College of Agricultural Sciences |

Who We Are

We are Oregon's Marine Experiment Station, collaborating with the fishing and seafood industry, agencies, and our local maritime communities as the state’s primary research engine supporting use and conservation of marine resources...(more)

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COMES professor Chris Langdon with example Molluscan Broodstock Program oyster families

Our Research

Although all of the applied research conducted by the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station is related to the utilization and conservation of marine resources, the COMES faculty represent a diverse group of disciplines investigating a wide range of issues. At any one time faculty will be working on more than fifty projects focused on improving economic and conservation benefits from marine resources. Long term research programs include improving oyster breeding, restoring coho and Chinook salmon, and improving processes for creating surimi seafood from fish protein. Throughout COMES’ nearly 30-year history, the goal has always been to bring different disciplines and organizations together to address challenges and opportunities faced by seafood industries, coastal communities, and management agencies.

Our Collaborators

As one of the 11 Branch Experiment Stations in OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences, the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station is dedicated to investigating marine resource and seafood related topics with economic and environmental significance to Oregonians, the nation, and the world. COMES collaborates with seafood commodity commissions, seafood industry organizations, and governmental agencies to support sustainable utilization of marine resources. COMES faculty also teach courses both at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the main campus in Corvallis, and support and mentor graduate students.

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COMES faculty member Jessica Miller talks to a child on Marine Science Day.

Teaching, Outreach, & Service

In addition to teaching, mentoring, and research, COMES faculty serve as members of many industry, community, and university organizations and committees. Our commitment to service ensures that we remain closely connected to our collaborators, that we clearly understand their needs, and that we work together to address them. COMES faculty participate in many public events and organize workshops, conferences, and forums to advance industry and community education and training.

Summer Students/Interns

The Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station hosts undergraduate students each summer through a variety of internship and scholarship opportunities. COMES faculty members have hosted students through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation, the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences Branch Experiment Station Experiential Learning Initiative, Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholars, the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program offered through NOAA, and the Vanguarding an Inclusive Ecological Workforce (VIEW) and Fisheries and Wildlife Undergraduate Mentorship Program, both offered through the OSU Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences.