale Watch Week from Friday through New Year’s Eve along the coast.

Think Out Loud
Gray whales off the Oregon coast have been shrinking over the past 2 decades
New research from OSU shows that gray whales in the Pacific Coast Feeding Group today are more than 13% shorter than whales born before 2000.

Think Out Loud
Scientists may have found a new population of orcas off Oregon and California coasts
Scientists at the University of British Columbia may have identified a new population of orcas that feed in the deep oceanic waters off the coasts of Oregon and California.

A whale of a time is back at the Oregon Coast
Spring Whale Watch Week kicks off Saturday along the Oregon Coast. While the weather won’t be ideal, there may be more gray whales migrating north to Alaska.
Winter Whale Watch Week coming to the Oregon coast
Oregon Parks and Recreation hosts Winter Whale Watch week Dec. 27 to 31 at 15 sites along the coast.

Science & Environment
Study shows Oregon Coast gray whales consume millions of harmful bits of plastic, clothing
Scientists estimate that several million tons of plastic enter the Pacific Ocean each year through rivers, and a new study shows Oregon Coast gray whales may be consuming large amounts of it.

This fishing gear can help save whales. What will it take for fishermen to use it?
On both the East and West coasts, whales are at risk of being entangled and injured by ropes used by fishermen. Fishing grounds are being closed, but new technology could help avoid that.

Science & Environment
Fourth whale found dead on Oregon Coast, but officials say deaths are unrelated
For the fourth time in less than two weeks, a dead whale washed ashore along the Oregon Coast.

Science & Environment
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.