"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.
A virtual continuing education program in partnership with
KEEP UP WITH THE PULSE
OF THE SALISH SEA...
...in this virtual continuing education program for environmental educators, marine naturalists, or nature enthusiast from across the world.
Designed for professionals and amateurs alike, this program goes beyond the basics and takes deeper dives on ecosystem-wide topics and the latest research.
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By registering you will have opportunities to connect and network with other naturalists, regional scientists, and support four local non-profits.
Please note, this is not an introductory program, basic knowledge is expected.
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Dates, Time, Cost
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The Pulse falls on the second Wednesday of the month from September 2024 - April 2025.
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Time: Speaker presentation: 6PM-7PM Pacific Time
Q&A session: 7:00PM - 7:15PM​ Pacific Time
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Please check out the speaker line-up below!
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Cost: $120 for 8 classes ($15 per class)
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All registration fees will equally support four non-profits: Orca Behavior Institute, Orca Network, The Salish Sea School, and Whale Scout. Thank you for your support!
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You can sign up ANYTIME throughout the year and get access to the previous talks!
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NEW: Fall 2024 - Spring 2025
PROPOSED TOPICS & SPEAKERS
September 11, 2024
Invasive European Green Crabs
Washington Sea Grant
November 13, 2024
Doug Sandilands, Cascadia Research Collective
Doug Sandilands is a researcher and Level 5 large whale entanglement responder at Cascadia Research. Doug began his career at the Vancouver Aquarium in 2000 where he helped establish the BC Cetacean Sightings Network and co-founded Cetus Research and Conservation Society in 2005. He joined the Center for Coastal Studies in 2011, specializing in large whale and sea turtle entanglement response. Doug moved to Washington State in 2017 to work with SR3 and helped to foster the West Coast Large Whale Entanglement Response Network. After a second stint at the Center for Coastal Studies, Doug joined Cascadia Research in the spring of 2024 and is co-directing a new collaborative partnership focused on West Coast whale entanglement research, response, and training housed at Cascadia. Doug has worked on cetacean research projects in British Columbia, the Gulf of Maine, the US West Coast and American Samoa.
October 9, 2024
Tina Whitman, Friends of San Juan Islands
The Role of Restoration in Marine Ecosystem Recovery- Case study from the San Juan Islands. With over 400 miles of marine shoreline located in the heart of the Salish Sea, nearshore habitats in the San Juan Archipelago play a key role in local and regional marine ecosystem recovery. Learn more about collaborative shoreline research, protection, and restoration efforts in the islands, including successes, challenges, and opportunities for the future.
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December 11, 2024
T109A3A Talk
Jared Towers (and potential guest from Nuchatlaht First Nation)
January 8, 2025
Bald Eagles
Kristen Walters from Raincoast
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February 12, 2025
Pacific Herring in the Nisqually Reach
Pacific herring are ecologically, culturally, and economically important to the Salish Sea. Decades-long declines of herring spawning stock biomass, diversity, and spawning site distribution have implications throughout the Puget Sound ecosystem and are issues in urgent need of attention and action. In 2021 Long Live the Kings, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and other partners began a collaborative study of herring that was based on the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Nisqually Tribal Elders. The project has led to a better understanding of population dynamics that will guide recovery strategies for herring within the Nisqually Reach of South Puget Sound. Learn more about this ongoing collaborative project, including current findings, lessons learned, and opportunities for the future.
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Presenters: Liz Duffy- Long Live the Kings. Liz holds a PhD in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington and has over 20 years of experience in research and conservation of coastal aquatic species and ecosystems.
Jed Moore- Nisqually Indian Tribe. Jed has a Master’s in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University and has worked as a research biologist for the Nisqually Indian Tribe for over 10 years.
Jayde Essex- Long Live the Kings. Jayde holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Appalachian State University and has worked in salmon recovery and habitat restoration since moving to the PNW in 2020.
March 12, 2025
Derelict Vessel and Crab Pot Removal
Jason Morgan, Northwest Straits Initiative
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April 9, 2025
Elephant Seals in the Salish Sea
Garry Heinrich, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network
FAQs
Is this for adults only?
No! This program is for all motivated learners that want to dive deep into learning more about the Salish Sea!
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I am a teacher, can I receive clock hours?
Yes! Email cindy@orcanetwork.org.​
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Do I have to be working as a naturalist or educator to sign-up?
No, we welcome all people interested in learning more.
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If I need to cancel, can I get a refund?
No refunds are available for this program.
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What if I miss a virtual event?
Email us and we will email a recorded session to you.
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What if I find out about this event after it has started and want to join in?
We record all of the speakers, so you can still join us! We will send you a link with the previous recordings?
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What non-profits are hosting this event?
This program is a partnership with Whale Scout, Orca Network, Orca Behavior Institute, and The Salish Sea School. All tuition will be split evenly between these four organizations.
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What if I have questions?
Please contact us at info@thesalishseaschool.org