A deep dive into ocean science

Photo by Tully Rohrer

How are young fish affected by 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 “Beneath the Waves” a Thursday, Nov. 20, presentation at the Inn at Otter Crest.

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.

For the past 14 years, university researchers have studied how juvenile rockfish and other fish species are faring along the Oregon coast, including in Otter Rock Marine Reserve. Using tools such as Standard Monitoring Units for the Recruitment of Fishes, aka SMURFs, scientists collect and study young fish as they move from offshore waters into nearshore habitats like kelp forests and reefs.

“These SMURFs are like tiny fish hotels,” said project lead Cameron Royer. “They help collect young rockfish and give us a window into how they are surviving as ocean conditions change.”

By analyzing which species appear each year and how changes to the ocean or prey shortages affect their survival, the research team is uncovering patterns that help inform fisheries management and marine conservation across Oregon.

Royer and fellow researcher Dr. Kirsten Grorud-Colvert will share findings from this long-term study and discuss how their work in the Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks Marine Reserves helps protect the future of Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. Collaborators from ODFW and Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve will also share insights about how this important work connects to broader marine conservation and stewardship goals.

Pizza and cookies will be provided.

Thursday’s event runs from 6 to 8 pm at the Spyglass Restaurant inside the Inn at Otter Crest, located at 301 Otter Crest Drive in Otter Rock. For more information, go to http://oregonmarinereserves.com.