1. Topics
  2. Water and watersheds

Fish and aquatic life

Photo Credit: Wollertz - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)
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.

Learn more
Credit: Bob - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

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)

NANOOS Visualization System

NVS provides a wide range of products for exploring ocean and weather data.

May 2025 | Online resource

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program

This program known as ELAP provides financial aid to producers who suffer losses from specific adverse conditions not covered by other USDA disaster assistance programs. This includes losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events, and other qualifying conditions affecting livestock, honey bees and farm-raised fish.

Apr 2025 | Online resource

Browse All Resources

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.

View publication
Photo Credit: Parilov - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

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

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

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

All News

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

  • 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. 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.

Explore more resources

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

See All Fish and aquatic life Experts
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.

Ask us a question

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

See More Questions