Marine Mammal Laboratory

The Marine Mammal Laboratory, a division of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, conducts research on whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and fur seals off the coasts of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. We collect data and develop assessments on marine mammal abundance and trends, seasonal distribution and habitat use, migration patterns, ecology, population dynamics, life history and vital rates, and behavior.

Data are collected through land-, sea-, and air-based surveys using a variety of sophisticated technologies, methods and models. Domestic and international organizations, including the NMFS Alaska Regional Office, West Coast Regional Office, and Headquarters offices, North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, the International Whaling Commission, and the Arctic Council, use our data to develop management measures for these species.

Alaska Ecosystems Program

The Alaska Ecosystems Program conducts research on Steller sea lions and northern fur seals off the coast of Alaska. We collect information to assess the current status of these species and to help improve our understanding of their behavior, health, and ecology, and role in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska ecosystems.

The Polar Ecosystems Program

The Polar Ecosystems Program conducts research and monitors seals in Arctic and  sub-Arctic marine ecosystems. Our focus species include harbor seals and ice-associated seals (bearded, ringed, spotted, and ribbon seals) in Alaska. We primarily study population trends, distribution, and feeding ecology.

The Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program

The Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program is responsible for conducting studies to assess the status of whales in Alaskan waters. Our recent studies have focused on North Pacific right, bowhead, gray, humpback, beluga whales, and Dall’s, and harbor porpoise. Past studies have looked at killer, blue, fin, sei, minke, sperm, and beaked whales, and the Pacific white-sided dolphin. We gather species-specific information on abundance, trends, stock structure, habitat, and feeding habits using aerial, vessel or shore-based survey counts, acoustic studies, radio or satellite telemetry, genetic studies, and photo-identification. 

The California Current Ecosystems Program

The California Current Ecosystems Program conducts research on the status and trends of California sea lion lions, Steller sea lions, northern fur seals, and gray whales in Washington, Oregon, and California. We monitor population trends and conduct studies to assess how disease and changing environmental conditions affect population health. Studies of movements, behavior, and foraging patterns also provide insight into the role these marine mammals play in the ecosystem.