Range-wide Gray Whale Science Symposium
Coordinated by the Marine Mammal Commission and hosted by the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University
Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon
September 9-10, 2026
Overview
A range-wide Gray Whale Science Symposium will take place on September 9–10, 2026, coordinated by the Marine Mammal Commission and hosted by the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University in Newport, Oregon. This two-day scientific meeting will focus on gray whale ecology and health across the Eastern North Pacific (ENP) and Arctic and will synthesize current research and observations to improve understanding of recent trends in health, feeding behavior, distribution, and population dynamics, and to identify priorities for future research, monitoring, and coordination.
Goals
The Symposium goals are to:
1) Review gray whale ecology and health status in the context of recent marine ecosystem variability in the ENP and Arctic;
2) Outline future priorities for gray whale ecology research and health surveillance and monitoring to help fill identified data gaps and address management objectives;
3) Enhance communication amongst scientists from Mexico, USA and Canada monitoring and conducting research on gray whale population status, health and ecology; and
4) Produce a workshop report summarizing presentations and recommendations for future directions.
Meeting Format
Day 1: Presentations and poster session
Invited oral presentations will provide a range-wide overview of gray whale status, trends, feeding ecology and health followed by an evening poster session highlighting additional research and observations. Day 1 oral presentations will be available both in person and remotely.
Day 2: Facilitated discussions and synthesis
Structured discussions will focus on key themes, knowledge gaps, and future priorities, with the goal of identifying areas for coordination and next steps.
Note: The Day 1 evening poster session and Day 2 discussions are in-person only.
Meeting Materials
Agenda coming soon.
Registration
Note: In-person space is limited. Early registration is encouraged.
Those interested in participating in the poster session must attend in person. In the registration link please indicate your intent to present a poster and upload a short abstract by June 1. Poster guidelines will be shared after June 1.
Travel Logistics
Details coming soon.
For more information, contact Lauri Leach (lleach@mmc.gov) or Jackie Shaff (jshaff@mmc.gov)