Cascadia Research Collective

Cascadia Research is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Olympia, Washington. Cascadia was established in 1979, and conducts scientific research in the North Pacific, focusing on marine mammals along the US West Coast and Hawaii. 

Our Mission

Cascadia's mission is to advance the understanding and conservation of whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals through innovative scientific research, rapid response, and collaboration with communities, agencies, and research partners. We strive to conduct objective science and make it available for constructive action by providing the data, insight, and leadership needed to protect and manage marine mammals and the ecosystems they depend on.

2026 - A big year in need of GiveBIG

It has been a busy start to the year for our stranding team. This spring we've already exceeded our average annual stranding totals (8 - 10 large whales). Before the end of April, we've already had 16 gray whales strand in Washington State alone. With reduced federal funding, we will soon struggle to maintain the level of response needed to record these stranding throughout the state and determine the cause of death. Additionally, we hope to conduct surveys on the outer coast and within Puget Sound to determine the health of the remaining population. 

In order to accomplish these goals, we need public support to ensure the proper information is collected despite gaps in our traditional funding sources. Click the button below to see the active list of gray whale strandings in Washington State.  

Working list of gray whale strandings

We encourage you to explore the Program tab above to learn about our other programs including: humpback and blue whale research along the US West Coast, whale and dolphin research in Hawaiian waters, and our entanglement response program along the US West Coast. See which program inspires you the most, and let us be the bridge that allows you to help protect these whales. 

Together, we can create a safer ocean for whales - starting with the ones that need us the most.

All research occurred & images collected under NOAA NMFS Permit #’s 26596 & 28850.
All response activities were conducted by authorized responders under NOAA permit #24359, following international and national safety standards that prohibit entering the water and prioritize the safety of both whale and crew.