A south coast outpost supporting research, education, and engagement on Oregon's beautiful wind-swept southern coast.

Oregon State University is leading a new, innovative approach to marine research and education through the Marine Studies Initiative, an ambitious coast-wide commitment that will fundamentally change how we study the ocean and its wide-reaching impacts. On Oregon's rugged and beautiful south coast, we support research, education, and community engagement through the Port Orford Field Station.

The station supports access to this unique marine and terrestrial ecosystem for transdisciplinary research and education, community priorities, and economic opportunities.  The field station has lab and classroom space, along with lodging for visiting scientists and students, and an air fill station for scientific and recreational divers. The station is managed by a full time Station Manager, and is supported by Oregon Sea Grant, the Research Office, Outreach and Engagement, College of Agriculture, College of Science, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, the Marine Studies Initiative, and private donors. 

With a gift from the Plumb, Level, & Square family foundation we have provided more than $10,000 to 25 students in support of research on gray whale foraging behavior, el Niño effects on kelp growth, herbivory of bull kelp by urchins, juvenile fish recruitment at the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve, "Cascades to the Coast" - a field intensive course for students from the OSU Cascades Campus, and a filmmaking internship at Oregon State Productions.

Your donation will enhance our ability to continue to provide this vital support to students and researchers, and to expand our work in this hard-working rural community, as its residents embrace the new blue economy.