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Every whale tells a tale....
Every whale tells a tale....
Marine mammals and sea turtles hold so many vital secrets about the health of the ocean. They are considered 'sentinel species': we use them as indicators of environmental and even human health. Here you'll find a description of some of our research projects and ways we make contributions to the management of these emblematic animals.
Marine mammals and sea turtles hold so many vital secrets about the health of the ocean. They are considered 'sentinel species': we use them as indicators of environmental and even human health. Here you'll find a description of some of our research projects and ways we make contributions to the management of these emblematic animals.
Executive Director Barbie Halaska and partners from Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute assess a freshly deceased sea lion that likely succumbed to a toxic algal bloom in Santa Barbara County. Quick responses allow our researchers to collect samples that are vital to diagnose and determine a cause of death. Photo Credit: Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Marine animals experience a host of natural and man-made stressors: from toxic algal blooms to cancer to food web disturbances to injuries from vessel activities...the possibilities are endless. We act as detectives to understand cause of death and contribute to preventative management practices.
Marine animals experience a host of natural and man-made stressors: from toxic algal blooms to cancer to food web disturbances to injuries from vessel activities...the possibilities are endless. We act as detectives to understand cause of death and contribute to preventative management practices.
Sentinel Species & Ocean Health
Sentinel Species & Ocean Health
We collect data on marine animals which act as indicators of overall ocean health, such as pollutants, food webs, and other human disturbance.
Specimen Collection & Museum Archives
Specimen Collection & Museum Archives
We provide a wealth of samples and specimens (like the baleen bristles above) for collaborative research, museum collections or education/ outreach purposes.
Marine Mammal Health & Stranding Response Program
Marine Mammal Health & Stranding Response Program
We contribute valuable data to a network of organizations within the National Marine Fisheries Service West Coast region.
We specialize in laboratory analysis and histology (the study of different types of cells!) of various tissues from our animals.
This can inform us of what an animal eats, how healthy it is, its age and sex, hormones and contaminant levels, and so much more!
'Fatty acid' analysis can tell us what type of prey a whale prefers to eat, and whether this contributes to overall health.
A blubber layer sample can give us a good indicator of body condition for marine mammals. A fat whale is a happy whale!
We welcome research partnerships or education program support!
We welcome research partnerships or education program support!
Please email:
Please email:
for general questions about our ongoing research projects or requests for collaboration.
for general questions about our ongoing research projects or requests for collaboration.
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