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Fish and aquatic life

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Oregon Sea Grant

The Oregon Sea Grant serves the state, region and nation through an integrated program of research, outreach, and education that helps people understand, rationally use and conserve marine and coastal resources.

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Latest Resources

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

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

Angee Doerr | Jun 2024 | Featured question

How do I buy fresh seafood from the fishing boats?

How do I find out when and how to buy fish and crabs from the boats as they come in?

Amanda Gladics | May 2024 | Featured question Peer reviewed (Gray level)

What are these fossils I found in my backyard?

I was digging a trench in my garden for a French drain when I came across a rather large collection of fossilized shells. Any idea about their species, approximate age and whether they are native to my area of Troutdale?...

Carrie Gordon | Apr 2024 | Featured question

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Field Guide to Common Fish of the Willamette Valley Floodplain

By Josh E. Williams Guillermo R. Giannico and Brad Withrow-Robinson

This book contains descriptions of native and non-native fish found in the Willamette River Basin's seasonal watercourses, with over a hundred photos to aid in identification.

It also offers a succinct explanation of the Willamette River Basin's aquatic ecosystems and seasonal watercourses, and instructions for using the field guide and how to report a sighting.

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Latest News

Oregon Sea Grant Extension reminds boaters to ‘know before you go’

To keep waterways healthy and sewage free, boat holding-tank pumpouts, portable toilet dump stations and floating restrooms are available across Oregon’s popular boating and fishing areas.

Francesca Lear | Jun 13, 2024 | News story

4-H Egg to Fry projects bring ecology to life in 10 Portland metro area schools

Students in 10 Portland area schools participated in the classroom projects and released the juvenile fish into local rivers and a lake.

Kristen Moore | Jun 2023 | Impact story

Releasing non-native fish to control mosquitoes is often ineffective and harmful to environment

"Do-it-yourself” solutions aren’t effective for mosquito control, and they aren’t good for the environment.

Chris Branam | Jul 29, 2022 | News story

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Management 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.

Feb 2022 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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.

May 2020 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Barriers and Needs for Sustainable Marine Aquaculture Developement in Oregon

This report summarizes the findings of a survey of individuals working in and around the aquaculture industry to help determine barriers to expanding and current needs.

Oct 2021 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

More aquatic life resources

  • Freshwater Illustrated: Freshwater 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. They produce short format films for web and feature films for broadcast and education. Take a look at their film portfolio.
  • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Our mission is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations
  • 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.

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Meet Our Experts

Angee Doerr
Marine Fisheries Educator
Guillermo Giannico
Guillermo Giannico
Fisheries Specialist
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 do I buy fresh seafood from the fishing boats?

Q: How do I find out when and how to buy fish and crabs from the boats as they come in?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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