Scientists convene at OSU to coordinate rangewide grey whale research and identify gaps

Lisa Balance, director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Hatfield Marine Science Center, opened the symposium by saying, "It's my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to this rangewide grey whale science symposium," and outlined safety, logistics and the meeting's goals.

Peter Thomas, executive director of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, framed the gathering as a focused scientific effort to inform agencies charged with implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Thomas said the commission's role is not regulatory but to ensure federal agencies have the science needed to carry out their responsibilities.

Organizers said the two days would pair plenary presentations with breakout work to identify key questions, data shortfalls and opportunities for coordinated monitoring. The program includes sessions on long‑term population dynamics, mammal health and body condition, lagoon monitoring in Baja California, western Pacific (Sakhalin/Kamchatka) studies, and rare Atlantic sightings. Presentations will be recorded and, organizers said, made available by the Marine Mammal Commission.