What We Do

The SeaDoc Society works to ensure the health of marine ecosystems through research and education

We focus primarily on the inland waters of the Pacific Northwest, known as the Salish Sea.

The Salish Sea includes:

• Puget Sound
• The Northwest Straits
• The Georgia Basin

We also have regional initiatives focused on marine ecosystem health in California, including efforts to clean up derelict fishing gear. The problems in our ecosystem are well known: Pollution and habitat degradation are increasing; native populations are declining and disappearing.

The SeaDoc Society provides solutions to problems facing marine wildlife and ecosystems

To help restore health to the Inland Waters of Washington and British Columbia, the SeaDoc Society is pursuing sound scientific solutions to the complex issues affecting the region. Key aspects of our program include:

• Funding scientists through an annual Competitive Grants program to conduct important and innovative research on topics essential to the health of the region and its wildlife, such as marine protected areas, invasive species, and the presence and effect of contaminants on marine organisms
• Providing expertise and assistance in the areas of marine conservation and animal health through an on-site staff scientist and veterinarian
• Conducting scientific research on key indicators of ecosystem health and ways to ameliorate ecosystem health problems
• Sharing information to ensure that pertinent scientific data is available to managers, policymakers and concerned citizens
• Facilitating collaboration and networking among academic scientists, natural resource trustee agencies, private organizations, and policymakers

The SeaDoc Society is Unique in the Region

We have the mission and the means to focus on supporting the scientific restoration of health to the Inland Waters. We are positioned to serve as both a resource and a facilitator for the numerous environmental agencies and citizen groups doing tremendous work in the region.

Major Accomplishments

See what we've accomplished in our first decade by reading our list of major accomplishments. Also see an article about SeaDoc published in the UC Davis Alumni Magazine.

Our Partners

Some of the institutions and organizations with which the SeaDoc Society works closely include:

Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Moss Landing Marine Laboratory
National Park Service
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
Northwest Straits Commission
People for Puget Sound
Puget Sound Partnership
Sustainable Ecosystems Institute
The Vancouver Aquarium
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Washington Sea Grant
University of Washington 
Members of the Marine Conservation Network