Rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) are a group of long-lived Pacific fishes that are susceptible to overharvest in commercial and recreational fisheries due to their life history and site fidelity. Different histories of rockfish fishery development throughout their range have led to varying management challenges for these species, including the listing of two rockfish species under the Endangered Species Act in Puget Sound. In this talk, I will present stories of rockfish fisheries in Puget Sound from community, policy, and science perspectives. Using examples drawn from our research over the last decade, I will highlight ways in which fishers’ knowledge, stewardship, and innovation are contributing to improved conservation and management of rockfish.
With over 400 miles of marine shoreline located in the heart of the Salish Sea, nearshore habitats in the San Juan Archipelago play a key role in local and regional marine ecosystem recovery. Learn more about collaborative shoreline research, protection, and restoration efforts in the islands, including successes, challenges, and opportunities for the future.
At the core of marine resilience is a thriving portfolio of marine species and habitats and our strong connections to them. At Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF), this tenet drives our work - collaboratively spearheading a diverse set of in-water projects throughout the southern Salish Sea. Our main focus is restoring living marine habitat and species, using structure forming species (Olympia oysters, bull kelp) and habitat enhancing species (pinto abalone), but also with a keen eye to species of paramount importance to Tribes (heart cockles) and other communities Sound-wide (Dungeness crab). These species are critical to the food web, too, and maintain the living marine architecture that supports the marine ecosystem in Puget Sound and beyond. Robust restoration of these core elements has ripple effects, boosting function and providing direct and indirect support to fish and marine mammals throughout the food web as they face compounding effects of climate change. In this talk, I will highlight the work that PSRF and partners are doing in service of: improved water quality, increased abundance of native species, additional acres of restored habitat, enhanced ecological benefits, and re-forged connections with healthy marine resources.
Join Ron as he describes the modern construction techniques used and the features incorporated into new vessels being constructed by local Bellingham boat builder, All American Marine, Vessels and features discussed will include catamarans, hydrofoils, hybrid boats and the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered passenger vessel.
If you're surprised to hear that the 2nd largest fish on the planet used to be abundant in the shared waters of British Columbia and Washington, you're not alone! Now almost forgotten, the Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) - which reaches sizes of up to 12 m (40 ft) - used to be abundant from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico. Although these giant filter-feeders are harmless to humans, they were hunted and persecuted throughout much of the 20th century, first for their oil-rich livers and then because they were impeding profitable salmon fisheries by getting tangled in gillnets. In British Columbia in 1949, they were put on the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans list of 'destructive pests', and from 1955 to 1969 a Federal eradication program was directed at them. Today, only a handful of sightings are reported from throughout British Columbia and Washington each year. Can this enigmatic wonder of our ocean world that has survived as a species for at least 30 million years recover here in the Northeast Pacific? How has our treatment of them shifted and what might we do to better understand them and their habitat, and 'turn the tide' for them, and for us?
The breadth of the economic impact of the maritime sector in Whatcom County is wide, and the Port of Bellingham has a dominant role as owner of most waterfront properties in Bellingham and Blaine. In this talk you will learn about the many aspects of a working waterfront, including major development projects, environmental clean-up programs, introduction to the local commercial seafood industry and stream rehabilitation and salmon enhancement. The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition is made up of over 120 members (companies, associations and individuals) that help keep Whatcom’s waterfronts working. Learn how the Coalition is involved in these various projects and works alongside coastal leaders to catalyze community sustainability and ensure thriving and diverse waterfronts that all can enjoy.
Consistent information on ecosystem health is critical to inform actions that will ensure the long-term health the Salish Sea’s ecological functions and the human communities that depend upon them. Dedicated scientists and practitioners serve as the region’s eyes and ears to assess ecosystem status and trends, progress toward recovery, and effectiveness of recovery actions. The Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) collects, organizes, synthesizes, and communicates the best available science to protect, preserve, and enhance Puget Sound’s vitality now and for future generations. The result of PSEMP’s approach of bringing together diverse partners and information is a more fully informed and broadly shared understanding of how the ecosystem functions. This talk will provide a high-level overview of the PSEMP program, highlight the successes of transdisciplinary collaboration, and note current challenges and barriers in meeting its goals.
Public lands conservation alone will never be enough to create lasting change on complex basins, such as the Salish Sea. Today, private individuals and corporations own approximately 60% of land in the United States. Conservation Districts aim to bridge this gap by being locally focused trusted resources for landowners. This is done by providing locally focused, voluntary, incentive-based programing and free financial and technical assistance. These local conservation efforts on each stream and watershed add up to larger benefits for the Salish Sea as a whole.
For decades, terrestrial wildlife centers and aquariums were the only places in the Pacific Northwest where a limited number of marine species could be rehabilitated. With the opening of SR3's sealife hospital in 2021 the number and diversity of species capable of receiving care has expanded dramatically. This talk will focus on 4 different types of animals SR3 has cared for, and what their stories can teach us about starting something new, growing, and working collaboratively.
"This talk will introduce you to the Salish Sea Institute, the work we are doing, and discuss the importance of a transboundary perspective on the conservation of the Salish Sea."
Science director for SeaDoc Society, a marine conservation program, presents at the Western Washington University College of the Environment (previously Huxley) Speaker Series. Gaydos talks about impacts of human-caused changes on Salish Sea species and the importance of public awareness and education about the Salish Sea to address issues.
Chief Tsi'li'xw (Bill James) and Su'hun'up Hussmeen (Troy Olsen) of the Lummi nation present at the Northwest Indian College Salish Sea Speaker Series. They tell stories about the importance of the art of weaving with cedar and wool in the Coast Salish tradition and how the art is impacted by changing Salish Sea conditions.
Documentary on Salish Sea underwater biodiversity and the resistance of diverse communities and First Nations to the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline, who call attention to fossil fuel industrial development projects affecting local ecology, the worsening climate crisis, and the lives of future generations.
Town Hall Seattle and publisher Braided River present a panel discussion about the multimedia book and campaign We Are Puget Sound: Discovering and Recovering the Salish Sea. Hear from contributors from the Squamish Tribe, Washington Environmental Council People for Puget Sound, Orca Recovery Task Force, and more.
Engineer Melina Scholefield and ecologist Steven Apfelbaum discuss what the ecology and nature of Vancouver B.C. parks and recreation spaces looks like now and what it might look like in the future.
Young adult novel follows a teenage boy from a fictional bay in western Washington state near Olympia who is passionate about the Puget Sound and becomes a local celebrity when he discovers a giant squid on the shore.
The SeaDoc Society Science Director Joe Gaydos presents a trailer for Salish Sea Wild, a documentary series on the places, people, and marine wildlife of the Salish Sea. Episodes feature scientists and their work with Salish Sea wildlife.
Nancy Turner, an ethnobotanist and professor, presents at the Western Washington University College of the Environment (previously Huxley) Speaker Series. She talks about environmental change, incorporating Indigenous Environmental Knowledge systems into decision-making, and biocultural diversity.
Terrie Klinger, a professor and co-director of the Washington Ocean Acidification Center, presents at the Western Washington University College of the Environment (previously Huxley) Speaker Series. She talks about causes of ocean acidification, impact on marine and coastal communities, and recent science and policy actions.
Lynda Mapes talks about how she got to where she is and orca (killer) whales in the Salish Sea during her talk at the Western Washington University College of the Environment (previously Huxley) Speaker Series.
Valerie Segrest (Muckleshoot), a native nutrition educator and coordinator of Muckleshoot Food Sovereignty Project, presents about Coast Salish traditional food, food systems, and movements towards food sovereignty for cultures and health across Indian Country at the Western Washington University College of the Environment (previously Huxley) Speaker Series.
Lummi Elder and Fisherman Tim Ballew Sr. presents at the Northwest Indian College Salish Sea Speaker Series. He speaks about the meaning of being on the water and the experience of change across generations in connection with the water.
Anthropology journal article about community-based work for Edmonds Community College students’ place-based learning, Coast Salish partners’ and native students’ requests for involvement and “passing the mic,” and the role and uses of ethnography for tribal and non-tribal governments.
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Tribal Historical Preservation Officer Larry Campbell (Swinomish) and Environmental Community Health Analyst Jamie Donatuto present at the Northwest Indian College Salish Sea Speaker Series. They talk about why Indigenous-specific health indicators, respected stewardship, community connections, and diet matter.
