Coastal and Marine Issues

Outdoor tour guides build skills and connections statewide

Tourism is one of Oregon’s largest economic sectors, and guided trips are an important part of the state’s outdoor recreation economy. Fishing guides, outfitters and tour operators help visitors experience Oregon’s natural areas...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU helps Oregon strengthen invasive species defense

Invasive species are nonnative plants and animals that can spread quickly and cause environmental or economic harm. In Oregon, they harm agriculture, aquaculture and forests, damage infrastructure, habitats, outcompete native species for...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU-USDA genomics study stiffens Oregon sudden oak death defenses

Sudden oak death has killed tanoaks and oaks along the West Coast for decades, altering forests, wildlife habitat and cultural resources. In southwest Oregon, it forces hard choices about quarantine, eradication and how to protect...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

Collaborative OSU effort reduces whale entanglement, earns national honor

Whale entanglement in fishing gear is a serious threat that can cause drowning, injury and interfere with feeding. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2022 West Coast Whale Entanglement Summary, 30 ...

Nov 2025 | Impact Story

Latine youths explore climate, art and health on the Oregon Coast

In 2023, the Lincoln Climate and Health group launched a Youth Community Science project. It was the first step in putting their Lincoln Benton Climate and Health Adaptation Plan into action. The 10-day camp in Newport helped ...

Jul 2025 | Impact Story

Extension forester distributes seedlings to help restore Port-Orford-cedar

Port-Orford-cedar root rot, caused by the invasive pathogen Phytophthora lateralis, has led to widespread mortality of Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) throughout its native range in Southern Oregon. These distribution efforts ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

Sea Grant Extension helps boaters agree on best practices for watching whales

Each year, about 20,000 gray whales migrate along the Oregon Coast. Roughly 200 remain during the summer to feed. These whales share coastal waters with whale-watching charters, recreational boaters and commercial fishers. Until ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

OSU program enhances fishermen’s safety and preparedness

Commercial fishing in Oregon is a hazardous occupation. Fishermen often work with heavy machinery and equipment. The wet and slippery conditions on fishing vessels increase the risk of slips, trips and falls. Long hours and ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Extension helps close emergency communication gaps for Latino and Indigenous residents

The 2020 Echo Mountain Complex Fire burned more than 2,500 acres and damaged or destroyed 368 structures in Lincoln County. It also revealed major gaps in communication and emergency preparedness for the county’s Latino and ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

Partnership educates Clatsop County Latino/a/x residents about natural hazards

Latino/a/x is the fastest-growing demographic in Oregon and often works in coastal industries located in high tsunami risk areas. This creates a necessity for natural hazard preparedness materials that consider the specific needs and...

Nov 2024 | Impact Story