Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance - OARRA

Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance - OARRA Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance - OARRA, Nonprofit Organization, Los Angeles, CA.

A 501(c)(3) organization monitoring marine animal health through response & research programs.

➡Marine mammal & sea turtle mortality response in Los Angeles.
➡Live animal surveying in Southern California.
➡Research, education, & conservation everywhere.

Meet Z19, who we've nicknamed Scout - a banded California brown pelican with quite a story to tell. 👀🪶Born in 2020 and t...
06/17/2026

Meet Z19, who we've nicknamed Scout - a banded California brown pelican with quite a story to tell. 👀🪶

Born in 2020 and tagged on June 8, 2022, near Rancho Palos Verdes by International Bird Rescue, Scout was recently photographed by OARRA on the San Pedro Breakwater, approximately 3.3 miles east of San Pedro.

At about six years old, Scout was one of five banded pelicans documented during a single OARRA survey, the most banded pelicans we've ever recorded on one trip. Even more remarkable? These observations were made in the busiest port in the Western Hemisphere.

Every banded bird helps researchers better understand pelican movements, survival, and habitat use, turning a simple sighting into valuable scientific data.

🌊 Ocean temperatures along the West Coast are running several degrees above normal as a developing El Niño combines with...
06/16/2026

🌊 Ocean temperatures along the West Coast are running several degrees above normal as a developing El Niño combines with a persistent marine heatwave.

When the ocean warms, the flow of cold, nutrient-rich water slows down, disrupting the entire food web. The result can be increased strandings, shifts in wildlife distribution, harmful algal blooms, and food shortages for marine animals.

Understanding these changes helps us better prepare for what may lie ahead for California's marine life.

We are preparing for what could be another devastating season for marine life. 🌊💔With forecasts pointing to warmer ocean...
06/12/2026

We are preparing for what could be another devastating season for marine life. 🌊💔

With forecasts pointing to warmer ocean conditions, the potential for a strong El Niño, and the continued threat of toxic algal blooms, OARRA is preparing for an increase in sick, stranded, and injured marine animals along our coast.

Every rescue requires trained responders, medical support, transportation, monitoring, and countless hours in the field. That's why we're working now to expand our team before the season intensifies.

💙 Help us prepare for the months ahead and protect marine life when they need us most. Donate today: https://loom.ly/Igv9nmk

Meet Alessandro, a Biology student at Northern Michigan University with a passion for wildlife and conservation. He rece...
06/10/2026

Meet Alessandro, a Biology student at Northern Michigan University with a passion for wildlife and conservation. He recently joined OARRA as an intern to gain hands-on experience helping marine mammals and learning from professionals in the field.

His favorite marine animal? Orcas! Alessandro is fascinated by their intelligence, family bonds, and unique cultures passed down through generations.

As a new intern, he's already learned how much teamwork goes into protecting marine life—and he's excited to keep learning along the way.

His advice for future interns: Stay curious, ask questions, and don't be afraid to jump in!

Meet Beacon, OARRA's seventh sea turtle mortality response of 2026.This juvenile Pacific green sea turtle was discovered...
06/09/2026

Meet Beacon, OARRA's seventh sea turtle mortality response of 2026.

This juvenile Pacific green sea turtle was discovered by Long Beach Lifeguards near 55th Place and safely secured for scientific investigation. Measuring 49 cm (16.2 inches), Beacon was estimated to be approximately 13 years old and still years away from adulthood.

OARRA conducted a necropsy at the Marine Mammal Care Center that revealed severe trauma consistent with a vessel strike. While Beacon's death was unfortunate, the examination provided valuable insights into the threats facing Southern California sea turtles and created an opportunity for collaboration and training among marine wildlife professionals.

Tissue samples were collected and archived for future research, ensuring Beacon's contribution to science will continue long after the investigation.

As sea turtle strandings and mortality investigations increase in Southern California, every response helps us better understand the challenges facing these ancient mariners and the health of our coastal ecosystem.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Long Beach Lifeguards for finding, reporting, and safeguarding Beacon. Their dedication to protecting marine wildlife makes this important work possible.

Even in death, Beacon continues to teach us—and every lesson helps us better protect the living.

06/07/2026

What do you call a group of pelicans? 🐦🌊

Depending on what they’re doing, they can be a squadron in flight, a fleet on the water, or even a scoop when they’re hunting together. Each name reflects their behavior—from coordinated soaring to synchronized fishing dives.

Next time you see them moving as one, you’ll know there’s more than one way to name the flock. 💙

Thousands of marine animals have already been impacted by toxic algal blooms in recent years , and experts warn the prob...
06/03/2026

Thousands of marine animals have already been impacted by toxic algal blooms in recent years , and experts warn the problem is growing. 🚨

Domoic acid poisoning can cause seizures, disorientation, starvation, and death in marine mammals and seabirds. As these blooms become more common, OARRA must expand rescue, monitoring, and response efforts to keep up.

That means hiring and training more people before summer begins.

💙 Your support directly helps us prepare for the critical months ahead.

Ever seen a seal in a “banana pose”?🍌🦭This adorable U-shaped stretch, where seals lift both their head and hind flippers...
06/02/2026

Ever seen a seal in a “banana pose”?🍌🦭

This adorable U-shaped stretch, where seals lift both their head and hind flippers, is more than just cute. Scientists believe it may help with thermoregulation by keeping sensitive areas like the head and flippers off cold or wet surfaces, helping conserve body heat and stay dry.

The pose is also commonly seen when seals are resting comfortably onshore, often associated with relaxed, undisturbed behavior.

05/29/2026

Dolphins really do have best friends. 🐬💙

Dolphins form deep, long-term social bonds that can last for decades. Best friends swim closely in perfect synchronization, whistle in matching patterns, and frequently touch fins, the dolphin version of holding hands. 🌊

Scientists studying dolphins in places like Shark Bay, Australia, have found their social networks are incredibly complex, resembling relationships between humans and chimpanzees.

A difficult summer is ahead for marine life. 🌊As ocean temperatures rise, harmful algal blooms fueled by domoic acid are...
05/28/2026

A difficult summer is ahead for marine life. 🌊

As ocean temperatures rise, harmful algal blooms fueled by domoic acid are becoming more frequent, more intense, and lasting longer — impacting sea lions, dolphins, seals, birds, and countless other marine animals along our coast.

OARRA is preparing now, but we need more trained responders, rescue staff, and support teams ready for the months ahead.

Your donation helps us prepare before the next wave of animals needs help.

💙 Donate today to help us grow our response team.

Address

Los Angeles, CA

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance - OARRA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category