Tom Calvanese

Dedicated fisheries and conservation scientist with expertise in acoustic telemetry, collaborative research, and kelp forest ecosystems. Brings 10 years of practical experience integrating applied research, student mentorship, and stakeholder engagement to address complex fisheries and conservation challenges. Proven success in leading interdisciplinary teams of researchers and industry partners to collective achievements such as the 2024 Oregon Kelp Forest Status Report, while fostering collaborative partnerships between academia, management agencies, and community stakeholders. Committed to advancing the department's mission through innovative approaches to applied research and conservation that prepare students for successful careers while addressing critical sustainability and economic challenges.

Completed collaborative research on adult movement of rockfishes at the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve and MPA.

Initiated OSU operations of Port Orford Field Station in 2012, assumed management responsibility in 2016.

Developed robust summer student internship program, with up to 15 students/season. Mentored several students each year.

Successfully managed donation of Port Orford Field Station property to OSU in 2021.

Assisted in development of NOAA National Seafood Strategy and Implementation Plan, identifying Port Orford pilot.

Founded the Oregon Kelp Alliance, PI for NOAA/NCCOS supported Oregon Kelp Forest Survey and Assessment.

PI for NOAA/NMFS supported Oregon Kelp Forest Stewardship Initiative.

Co-PI for Oregon Restorative Bull Kelp Mariculture project.

• SCUBA Diver
• Small Vessel Operator MOTC
• Air Fill Station Operator (FSO) - OSHA certification
• Wilderness First Aid - NOLS

• West Coast Ocean Alliance Kelp Forest Indicator Workshop
• Kelp Panel Discussion at Newport Maritime History Museum
• Science on Tap - Urchin/Dulse Co-Culture
• Evening with Urchins at Port of Bandon
• State of the Coast - Oregon Kelp Alliance, Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve

• Kelp Forest Alliance
• Oregon Coastal Aquaculture Collaborative
• American Association for the Advancement of Science
• American Fisheries Society
• Western Society of Naturalists

• Oregon Kelp Forest Status Report, Hamilton, et al., 2024, Oregon Kelp Alliance, Port Orford, Oregon
• Kelp Forest Challenge Roadmap, Eger et al., 2023, A roadmap for protecting and restoring 4 million hectares of kelp forests by 2040., Kelp Forest Alliance, Sydney, Australia
• The Western Pacific barred knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) (Pisces: Oplegnathidae), arriving with tsunami debris on the Pacific coast of North America, Ta, N. et al., Aquatic Invasions, 2018, 13, 1, 179-186

• Port Commissioner, Port of Port Orford, 01/01/13, 01/01/21
• Steering Committee Co-Chair, Redfish Rocks Community Team, 01/01/12, present
• Member, Oregon Ocean Monitoring Group, 01/01/18, 01/01/21
• Member, Territorial Sea Plan Rocky Habitat Working Group, 01/01/18, 01/01/20

• Siletz Indian Tribe
• Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
• Coquille Indian Tribe
• Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation
• West Coast Ocean Alliance Tribal Caucus

• Kelp Forest Alliance American Association for the Advancement of Science
• American Fisheries Society
• Western Society of Naturalists
• American Association for the Advancement of Science