Projects
California Current Killer Whale Study
Since 2005, the Oceanic Research Alliance has been conducting extensive research on killer whales along the Pacific coast. Our field studies began off southern Vancouver Island, where we focused on the behavioral ecology, fine-scale habitat use, and population dynamics of transient (mammal-eating) killer whales in coastal waters.
Juan de Fuca Living Waters Program
The Juan de Fuca Living Waters Program is a research program within the non-profit Oceanic Research Alliance (ORA). This initiative is dedicated to understanding, protecting, and restoring the dynamic ecosystems of the Juan de Fuca Strait and involves several research and conservation studies.
Oceanic Species Surveys
The Oceanic Species Surveys aboard the research vessel Pacifica aim to document the abundance, distribution, and ecology of offshore marine wildlife in Monterey Bay and adjacent waters. By focusing on the shelf break, canyon systems, and pelagic habitats, we seek to better understand how oceanic species use these dynamic environments and how they may be influenced by climate variability and human activities.
Risso's Dolphin Behavior Project
This project investigates the behavioral ecology of Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in Monterey Bay, California, a region of high biological productivity shaped by coastal upwelling, submarine canyons, and complex prey distributions. Monterey Bay represents a critical habitat for Risso’s dolphins, where they are frequently observed engaging in foraging, socializing, and traveling behaviors. Despite their regular presence, many aspects of their behavior, population structure, and ecological role remain poorly understood.
