Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for an adventure on the Oregon coast? Want to spend time on the ocean or in the intertidal, lend a hand with marine science, and maybe spot whales, seabirds, or sea lions along the way? The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Marine Reserves Team is looking for volunteers to assist with our long-term research. We primarily have two surveys that we invite volunteers to join: our hook-and-line fishing survey and our intertidal surveys. All volunteers with ODFW are required to complete an online registration form (see below).

Hook-and-Line Survey

Our hook-and-line fishing is designed to collect information on the relative abundance, size, and species composition of nearshore fish species inside Oregon’s marine reserves. These are full-day survey trips that last 8 hours dock-to-dock. There are two distinct roles that volunteers can sign up for within our annual hook-and-line surveys. Check out most recent hook-and-line newsletter to learn more.

Anglers (Catch-and-Release Fishing)

Hop aboard for an 8-hour research trip and apply your fishing skills towards science! As a volunteer angler, you’ll help us catch fish that are measured and released as part of our hook-and-line survey.

Must be 16+ years old
Prior fishing experience required
Able to stand for long periods on a boat
Able to manage sea sickness
No fishing license is required to participate

Biological Assistants (Data Recorders)

Not an angler, but still want to be part of the action? Join us as a Biological Assistant! You’ll help by recording data throughout the 8-hr day while ODFW staff handle the fish.

Must be 16+ years old
1 hour online training required prior to joining
Able to manage sea sickness
No fishing required—just an eye for detail and enthusiasm for science!

These trips are fun, hands-on, and a great way to experience Oregon’s marine reserves firsthand. Whether you’re casting a line or jotting down data, you’ll be part of a team helping us learn more about the incredible ocean ecosystems right off our coast.

Intertidal Surveys

Since 2015, ODFW has partnered with Oregon State University’s Menge Lubchenco Lab and PISCO to survey permanent transects at Otter Rock and Cascade Head Marine Reserves in response to sea star wasting disease. Volunteers will assist in the tidepools to identify and count sea stars as well as collect data on adjacent mussel beds during several surveys in the summer months. These are fun, early morning, half-day excursions to the rocky intertidal areas of two of Oregon’s beautiful marine reserves. Check out our photo album of past intertidal excursions.

No prior experience is required
Able to navigate slippery and uneven surfaces on the beach

Sign Up Now!

All ODFW volunteers are required to complete an online registration in order to participate using the link below. You will need to select one of the following volunteer opportunities. If you wish to be considered for multiple options, please fill and submit the form again with a different selection.