Oregon Sea Grant is part of a national network that supports research and education programs that contribute to the wise use of coastal resources. Extension Sea Grant brings university expertise to bear on real-world issues faced by Oregon residents, businesses, and communities. In addition to aquatic ecosystem health, other members of the Extension Sea Grant team address topics such as coastal erosion, fisheries management, marine mammals, and tourism. More information is available on the Oregon Sea Grant website.

Why does Oregon Sea Grant have an Extension agent based more than 100 miles up the Columbia River? Well, for one thing, the Columbia River is actually influenced by tides all the way to Bonneville Dam (and the Willamette River is influenced up to Willamette Falls in Oregon City). But more important, residents of the Portland metropolitan area are a major part of the Columbia River watershed and also have an important relationship to Oregon's coastal resources.