High Tech at Low Tide: An Argument for Simulating Ocean Experiences Hatfield Marine Science Center Lecture
2025-10-30 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR, 97365, United States
Interested in learning more about the Otter Rock Augmented Reality Pilot Project developed in collaboration between ODFW, Oregon Reality Lab (University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication), and Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve? Dr. Danny Pimentel (University of Oregon) will discuss how technological nature, or the use of emergent media to simulate or extend our experience with the natural world, can help connect people to nature. From virtual reality (VR) to cutting edge augmented reality (AR) smart glasses, Dr. Pimentel will share examples of how these devices can function as tools for strengthening human-nature bonds.
See more event details here including the streaming link

State of the Coast Conference
2025-11-15 | State of the Coast, Coos Bay
The ODFW Nearshore Ecology Program will be leading a breakout session at the State of the Coast conference hosted by Oregon Sea Grant. Learn about ODFW’s new Nearshore Ecology Program and collaborative efforts to (1) better understand Oregon’s marine reserves and nearshore environment and (2) engage Oregonians in marine conservation and stewardship.

Beneath the Waves: Otter Rock SMURF Project Community Presentation
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Spyglass Restaurant, Inn at Otter Crest, 301 Otter Crest Dr, Otter Rock, Oregon, 97369
How are young fish adapting to Oregon’s changing ocean, and what does this mean for local fisheries? Oregon State University scientists are diving into that question, and you can too at a free community presentation on Thursday, November 20. The presentation is hosted by Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve in partnership with Oregon State University, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Reserves Program, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
OSU researchers Dr. Kirsten Grorud-Colvert and Cameron Royer will share findings from the long-term SMURF(standardized monitoring unit for recruitment of fishes) study and discuss how their work in the Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks Marine Reserves helps us understand and protect the future of Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. Collaborators from ODFW’s Marine Reserves team and Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve will also share insights about how this important work connects to broader marine conservation and stewardship goals.
Join us for this fascinating look “beneath the waves” and learn how the smallest fish can tell us big things about our ocean’s health. Pizza and cookies will be provided.

Beneath the Waves: Redfish Rocks SMURF Project Community Presentation
2025-11-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Mr. Ed’s Underground Pub, 1870 Oregon St, Port Orford, OR, 97465
How are young fish adapting to Oregon’s changing ocean, and what does this mean for local fisheries? Oregon State University scientists are diving into that question, and you can too at a free community presentation on Friday, November 21. The presentation is hosted by Oregon State University, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Reserves Program, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
OSU researchers Dr. Kirsten Grorud-Colvert and Cameron Royer will share findings from the long-term SMURF(standardized unit for recruitment of fishes) study and discuss how their work in the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve helps us understand and protect the future of Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. Collaborators from ODFW’s Marine Reserves team will also share insights about how this important work connects to broader marine conservation and stewardship goals.
Join us for this fascinating look “beneath the waves” and learn how the smallest fish can tell us big things about our ocean’s health. Refreshments will be provided.

Marine Reserves at the Portland Aquarium
2025-12-05 | Portland Aquarium, 603 SW Broadway, Portland, Oregon, 97205
Stop by and visit ODFW, North Coast Land Conservancy, Cape Perpetua Collaborative, Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve, and the Oregon Marine Reserves Partnership at the Portland Aquarium for fun, interactive experiences and resources to dive deeper into Oregon’s marine reserves.

First Day Hike at Oswald West State Park - Cape Falcon Marine Reserve Turns 10!
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Oswald West State Park; Main Parking Lot, Oswald West State Park, Arch Cape, OR, 97102
Join the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for a First Day Hike with a Park Ranger, a guest from the North Coast Land Conservancy, and a guest from ODFW Marine Reserves at Oswald West State Park. Explore the old growth forest, and discover the natural and cultural history of the oldest State Park on the North Oregon Coast. We will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve!
Learn more and register here.

Cape Perpetua Collaborative Land-Sea Symposium
2026-01-30 16:30 - 20:00 | Yachats Commons Building, 441 Highway 101 North, Yachats, OR, 97498, United States
The Land–Sea Symposium is Cape Perpetua Collaborative’s signature annual event. It’s a dynamic gathering where science, storytelling, and stewardship meet. This one-night symposium brings together partner organizations, artists, scientists, decision-makers, and community members to explore the complex challenges and opportunities facing Oregon’s land and sea environments. The ODFW Marine Reserves Team will be tabling at the opening reception and will present about opportunities to get involved in the research underway in the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve in 2026.

Marine Reserves Pub Talk & Trivia
2026-02-06 17:00 - 19:00 | The Wilds, 755 SE College Way, Newport, OR, 97366
Hosted by Winter Waters in collaboration with Cape Perpetua Collaborative, Friends of Otter Rock, Oregon Marine Reserves Partnership, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Come learn about Oregon’s marine reserves, areas of no harvest that serve as living laboratories for our nearshore environment. Each of these areas is unique, they are different shapes and sizes and hold distinct habitats and biological characteristics. Get quizzed on your knowledge of Oregon’s nearshore environments, coastal geography and oceanography, and regulations around them, all while competing for some rad prizes. You are bound to learn a lot and have fun!

