Oregon State Researchers Deployed Whale Prey Mapping Drifter

The pilot study tracked zooplankton populations near foraging humpback, blue, and fin whales off the Oregon coast.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Environmental

A metallic scientific buoy with modular sensors floats alone among choppy Pacific Ocean swells off the Oregon coast. — Oregon State University researchers recently completed a pilot study using a new autonomous drifter to map zooplankton prey populations near whales off the Oregon coast. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Oregon State University researchers have successfully completed a pilot survey using a new free-floating scientific drifter. The device provided detailed mapping of zooplankton distribution to better understand predator-prey dynamics with whale populations.

Why it matters

Understanding the fine-scale availability of zooplankton helps scientists determine how environmental shifts affect the foraging success of humpback, blue, and fin whales. This research provides critical data on the immediate food sources for these massive marine mammals.

The AZFP-nano drifter utilizes a 200 kHz scientific echosounder to map the water column. The system is designed to operate independently using standard D-cell batteries.

The players

Oregon State University

This public research university serves as a leading institution for marine science and oceanography on the West Coast.

ASL Environmental Sciences

This private company specializes in the development of acoustic instrumentation for oceanographic and marine research applications.

The details

Developed by ASL Environmental Sciences, the drifter allows for mobile, autonomous data collection without the need for fixed moorings or constant vessel support. A secondary hydrophone drifter was also used to capture and record the calling behavior of the whales during the survey.

The research team reported the successful completion of the pilot survey in September 2026.

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The Big Picture

This study follows a pattern set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Mammal Laboratory research initiatives regarding tracking foraging behavior. By transitioning to autonomous, mobile sensor platforms, the research marks a departure from static survey methods.

This autonomous monitoring technology could eventually lead to more accurate real-time ocean health tracking, providing data that helps protect marine biodiversity. Improved precision in these studies will likely inform future conservation policies and regional management of protected waters.

The takeaway

Autonomous drifter technology offers a scalable and cost-effective way to monitor marine ecosystems without expensive vessel support. Researchers can now collect precise data in remote areas where fixed moorings would be impractical or impossible to maintain.