Agency Details:

Ocean Conservation Research

Ocean Conservation Research is focused on understanding the scope of, and exploring solutions to the growing problem of human generated ocean noise pollution and its impact on marine animals.

By supporting biological and technological ocean research based on conservation priorities we can bring much needed information to policymakers, ocean managers and the public so that their informed decisions can assure our long-term productive relationship with the ocean.

Description:
Ocean Conservation Research (OCR) was founded in 2007 by Michael Stocker, a bio-acoustician who has been working on finding solutions to the impacts of human generated ocean noise pollution on marine animals since 1992. The organization serves as a funding vehicle for ocean bioacoustic research, environmental policy and public outreach and education on this critical and rapidly expanding environmental concern.

We are accomplishing our work by conducting studies on how and what marine mammals (whales, dolphins and pinnipeds) and other marine animals hear, and what effects human generated noise has on their habitat. We are also working on a policy level by attending conferences, presenting findings, making presentations at public hearings and "burning up shoe leather" in Washington DC and Sacramento.

Please visit our website at www.OCR.org for more detailed information.

History:
In 1992 the US Navy in conjunction with some academic research concerns had developed a method of broadcasting acoustical signals across the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California. Michael Stocker (at that time an architectural acoustician with a background in biology) caught wind of the program and presented his concerns about the biological impacts of the program at a National Marine Fisheries Service hearing. This event alerted Michael that this first global-scale communication sonar program was just the beginning of a new human acoustical engagement with the sea that threatened marine life and potentially our own survival.

He began regularly attending conferences and hearings on marine bio-acoustics and presenting and writing opinions about the impacts of noise on marine life. In 1999 he met with a number of passionate environmental advocates to found and become the science advisor for small Marin County educational NGO with the mission of informing the public about the issue. He worked with this organization until 2007 when it became apparent that scientific research and national and international policy work was needed (which was outside of the educational mission of the NGO) so he formed Ocean Conservation Research to address this issue from a scientific and policy position.

Contact person: Michael Stocker, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (415) 488-0553

Address:

P.O. Box 559 Lagunitas, CA 94938

Web Site: http://www.OCR.org

Directions:

Directions will be provided

Last updated on April 1, 2009