Why Donate to the SeaDoc Society?

Our scientists, projects, and staff are funded in large part by donations from individuals, families, companies, and foundations.

These donations make a crucial difference in our ability to perform and fund important scientific research. This research, in turn, helps create management practices and conservation strategies that balance the needs of humans and marine life.

What about the California connection?

Many people are curious about the connection between SeaDoc and UC Davis. Some worry that their donations will go to California instead of being used locally.

It’s a reasonable concern, but it’s not accurate. Donations to SeaDoc go to support our work in the Salish Sea. Although donations are processed through UC Davis or the Wildlife Health Center Foundation, the monies are spent on our scientific and outreach efforts in Washington and British Columbia. (There’s a small percentage that comes out to pay for processing, but this would be the case with any academic partnership.)

SeaDoc does some work along the California coast removing derelict fishing gear. This work is self-supporting through grants awarded by government agencies and foundations specifically for this work.

How UC Davis helps SeaDoc

The Wildlife Health Center at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis provides the critical administrative backbone or foundation for the SeaDoc Society. Our connection and collaboration with UC Davis greatly strengthens our program. It not only gives us access to world-class scientists in the field of wildlife health, but also ensures that SeaDoc has the backing of one of the country’s leading vet schools. Furthermore, our connection to a university located outside of the Salish Sea is part of what enables us to rise above local politics and take the larger perspective we are increasingly known for.

Donate with confidence

When you donate to SeaDoc, you can be assured that your donation goes not only to support cutting edge science in the Salish Sea, but also to develop new approaches to restoring marine ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. 

I support SeaDoc because...

"Having spent nearly 50 years here I have personally witnessed the decline or total disappearance of numerous fish and fowl. SeaDoc does unbiased science that goes to our decision makers and others so that they are informed when making policy and funding decisions."  Wally Gudgell, Orcas resident and SeaDoc board member

Join the Wildlifer's Club

Join a core group of individuals, companies and foundations who provide significant support to the SeaDoc Society. Learn about the unique opportunities available to members of the Wildlifer's Club. Your donation to the SeaDoc Society is an investment in the health and vitality of the Salish Sea marine ecosystem. We appreciate your support! For more information about donating to the SeaDoc Society, please contact Jean Spalti at 360-376-3910.

Our endowment campaign

In 2007, an innovative public/private financial partnership created an endowment to ensure that the SeaDoc Society will have a program and lead scientist based in the Salish Sea in perpetuity. Private donors Ron and Kathleen McDowell and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine made this Pacific Northwest Fund possible. Our goal is to build the endowment to $20 million by 2015 to support scientific research and translation of that research to improve the health of the Salsih Sea marine ecosystem and the wildlife it supports. To learn more about this endowment or make a contribution, please contact Jean Spalti at 360-376-3910.