ORA - Oceanic Research Alliance

05/30/2026

Know your mackerel with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Know your mackerel. Here are three easy ways to identify a jack mackerel versus a Pacific mackerel.

Pacific Mackerel (Scomber japonicus):
• Wavy lines on blue-green background
• Dorsal fins are widely separated
• Finlets present

Jack Mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus):
• Dark spot on gill cover
• Scutes along arched lateral line
• No finlets

The torpedo shape and finlets of the Pacific mackerel make it look like a tiny tuna. This is because Pacific mackerel are in the same family as tunas (Scombrid family). The jack mackerel is in a completely different family with jacks (Carangidae). Jacks and yellowtail are in the same family as the jack mackerel. If you think about it, knowing your mackerel is really just a matter of recognizing the difference between a jack and a tuna.

Illustration by CDFW Environmental Scientist Claudia Makeyev.

05/05/2026

California Ocean Day – April 28!

On April 28th, Governor Gavin Newsom has officially proclaimed California Ocean Day—a recognition of the vital role our ocean plays in sustaining biodiversity, supporting coastal communities, and driving scientific discovery.

From the dynamic waters of the California Current to the rich ecosystems along our coast, this is a moment to reflect on why long-term research, conservation, and responsible stewardship matter.

At the Oceanic Research Alliance, our work is grounded in understanding these systems—documenting marine life, studying predator ecology, and contributing to the science needed to protect them.

The ocean connects us all—across borders, disciplines, and communities.

Let’s keep the focus where it belongs: on the health of our oceans and the future they support.


Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries
Marine Mammal Research Unit UBC (MMRU)
California Current Killer Whale Study
NOAA Fisheries Service
NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
NOAA's Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries

05/03/2026

We’ve got some exciting news to share!

The Oceanic Research Alliance is now officially registered as a Canadian non-profit society.

Over the past few years, our work has grown across the west coast, and establishing a Canadian non-profit has been an important step in supporting long-term, locally focused research and conservation—especially here in the northern sector of the California Current off southern British Columbia.

With this, ORA now holds non-profit status in both the United States and Canada. This allows us to better support projects on both sides of the border while strengthening our presence here at home off the central coast of California.

For us, this isn’t just paperwork—it’s about building something lasting. It means more opportunities for local collaboration, community-based research, and long-term monitoring of the ecosystems we care about.

A big thank you to everyone who has supported this work along the way.

https://www.oceanicresearchalliance.org/


California Current Killer Whale Study
ORA -Juan de Fuca Living Waters Program
Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries
Marine Mammal Research Unit UBC (MMRU)
NOAA Fisheries Service

04/30/2026

Can you tell the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?
Check out this amazing info graphic by our friends at NOAA Fisheries Service .

Do you know the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?

They’re both highly intelligent; they use echolocation to find food, communicate, and navigate; they come to the surface to breathe. They even look pretty similar. But they are not the same.

Here’s how you can tell them apart:
Dolphins have longer, leaner bodies and hooked or curved dorsal fins. Their faces have elongated beaks, and their teeth are pointed and cone shaped. They’re talkative, communicating with clicks, squeaks, buzzes, and whistles. They’re highly social and curious—they’ll swim right up to your boat!

Porpoises have smaller, more stout bodies and triangular dorsal fins. They have short faces with rounded beaks and their teeth are flat and spade shaped. They communicate using high-pitched clicks. They can be very shy, less social, and avoid boats.

Learn more about the similarities (and differences) between the species and how you can help protect them: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/it-dolphin-or-porpoise

04/17/2026

New 2026 Protection Measures for Southern Resident Killer Whales

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has announced updated management measures aimed at protecting Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) in British Columbia waters.

One of the most significant updates: All vessels must now stay at least 1,000 metres away from Southern Resident killer whales throughout much of southern BC coastal waters — including areas between Campbell River and north of Ucluelet.

These measures are designed to reduce:
• Acoustic disturbance from vessel noise
• Physical disruption to foraging and social behaviour
• Cumulative stress on this endangered population

For those of us working on the water, this is a major change and reinforces the importance of responsible vessel operation around whales.

At the same time, it’s important to recognize:
Different killer whale populations (e.g., transient/Bigg’s vs. resident) have different ecologies and conservation needs
Accurate identification in the field is critical for compliance
Continued education and outreach will be key to making these measures effective

From a research perspective, these regulations highlight just how important it is to better understand killer whale distribution, habitat use, and population structure across the coast.

We encourage all mariners, researchers, and wildlife viewers to familiarize themselves with the updated rules and help contribute to the protection of these iconic animals.
If you’re unsure which whales you are encountering — slow down, keep your distance, and err on the side of caution.


California Current Killer Whale Study
ORA -Juan de Fuca Living Waters Program
Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries
Marine Mammal Research Unit UBC (MMRU)

04/15/2026

Since 2018 our research team has been collecting data and photographs of rhe flukes of s***m whales occurring in the California Current Ecosystem.

A big part of our research has been collaborating with fisherman working in offshore waters. This includes members that fish tuna, sablefish, and Pacific halibut.

Here is a video shared by Caleb Stokes of an adult male s***m whale that was investigating there fishing gear for sablefish.

Video by Caleb Stokes.

04/14/2026

White Sharks Are Protected — What You Need to Know

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently shared an important reminder about protections for white sharks—and it’s worth amplifying.

White sharks are protected under both state and federal law. It is illegal to target or recreationally fish for them.

Even more important—if a white shark is present in the area:

• Shark bait, lures, or chum (including decoys) cannot be used in the water
• This applies even if you are targeting other species

If a white shark is accidentally hooked:
• The line must be cut immediately, as close to the hook as possible
• The shark must remain in the water at all times

California law also defines shark bait and attractants broadly—anything used to draw sharks by smell, taste, or sight is prohibited in these situations. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000, jail time, or both.

Additionally, if a white shark has been sighted within 1 nautical mile, anglers cannot continue fishing with shark gear for other shark species (e.g., mako, thresher, leopard sharks).

These regulations are in place to protect one of the ocean’s most iconic apex predators—an animal that plays a critical role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

At ORA, we support science-based conservation measures that reduce human impacts on top predators across the California Current.

If you witness a wildlife violation in California, you can report it to CalTIP:
📞 1-888-334-2258
📱 Text: “CALTIP” + your message to 847411




California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries
NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
NOAA Fisheries West Coast
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust