"the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -john lubbock
Meet Our Team
The Salish Sea School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team. We welcome the unique contributions that one can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
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We are stronger together with the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent which ultimately brings about a healthier planet.
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Click on the pictures below to learn more.
STaRS Program Summary:
STaRS (Students Training as Research Scientists) is a year-long marine science field research program that culminates in an in-person presentation of the students' research projects.
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Throughout the year, students will participate in fieldwork with a small group and, if necessary, engage in virtual meetings with the project leader to prepare for their final project.
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Important:
Students are required to attend the final poster presentation, which will be held in person in Anacortes on a weekend in January 2026 (exact date and time TBD).
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We are offering two different STaRS programs in 2025:
Program Outcomes:
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Practice the scientific method.
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Gain experience with field research tools and techniques.
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Understand how research informs policy and conservation.
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Analyze scientific literature.
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Develop presentation and science communication skills.
Program Goals:
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Spark interest in marine science/conservation careers.
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Train future ocean advocates and informed citizens.
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Explore scientific fields.
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Recruit and mentor future marine scientists.
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Build confidence in academic and professional settings.
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Provide hands-on field research opportunities.
Marbled Murrelet STaRS (12 months)
Why is this project important?
The marbled murrelet (MAMU) is an endangered seabird that plays a vital role as a bioindicator of the health of inshore marine ecosystems. MAMUs are highly vulnerable, relying on marine habitats for foraging and old-growth forests for nesting. Yet, there is a critical gap in understanding their habitat use and how human disturbances, such as boat traffic, affect their populations.
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Our project aims to close this knowledge gap by conducting essential sister studies at two key MAMU hotspots: Browns Point Lighthouse (Pierce) and Washington Park (Skagit). These studies will provide invaluable data on MAMU population status, foraging behavior, and interactions with boat traffic, offering crucial insights for conservation strategies to preserve both the species and the marine ecosystems they reflect.
What Will Students Do?
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Students will collaborate with Olivia Fross and Dr. Hodum from the University of Puget Sound and Oikonos to develop and implement shore- and boat-based surveys for the endangered marbled murrelet.
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Throughout the year, Olivia and Dr. Hodum will guide students through the scientific research process, including data collection, analysis, and presentation.
Through a mix of in-person shore-based and boat-based surveys, along with virtual meetings, students will learn about the thought processes and considerations involved in taking a scientific project from the initial question to fieldwork, analysis, and final presentation.
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Note: The schedule will depend on weather and water conditions, and a minimum of four students must be enrolled for the program to proceed.
Timeframe: January 2025-January 2026
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Age: 12-17 years old
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Location: Launch out of Skyline Marina in Anacortes + virtual meetings via zoom
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Cost: $1300, payment plan available @ $110 per month
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Class size: 4-6 students​
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Project Leader: Olivia Fross
Science Advisor: Dr. Peter Hodum, University of Puget Sound
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Captain(s): Amy Eberling & Sam Murphy
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Requirements: must be available on weekends for shore and boat-based surveys in Anacortes, unless doing an independent project from another MAMU survey location.**
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Schedule: The draft schedule is below. This will be finalized in early January to confirm dates and times with students enrolled.
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**If you are a student near Tacoma or another known MAMU hotspot, we can turn this project into an land-based bird study from your location.
Qualifications for Enrollment in the 2025 Marbled Murrelet STaRS Program:
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Ability to maintain focus and attentive during 2-4 hours of field observation.
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Experience in or willingness to learn public speaking skills.
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Availability for approximately 1-2 hours of at-home work each month and 1-3 hours of fieldwork.
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Must be allowed to access our Discord channel for group communication.
Traveling from afar? Here​ are some places nearby!​
Salmon STaRS (6-7 months)
Students will join a Salish Sea School staff member, along with retired fish pathologist Craig Olson, for a unique experience at The Salish Sea School's Discovery Center.
They’ll observe and care for salmon eggs as they develop and hatch, engaging in scientific observation, nature journaling, and even a salmon dissection.
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Students will monitor the salmon eggs weekly or biweekly, taking an active role in nurturing them until they’re ready for release at the Glenwood Springs Hatchery on Orcas Island, where they’ll begin their journey to the sea!​
Why Is This Project Important?
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Learn About Conservation: Your child will understand marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting endangered species through salmon care.
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Gain Hands-On Experience: Practical activities will enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Connect with the Community: Participation fosters responsibility and a deeper connection to the environment.
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Develop Scientific Skills: Students will gain valuable skills in data collection, analysis, and presentation for future opportunities.
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Become Future Leaders: This experience inspires the next generation of marine scientists and conservation advocates.
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Qualifications for Enrollment in the 2025 Salmon STaRS Program:
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Ability to maintain focus and attentive for 15-20 minutes while observing the salmon tank
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Experience in or willingness to learn public speaking skills.
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Availability for approximately 30 minutes of at-home work each month 30 minutes - 1 hour of observations and salmon care at the Discovery Center
Timeframe: November 2025- June 2026, optional September 2025 field trip to watch adults returning
Age: 13-18 years old
Younger and interested? Email us to get on the waitlist!
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Location: The Salish Sea School's Discovery Center in Skyline Marina in Anacortes + a few virtual zoom meetings + a tree planting in Mt. Vernon area with Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group
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Cost: $500, payment plan available @ $71 per month
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Class size: No more than 6 students​
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Project Leader: Salish Sea School staff member
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Science Advisor: Craig Olson, Retired fish pathologist​
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Requirements: must be available afterschool or on weekends, 20-30 min per week for 6 months
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