Aquarium News

Sea Otter Observation Leads to Seal Rescue Operation

February 16, 2023

Date: Saturday, January 7 Location: Olympic Peninsula, WA state Weather: high winds, heavy rain What began as a sea otter observation excursion turned into a seal rescue operation after Brittany Blades, OCAq’s Curator of Marine Mammals, heard distressed cries nearby. Blades peered through the fog and pelting rain, trying to find the source of the […]

Set Sail To Sea Of Lights

November 14, 2022

Set sail to Sea of Lights this December! The Oregon Coast Aquarium is thrilled to once again host Sea of Lights, one of the largest holiday light displays on Oregon’s central coast. Sea of Lights will illuminate the Aquarium from 5:00pm-8:00pm the first three Friday and Saturday evenings this December. Join us on 12/2, 12/3, […]

Tides Turn for Two Stranded Sea Turtles

November 4, 2022

Newport, Oregon — Two sea turtles are on the road to recovery and release after receiving care at the Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq). Thanks to the collaborative efforts of OCAq, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Turtles Fly Too, and SeaWorld San Diego, two Olive Ridley […]

Oregon Coast Aquarium Receives Sustainable Oregon Award

November 2, 2022

Newport, Oregon — The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) has received an annual Sustainable Oregon Award from the Association of Oregon Recyclers (AOR) in recognition of its continued sustainability efforts. The Sustainable Oregon Awards, formerly known as the Recycler of the Year Awards, recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrate significant accomplishments in sustainable materials initiatives, recycling […]

Grounded Marbled Murrelet Chick Takes Flight

October 17, 2022

Newport, Oregon — A grounded marbled murrelet chick has taken wing thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq), Oregon State University’s Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project (OMMP), and the Wildlife Center of the North Coast (WCNC). The marbled murrelet, Brachyramphus marmoratus, has faced rapid population declines due to habitat loss and pollution, and […]

Oregon Coast Aquarium Contributes To Broadnose Sevengill Shark Research Efforts

August 25, 2022

Newport, Oregon — The gulls’ raucous cries echo across the water of Willapa Bay. Sunlight coats the shoreline, the slick black rocks glistening in the dawn. “This one looks pretty sharky.” The words ring out loud and clear, and the entire crew feels a familiar spike of adrenaline. The air is charged with anticipation. All eyes […]

Guadalupe Fur Seal Receives Care At Oregon Coast Aquarium

July 25, 2022

Newport, Oregon — An injured Guadalupe fur seal is on the road to recovery thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq), the Marine Mammal Stranding Network (MMSN), and SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research (SR³). The seal, a male yearling, was found stranded on Salishan Beach and reported by a private citizen to Jim Rice, Stranding Program […]

Oregon Coast Aquarium Unveils New Attractions

June 29, 2022

Newport, Oregon — The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) is thrilled to announce that its new Nature Play Area, Outdoor Amphitheater, and headwaters feature are now open to the public! These projects, alongside the construction of a new admissions annex and lobby renovations, comprise the first phase of the Aquarium’s multi-phase Capital Campaign, which was launched with the […]

Celebrating 30 Years of the Oregon Coast Aquarium

May 23, 2022

The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) is celebrating its 30th birthday! May 23, 2022, marks 30 years of supporting marine life and inspiring ocean conservation on Oregon’s central coast. Originally founded as a way to stimulate the economy in the Yaquina Bay area while also serving year-round residents, the Aquarium became incorporated as a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit […]

Oregon Coast Aquarium Hosts Member Appreciation Week

May 10, 2022

In honor of our members, the Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) is hosting Member Appreciation Week from June 13 through June 19, 2022. During Member Appreciation Week, OCAq members will be granted early access to the Aquarium, with doors opening at 9:15am each day for members only. Members will also receive drink coupons, a 20% gift […]