Drones can be powerful tools in gathering important health data about wildlife, including marine species like the Salish Sea’s endangered killer whales. Scientists have already established the benefits of collecting breath samples to monitor orca health, but we wanted to scientifically understand if it is less invasive than previous sampling methods–namely the use of a long pole with a petri dish extended from a nearby boat toward the whale’s blowhole.
A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal, Marine Mammal Science, led by SeaDoc Society Research Assistant Catherine Lo, answered that question by analyzing more than 1,000 drone-collected killer whale breath samples.
This summer, our brilliant Scientific Advisory Committee gathered in Seattle to assess and ultimately determine funding for five new critical research projects here in the Salish Sea. You can read about those here.
Our Science Advisors are a vital part of our mission, and we’re excited to introduce two exciting new additions. They are Caitlin Magel of Puget Sound Institute and Phil Bloch of Confluence Environmental Company. We asked them a few questions so you can get to know them a bit better.
Welcome Caitlin and Phil!
We're excited to announce that SeaDoc Society will fund five new scientific research projects aimed at improving the longterm health of the Salish Sea. Each project was carefully reviewed and selected by our Scientific Advisory Committee and funded through your donations from people like you.
We look forward to sharing more about each of these as fieldwork ramps up, but here is a brief look at the newly funded projects:
The Washington State Academy of Sciences has elected 36 new members in recognition of their outstanding record of scientific and technical achievement. Among the select group in this year’s slate is SeaDoc Society Science Director Joe Gaydos!
The Molly B skims the water as divers prepare for a day of field work in the Salish Sea. SeaDoc Society’s research assistant Cat Lo gets ready to don her heavy dive gear and take a plunge. One by one, the divers back roll off the boat and splash into the water with their slates and survey equipment. They descend and begin their objective; to survey young-of-year rockfish.
Cat’s job entails a lot of time spent on or under the water, whether she’s surveying baby rockfish, assisting with killer whale health assessments, or the many other projects SeaDoc has in motion. Time spent in the field comes with its highs, its challenges, and its unexpected outcomes. While all components of science are important, much of the work we do puts us out in the field, interacting with the ecosystem first hand.
As marine scientists, the ocean is our laboratory.
We’re excited to announce the latest addition to our team, Michelle Cartier Homewood! Michelle comes aboard to help SeaDoc on the admin and operations side of things. While the pandemic has changed things, we’re as busy as ever and Michelle has already proven to be an excellent addition as we prepare for our Cheers to 20 Years virtual event on September 17.
By Bob Friel
SeaDoc’s mad scientists have been hard at work in the laboratory for nearly a year trying to animate someone to fill the new position of Regional Director by cobbling together cloned bits of biologists, entrepreneurs, non-profit experts, and ocean lovers. Joe “Dr. Moreau” Gaydos was just about to throw the big switch when in walked Markus Naugle with a resume that blew us away, putting an end to the experiments.
After earning his biology degree at MIT, Markus served for nearly a decade as a biotech management consultant, business analyst, and product manager for large international health care firms. He then co-founded, Magic Carpet Rides, a successful non-profit program in Guatemala dedicated to cultural immersion, service learning, and natural exploration.
Fitting with SeaDoc’s focus on fieldwork as well as lab and data studies, Markus is also an active outdoorsman, experienced world traveler, and ocean advocate. He was a scuba instructor on the Great Barrier Reef, helped restore a rainforest in New Zealand, and saved sea turtles in Costa Rica.
Topping it all off, Markus even has history in SeaDoc’s home waters. When he starts at our Orcas Island office in late November, it will be a homecoming to a place where he’s previously lived, dived, and been a valued member of the local community.
“It’s a thrill for my family and me to come home and join the SeaDoc team,” says Markus. “I am eager to use my skills and experience to help SeaDoc achieve its vital mission of healing our Salish Sea through science.”
Please join us in welcoming Markus to the SeaDoc team as we begin a new era for SeaDoc in which, thanks to your continued support, we’ll be able to greatly expand our important work.