Booklet on the community involvement shaping the 50-year plan for Seattle’s water resilience called Shape Our Water. In collaboration with Seattle Public Utilities, it provides goals for creating a water-resilient and equitable future in Seattle with infrastructure that supports community needs and addresses underlying issues.
Episode from the podcast Book Club with Jeffery Sachs features a conversation with author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. They discuss myths, settler colonialism, white supremacy, and the history of erasure and exclusion in the United States.
Reimagining the history of Bellingham Bay and North Puget Sound and how it is taught, presented by Anna Booker, WCC history instructor, and the "Bellingham Working Waterfront Project" and David Jepsen, co-author of Contested Boundaries: A New Pacific Northwest History.
Whatcom County Historical Society and Whatcom Museum host a presentation on the results from projects about experiential learning and storytelling for critical thinking. Booker discusses the Salish Sea Virtual Lab that supports experiential learning.
Western Washington University television show episode follows Bert Webber, who led the naming of the Salish Sea composed of the Puget Sound, Strait of Georgia, and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Webber explains that the name provides a greater understanding of the ecological and cultural roots of the region.
Essay detailing the history of how railroad expansion and Washington coal mines for fuel and export shaped the economy and society of the Puget Sound. The essay also contains historical photographs from coal mines.
Article from The Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Bulletin on railroad history in Bellingham Bay and British Columbia from 1852 to 1951. The article also contains relevant maps, photographs, and data.
Marco Hatch (Samish) lectures about the mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), which is native to the Salish Sea. He discusses characteristics, distribution, removal from Olympic National Park, and the role of wool for Coast Salish peoples.
Marco Hatch (Samish) lectures about stinging nettle (Urtica diotca). He discusses nettle distribution, characteristics, and harvesting for nutritional and medicinal use.
Marco Hatch (Samish) lectures about Pacific Silverweed (Argentina egedii). He discusses plant distribution, characteristics, consumption, nutrients, and relation to food-related Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
Marine ecologist Marco Hatch (Samish) lectures about kelp forests in the Salish Sea. He focuses on the characteristics, life stages, role, distribution, and restoration of two species: bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) and giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera).
Clip about the archaeology of root gardens composed of Pacific Silverweed and Springbank Clover, which serve as traditional food sources for Indigenous peoples in the Salish Sea.
Longhouse Media presents a documentary about the Samish Legend of Ko-kwal-alwoot, who risked her life to save the Samish people from starvation. The film explains the story, its pole carving on Rosario Beach in Deception Pass State Park, and the importance of the history to the Samish people.
Marco Hatch (Samish) provides a brief overview of the Salish Sea for the Western Washington University course SALI 201: Introduction to the Salish Sea. He introduces the map, terminology, borders, treaties and rights, and tribal territories.
Marine ecologist Marco Hatch (Samish) lectures about shellfish and soft substrate intertidal zones. He discusses and compares the characteristics of the Varnish Clam, Olympia Oyster, Pacific Oyster, Manila Littleneck Clam, Native Littleneck Clam, Cockle Clam, Butter Clam, Horse Clam, and Geoduck.
Video by Northwest Straits Foundation and The Shore Friendly program shows how the geology and physical processes that form Puget Sound beaches impact those who live on them.
ArcGIS StoryMap by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the Middle Fork Nooksack River Diversion Dam near Deming, Washington, a source of drinking water for the City of Bellingham. It discusses public and private partnerships for dam removal that would benefit wildlife (like salmon, steelhead, and bull trout migration) and people.
ArcGIS StoryMap by Northwest Straits Foundation about the projects Derelict Gear Removal (like crab pots, fishing nets, and shoreline armor) and Shore Friendly (and the Landowner Outreach Program), which restore beach and marine habitat.
Documentary by Hakai Institute follows a team of archaeologists who are looking for evidence of humans in the Discovery Islands off Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The film focuses on understanding environmental change and adaptation after the ice age.
Documentary about how the Lummi Nation led the opposition to a proposal for a coal terminal at Cherry Point near Bellingham, Washington. Cherry Point is an ancestral village site and integral to fishing treaty rights for the Lummi Nation.
ArcGIS StoryMap by the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project shows the research of factors impacting the survival of juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Salish Sea for better recovery and management. It discusses the importance of eelgrass meadows and bull kelp habitat, the impact of climate change, and restoration efforts.
