How cormorants are helping us understand coastal oceans in Oregon and around the world

Think Out Loud

From acidic excrement that eats through bridge coating to nesting near roadways causing accidents, cormorants have been known to create some problems for humans here in Oregon. But for more than a decade now, researchers at Oregon State University have been using these diving birds to better understand oceans in Oregon and around the world. As recently featured in Audubon Magazine, by strapping sensors to birds, researchers are able to chart and understand data around underwater terrains, temperatures and more. Rachael Orben is an assistant professor at OSU’s Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation. Jim Lerczak is the associate dean for research and a professor at OSU’s College of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. They both join us to share more on what we’ve been able to learn from cormorants.