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Photo taken at OSU Seafood Research and Education Center, by Lynn Ketchum of EESC
Photo taken at sea as part of the bar coding program, by Lynn Ketchum of EESC
Photo one of a series taken for the Salmon Ecology program, by Lynn Ketchum of EESC
Photo taken on an oyster site for the Molluscan Broodstock Program, by Lynn Ketchum of EESC

Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES)

The Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES) is the state's leading applied marine research organization devoted to seafood and fisheries. With two locations -- at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport and the Seafood Research & Education Center in Astoria -- COMES is one of the few branch agricultural experiment stations in the nation to focus on marine resource utilization and sustainability.

Our researchers work cooperatively with industry, state and federal agencies, and other public and private organizations. We mentor and employ over 50 graduate students and provide them an opportunity to work on real world issues and conduct extensive fieldwork and laboratory research. Main research areas include:

  • Aquaculture
  • Fish Disease
  • Fishery Management & Policy
  • Marine Fisheries Ecology
  • Marine Fisheries Genetics
  • Marine Mammals
  • Marine Resource Economics and Marketing
  • Seafood Safety
  • Surimi and Surimi Seafood
  • Value-Added Seafood Products
Our internationally recognized signature programs include:
  • The Pacific Whiting Project, which helped support development of Oregon's largest fishery
  • The Community Seafood Initiative, a unique partnership between COMES, the Seafood Consumer Center, and Shorebank Enterprise Pacific to support coastal business and value-added seafood product development
  • The Molluscan Broodstock Program, which is improving oyster production and economic benefits
  • The OSU Surimi Research and Technology School, which has trained 1,100 students over the last decade
  • The Marine Mammal Program, a world leader in satellite tagging and monitoring of marine mammals
  • The Salmon and Marine Ecology Initiative, which is conducting innovative research for improving management and conservation of salmon and other marine species.