Marine Mammal Lecture

The Friends of Haystack Rock lecture series hosts a talk on marine mammals on the Oregon coast, when Keith Chandler speaks on “Current Trends of Marine Mammals along the Oregon Coast.”  The event, free and open to all, takes place on Wednesday, March 11, 7 p.m., in the Cannon Beach Library (131 N. Hemlock St.).

Chandler is manager of the Seaside Aquarium and co-coordinator of the Northern Oregon/Southern Washington Marine Mammal Stranding Network (in partnership with Debbie Duffield, a professor of biology at Portland State University.  He will discuss what the stranding network’s data can tell us about marine mammal populations on our coast, including changes that are occurring in our marine environment as they are reflected in the marine mammals of the Northwest. His talk will provide an overview the marine mammals commonly seen close to our coastline and recent changes in the presence of various species, as well as the issues faced by these animals, especially as reflected in the marine mammal stranding network. These areas of concern include warming waters, redistribution of prey, increases in competition with humans, exposure to biotoxins from algal blooms, and disease.  Time will be allowed for questions and discussion.

For more information, contact Tiffany Boothe, seasideaquarium@gmail.com.