The primary goal of this project is to support cascadias ongoing marine mammal stranding response in several key regions in washington state

Cascadia Research Collective received a $133,667 Project Grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439) for the period January 1 through December 31, 2026. The award supports Cascadia's ongoing marine mammal stranding response operations across Washington State, encompassing both inland and outer coastal waters, as well as large whale response statewide. The funded activities include rapid response and comprehensive examinations of stranded marine mammals by Cascadia biologists, enhanced coordination with regional network participants, and strengthened relationships with tribal and state/national park entities.

The award enables Cascadia to provide critical data collection and analysis services supporting national marine mammal monitoring systems while advancing collaborative research efforts on regional stranding patterns. Deliverables include improved data provision to national database systems and collaborative analysis and publication of regional stranding data. As a tax-exempt nonprofit marine research organization, Cascadia leverages this discretionary funding to sustain its specialized capability in cetacean and marine mammal stranding response—a core competency supporting NOAA's marine mammal conservation and fisheries management objectives across the Pacific Northwest region.

We propose to continue to respond in our primary areas in both inland and outer coast waters, and large whales statewide from january through december 2026. This project will provide support for rapid response and thorough examinations of stranded marine mammals by cascadia biologists throughout the state, enable better coordination with other network participants, allow for further development of relationships with tribes and state and national parks, enhance data provision to national database systems, and promote collaborative analysis and publication of regional stranding data.