This has been a very busy and productive summer for the Marine Ecosystem Health Program (MEHP [now the SeaDoc Society]). Not only did we convene the First Biennial MEHP Science Symposium in September, but we also launched an exciting new wildlife health research project which we’d like to tell you a bit about. Joe is leading a long-term study of the health of river otters within the inland waters of Washington and British Columbia.
When shell-boring marine worms were first documented in Olympia oysters in 2020, they raised an important question for restoration: were these parasites always part of the Salish Sea ecosystem, or were they accidentally introduced with Pacific oysters a century ago? That mystery sent researchers on an investigation thousands of years into the past.
After nearly a decade of valuable guidance as a member of SeaDoc Society's Scientific Advisory Committee, we want to thank Jamie Donatuto for her service! Jamie has helped shape SeaDoc Society's science funding since 2017 in her capacity as community environmental health analyst for the Swinomish Tribe. SeaDoc Soiety has funded dozens of projects to the tune of many hundreds of thousands of dollars since Jamie joined the committee 9 years ago.
Can I tell you a story that changed my life?
We crested the hill on the west side of San Juan Island and watched as Haro Strait opened up before us. It was July 7th, 1987—my 18th birthday.
Next came the sound of blows echoing across the water, and there they were: nearly a hundred Southern Resident Killer Whales all within calling distance of each other! I would later learn that every member of J, K, and L Pods was in attendance that day. A true Superpod.
I stepped out of the car and started to cry.
SeaDoc Society is thrilled to welcome two new members to our Scientific Advisory Committee, which plays a vital role in our mission to fund and conduct impactful science here in the Salish Sea. Our newest members are Tim Ragen and Noelani Villa, both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.
A lifelong marine scientist and conservation leader, Tim Ragen has spent decades advancing the protection of ocean wildlife. Meanwhile Noelani Villa is blending science, culture and community to help shape a more resilient future for Tribal nations and coastal ecosystems. Learn more about Tim and Noelani below! Welcome to the team!
During a recent research dive, SeaDoc scientists Joe Gaydos and Cat Lo spotted a large Ghost Net strewn across the Salish Sea floor. Not only do these nets strangle and kill wildlife, but they’re also a danger to divers. Cat supported to Joe as he hooked a bright marker to the net, ensuring that he didn’t get entangled in the process. When the divers returned to the boat, Erika dropped a GPS point to mark the exact location and the team alerted our friends at the Northwest Straits Foundation.