About OARRA
The Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance (OARRA) was formed in 2020 to further the understanding of the marine environment and nearshore habitat, its uses, and the threat to its overall health and its inhabitants. OARRA’s consistent monitoring and surveying of the living marine animals and responding to floating and stranded marine animal mortalities, with data collection, and research, the linkage between the cause of death of marine mammals and sea turtles and the ever-changing hazards presented to them through the expanding human utilization of the nearshore marine environment of LA county and beyond will become clearer.
OARRA allying with state, national and international researchers and organizations to consolidate the data collected to allow a multidisciplinary view and understanding of the marine environment, its uses, and threats unto it. Through these alliances and collaborations with scientists, we are dedicated to engaging and educating stakeholders on the threats to the health of the marine environment, ocean animals, and humans to promote and inspire personal and global changes for a healthier environment for all.
OARRA Programs
These three projects are the foundation of OARRA
Monitoring and Surveying of marine animals and the nearshore marine environment in the Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas
Response to dead stranded and floating marine mammals and sea turtles in the Los Angles County
Involvement in the West Coast Large Whale Entanglement Team
How To Help
Dead Endangered Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Report a dead marine mammal or sea turtle
Reporting of dead-stranded or floating marine mammals or sea turtles is the first step in assuring that the trained professional staff and scientists of OARRA respond and gather the valuable information and take the appropriate action. OARRA invites you to submit your report here.
Flipper tagged California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
Report a tagged animal
Have you seen a tag? A uniquely marked individual? An interesting behavior? Or maybe you are not quite sure what it is you saw? OAARA resite program provides information on tagged animals (primarily seals and sea lions) and a database of sightings. We hope that YOU will help in recording these reports. OARRA invites you to report your siting here.
Volunteer veterinarian Dr. Kris Sakamaki examines a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina).
Volunteer
We are always looking for volunteers over the age of 18 to join our corps to assist with the dead animal response, data collection on survey/monitoring trips, outreach, and education. In-depth training will increase your knowledge and ability to assist OARRA staff safely. Our volunteers make our work possible.
Wish List
Check out our wish list for specific items in need or consider a prepaid gas or general gift card.
“I believe that these sea lions that are washing up along the coast are actually acting as important canaries in the coal mine, warning us of some ocean changes that contribute, in fact, to human health.”
— FRANCES GULLAND, Ph.D., Marine Mammal Commissioner
