OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center

Novel behavioral research in the Big Fish Lab has revealed previously unknown information about how bat rays respond to predatory threats.

Kudos to the lead author, Josh Bowman, who conducted the research while a grad student in the BFL. He is now a member of the Newport Hydrographic Line team.

You can read the full story here: https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/rays-employ-chemical-cue-warn-others-danger-new-research-finds.

Rays employ a chemical cue to warn others of danger, new research finds | Newsroom NEWPORT, Ore. – Frightened bat rays produce a chemical cue to warn other rays of danger, a well-known anti-predator strategy for bony fish that has not been documented in cartilaginous fish until now. Oregon State University researchers found the behavior of bat rays changed when they received wat...

Oregon researchers, including Oregon State University scientists, are expected to lose key ocean monitoring tools as part of changes to a long-running national observatory network off the Pacific Northwest coast. This system has provided continuous data on ocean conditions for over a decade, supporting research on climate, ecosystems, and ocean processes. Learn more about these changes in this OPB article.
https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/03/oregon-washington-scientists-lose-critical-climate-record-ocean-observatory-trump-cuts/

Scientists lose critical climate monitoring in oceans along nation’s coastlines in wake of Trump funding cuts In what a scientist called "a crippling loss of information," the Trump administration is dismantling a vital $386 million network of ocean sensors, including Oregon and Washington's coast.

We are so excited about the collaborative events happening on the coast and in the valley to celebrate World Ocean Day!

Though globally celebrated on June 8th, Oregon Sea Grant is getting a head start on the festivities on Saturday, June 6th with games, activities, films and lectures celebrating our oceans!

More info about this event and more can be found here: https://aquarium.org/visit/calendar/world-ocean-day/

The Hatfield Marine Science Center is Oregon State University’s (OSU) coastal campus for research, education, and outreach in marine sciences. They are this week's featured guest, and can be found at the Community Outreach booth this Saturday June 6th from 9-1pm at the Newport Farmers Market!

A Perfect Memorial Day Weekend Stop on the Coast

Looking for something to do over the long weekend? Here’s a whale of an idea — head to Newport and check out the newly installed blue whale skeleton on the Hatfield campus.

At 70 feet long, this awe-inspiring creature is truly breathtaking. And it’s not the only marine mammal skeleton on display at Hatfield. The Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center features an impressive collection of large marine mammal skeletons, too. Each is lovingly restored by local volunteers.

And as a bonus, the Visitor Center begins its summer schedule this Memorial Day and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Remember, when you visit, don't forget to look up!

Learn more about the blue whale skeleton: https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/blue-whale-skeleton and the marine mammals at the Visitor Center at https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/visitor-center/exhibits/marine-mammal-skeleton-collection
Photos by Michelle Klampe and Mark Farley


Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center
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Oregon State University