Marine Biologist Rescues Elephant Seal, Monitors Wildlife at Vandenberg Space Force Base

Lauren Cooley, a marine mammal biologist supporting the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base, recently coordinated the rescue of a malnourished juvenile northern elephant seal found at Honda Beach. After assessing the animal's condition, Cooley worked with partners at the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute to transport the seal to their marine mammal rescue center in Gaviota. The seal was rescued on May 5, 2026, and successfully released at Caliente Beach on July 21, 2026.

Cooley's work at Vandenberg involves both office tasks and fieldwork. She conducts marine mammal abundance surveys along the base's coastline, checking haul-out sites where seals and sea lions gather on beaches and offshore rocks. During surveys, she collects data on species, sex, number of pups, and behavior to track how marine mammal populations change seasonally and annually. Vandenberg is home to pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sea otters.

Balancing Conservation and Military Mission

Survey data shows an average of 118 pinnipeds per survey in 2025, compared with 179 pinnipeds per survey in 2026. Pinniped usage of Vandenberg haul-out locations appears stable, with seasonal and annual fluctuations consistent with broader California populations. Cooley has also worked with the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron to create barriers that steer elephant seals away from roads and keep them safely on the beach.

Vandenberg maintains a diverse environmental program consisting of 40 civilians, cooperators, and contractors, including biologists, geologists, and archaeologists who conduct more than 300 environmental inspections per year. Tiffany Whitsitt-Odell, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron natural resource manager, recognized Cooley as an integral part of the team who contributes to surveys, outreach, education, and responding to marine mammal strandings.

Cooley, who first worked with marine mammals during a 2015 internship at the Alaska Sea Life Center, said her decade of experience has taught her to expect the unexpected. Weather and tides impact her ability to conduct fieldwork, and she schedules surveys during lower tides when more beach and rocks are exposed. For more local news from Vandenberg and the Lompoc Valley, visit /news.

Sources: Space Launch Delta 30. Emblem: Space Launch Delta 30, U.S. Space Force.