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Fish and aquatic life

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Description:

OSU Extension connects Oregonians with science-based information to support sustainable fishing practices, habitat conservation and aquatic education. We provide resources on fish identification, policies and stewardship to help individuals and communities enjoy and protect Oregon’s waterways.

Oregon Sea Grant

The Oregon Sea Grant serves the state, region and nation through an integrated program of research, extension services and projects, and public education.

The work helps people discover, understand and collaborate to foster healthy and resilient coastal communities and ecosystems.

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Latest Resources

Oregon Coast Quests

Quests are fun, free-choice learning adventures that use clues and hints to encourage participants to discover the natural, cultural and historical "treasures" of place and community.

Cait Goodwin | Mar 2026 | Online resource

Incredible Creatures

Get to know Oregon’s amazing animal neighbors — from soaring vultures to secretive salamanders, mighty elk to tiny butterflies.

Project

Discover West Coast Seafood

Explore this website to learn about the most commonly available seafood harvested along the West Coast, from California through Oregon and Washington. Learn how West Coast seafood is caught and farmed, where to buy it and how to cook it at home, and who brings it from salty waters to the dock.

Carolynn Culver, Jamie Doyle, Amanda Gladics, Jenna Keeton | Oct 2025 | Online resource Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Latest News

Oregon State recognized with national engagement award for efforts to reduce whale entanglement

This is the second consecutive year OSU has received a Kellogg regional award and the third time in the university’s history.

Chris Branam | Aug 26, 2025 | News story

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

Oregon Sea Grant helped produce a brochure to share the recommendations.

Leigh Torres | Mar 2025 | Impact story

Oregon Sea Grant encourages clean boating as summer season begins

Free pumpout and restroom options help protect Oregon’s waterways.

Francesca Lear | Jun 11, 2024 | News story

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Strangers in Our Waterways

This video reveals how the introduction of non-native organisms—fish, shellfish, and even aquarium plants—has affected native organisms in and around our waterways.

Watch to learn more

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Featured resources

Resilience and Connectivity in the Klamath River Basin

This story map on the restoration work in the Klamath River Basin includes information about the planned removal of four hydropower dams and the effect this work may have on water quality, salmon restoration, and the people in the region.

Desiree Tullos et al | Feb 2022 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

The intriguing life of coho salmon and a conservation opportunity for landowners

Coho salmon rely on cool, connected streams, and private forest owners play a key role in their recovery. Learn how your simple restoration efforts can make a lasting impact on this threatened species.

Sarah Cameron, David Bugni, Glenn Ahrens | Dec 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Tide gates: Operation, fish passage and recommendations for their upgrade or removal

This document is intended for policymakers so they can make informed decisions about upgrading or removing tide gates in an effort to improve conditions for Oregon’s native migratory fish and other animals and plants that inhabit estuaries.

Jon Souder, Guillermo Giannico | May 2020 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

More aquatic life resources

Freshwaters Illustrated

Freshwaters Illustrated is a Corvallis, Oregon-based nonprofit educational organization with a focus on raising the visibility and the conservation cause of freshwater ecosystems. They create immersive visual stories that introduce viewers to the beauty, wonder, and value of freshwater ecosystems.

Dec 2024 | Online resource

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

The ODFW's mission is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. ODFW maintains hatcheries throughout the state to provide fish for program needs.

May 2018 | Online resource

Oregon Conservation Partnership

The Oregon Conservation Partnership is committed to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s natural beauty and conservation values by promoting, supporting, and advocating for voluntary conservation throughout Oregon.

May 2018 | Online resource

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Meet Our Experts

Guillermo Giannico
Guillermo Giannico
Fisheries Specialist
Leigh Torres
Leigh Torres
Marine Mammals
Angee Doerr
Marine Fisheries Educator
Miranda Gray
Coastal Water Resources Extension Educator

Topics Miranda works on include: Watershed conservation and restoration, Drinking water, Water wise landscaping, Citizen science, Water data and technology

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Ask Extension

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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How can you tell the difference between seals and sea lions?

Q: I always see sea lions at the Oregon Coast, and I was wondering how I can tell the difference between seals and sea lions.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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