Ask the Experts Panel Presentation and Searching for Southern Resident Killer Whales Watch Party
2026-02-28 13:00 - 16:30 | OR
The ODFW Marine Reserves team is participating in Oregon Shores’ two-part Panel Presentation and Search for Southern Resident Killer Whales Watch Party. Visit their event page to register for the event.
Cape Falcon Marine Reserve is celebrating its 10-year anniversary!!
Join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary with two events on Saturday, February 28, 2026:
Part 1: Ask the Experts: Marine Reserves + Killer Whales Panel Presentation
1:00-2:30pm | North Coast Recreation District, 36155 9th Street, Nehalem, Oregon
Have you wondered what’s the difference between Orcas and Killer Whales? Or how to recognize the difference between the three different Killer Whale ecotypes? Perhaps you feel pretty confident in knowing that a Killer Whale is a whale- but spoiler alert, it’s not! (Killer whales are actually the largest members of the dolphin family.) At this Ask the Experts Panel Presentation, our experts will clarify all of this and more. We will dive into the benefits of Marine Reserves for Killer Whales and other endangered species, how current research aims to fill the Killer Whale data-gap along the Oregon Coast, and how you can be an active steward of these important protected areas. And of course, because this is a 10-year anniversary party- cupcakes will be provided!
You can submit questions when registering for this event and the panel facilitator, Denise Harrington from Oregon Shores, will ask our experts for you. Or, bring your curiosity and let the conversation inspire you to ask your questions live.
Presenting experts will include:
Angela Whitlock, Marine Program Manager for the North Coast Land Conservancy
Katie Darr, Communications & Engagement Specialist for the Marine Resources Program at Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Kevin Campion, founder of Deep Green Wilderness
Part 2: Searching for Southern Resident Killer Whales Watch Party
3:00-4:30pm | Neah-Kah-Nie Viewpoint, Arch Cape, Oregon
After becoming a bit of a Marine Reserves and Orca expert yourself, you are invited to migrate outdoors with us for part 2 of this event. Join us for a Searching for Southern Resident Killer Whales Watch Party from the incredible Neak-Kah-Nie Viewpoint! From here you can take in the extraordinary views while searching for the Southern Resident Killer Whale J-K-L pods. Those who are interested in helping fill the data gap can log their observations to contribute directly to the conservation of one of the ocean’s most iconic endangered species. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just passionate about marine life, your observations could make a lasting impact.
Event Location
Part 1: North Coast Recreation District, 36155 9th Street, Nehalem, Oregon | 1:00-2:30pm
Part 2: Neah-Kah-Nie Viewpoint | 3:00-4:30pm

Fishing For Science: How You and Your Charter Boat Can Support Research in the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve
2026-03-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Guin Library, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR, 97365, United States
Calling local captains, charter offices, and boat owners! Join us to learn more about paid opportunities to fish for science in the marine reserves and enjoy some pizza!
ODFW Marine Reserves contracts with fishermen to use their vessels for hook-and-line surveys in the reserves each year. This meeting will focus on sampling in Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve in the 2026. Vessel must have capacity for 15 passengers plus captain and two deckhands and gear to support hook-and-line fishing.

Fishing For Science: How You and Your Charter Boat Can Support Research in the Cascade Head Marine Reserve
2026-03-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Depoe Bay Community Hall, 220 SE BAY STREET, DEPOE BAY, OR, 97341
Calling local captains, charter offices, and boat owners! Join us to learn more about paid opportunities to fish for science in the marine reserves and enjoy some pizza!
ODFW Marine Reserves contracts with fishermen to use their vessels for hook-and-line surveys in the reserves each year. This meeting will focus on sampling in Cascade Head in the 2026. Vessel must have capacity for 15 passengers plus captain and two deckhands and gear to support hook-and-line fishing.

Nearshore Ecology Program Annual Meeting
2026-03-16 13:00 - 18:00 | 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR, 97365, United States
Save the date for the first Nearshore Ecology Program Annual Meeting! The agenda is available here. Participants can expect to learn about the new ODFW Nearshore Ecology Program, work of the Marine Reserves & Marine Habitat Teams, and research and conservation efforts in Oregon’s marine reserves & nearshore environments. Dive deeper into the stories showcased in the Nearshore Ecology Program’s 2025 Year in Review. The meeting will be held at the Carmen Ford Phillips Auditorium in the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building (2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR) followed by a networking reception. While in person attendance is preferred, there will also be a remote viewing option via Teams. Register here.
About the Nearshore Ecology Program
In 2025, ODFW’s Marine Resources Program reorganized the Oregon Marine Reserves Program and Marine Habitat Project into one program. The creation of the new Nearshore Ecology Program culminates a vision to bring efforts focused on marine conservation and nearshore habitat research under one roof. The Nearshore Ecology Program aims to strengthen collaborations, techniques, and teamwork around two groups historically focused on marine conservation science.

Marine Reserves at Marine Science Day
2026-04-11 10:00 - 16:00 | 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR, 97365, United States
Join us at Marine Science Day to learn more about the Nearshore Ecology Program’s work with fun, hands-on activities including an activity inspired by the Marine Reserve team’s sea star surveys in Otter Rock and Cascade Head Marine Reserves. This free, family-friendly event takes place from 10 am – 4pm at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.

Planet Palooza
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:30 | Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave., Corvallis, OR, 97330
Celebrate Earth Day with fun-filled and inspiring hands-on activities, including activities inspired by survey tools ODFW uses to understand changes in Oregon’s ocean and our marine reserves!

Marine Reserves Trivia: World Oceans Day Edition!
2026-06-06 17:00 - 19:00 | The Wilds, 755 SE College Way, Newport, OR, 97366
Join the ODFW Marine Reserves team, Cape Perpetua Collaborative, and Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve at The Wilds Taphouse for an evening of trivia fun as we celebrate World Oceans Day!

World Oceans Day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium
2026-06-07 10:00 - 17:00 | Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR, 97365
Celebrate World Oceans Day with us at the Oregon Coast Aquarium! Learn more about Oregon’s marine reserves with fun, hands-on activities including an activity inspired by the Marine Reserve team’s sea star surveys in Otter Rock and Cascade Head Marine Reserves.
