SSAMN Stream

Growl, Grunt, And Hum: The Chorus Of Fish Songs In The Salish Sea

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0700

Did you know fish can make noise? There are actually a surprisingly large number of Salish Sea fish species that vocalize! On this episode, University of Victoria graduate student, Mackenzie Woods, joins us to talk to us about fish noises, in general, as well as her research into fish songs & the plainfin midshipman fish, a type of bottom-dwelling batrachoid toadfish. This episode will have you singing scales!

Eyes In the Sky! How Drones Are Changing Whale Research

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:00:00 -0700

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft operated remotely or autonomously without a human pilot on board. In more recent years, their use in research has skyrocketed. How have drones changed how research, and what kind of research, is being conducted on whales? What have we been able to learn from whales from drones that was previously hidden from human eyes? On this episode, Dr. Holly Fearnbach, Marine Mammal Research Director at SR3 (SeaLife Response Rehabilitation and Research), discusses with us the ways drones have been, and are currently being, used in whale research. We will also discuss their limitations and benefits and potential future applications as this technology rapidly advances.

Sneaky Suspect: The Culprit Behind Sea Star Wasting Disease

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0700

Sea stars are important Pacific Northwest predators, maintaining ecosystem balance. Unfortunately, a devastating disease, Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD), struck these marine invertebrates. SSWD started as a massive outbreak in 2013. While it actually was first detected along the Washington coast, it rapidly spread from Alaska down to Mexico, causing sea stars to disintegrate and decimating many populations. While the outbreak peaked around 2014, it continues to affect sea stars. After years of research, though, scientists finally have an answer as to what is causing this disease. Grace Crandall, a PhD student at the University of Washington, joins us on this episode to talk about the culprit as well as implications to, and status of, local sea star populations.

Feather & Fin: The Connection Between Bald Eagles, SRKWs, And Contaminants

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0800

Bald eagles are very abundant in the Salish Sea. They are important avian predators of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Eagles, along with other birds of prey, have a long and well-known history with contaminants, like DDT. When Canadian scientists wanted to know the sources and potential impacts of contaminants on endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs), they surprisingly turned to bald eagles for some answers. On this episode, Dr. John Elliott, a retired researcher with Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Robert Kesic, a wildlife biologist & toxicologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada and now PhD candidate, join us to talk about a recent study they did looking at PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) or flame retardants in bald eagles, and the connection to SRKWs.

Illuminating The Phenomenon of Bioluminescence In The Salish Sea

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0800

Bioluminescent, or "glowing," waters can be seen in the Salish Sea. In fact, there are several local companies that offer bioluminescence kayak tours. The science behind bioluminescent waters is really interesting and surprisingly complex. Amazingly, there has not actually been much research into bioluminescence in the Salish Sea. So, what is responsible for this hauntingly beautiful phenomenon? Where, and when, can you see it? What can be learned from studying this phenomenon? Lucy Greeley, a former Western Washington University undergraduate student and environmental science intern at the Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center, answers these questions and more on this episode. We promise this episode will be absolutely illuminating!

A Global Perspective: Commercial Fishery Interactions & Killer Whales

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0800

Killer whales are very intelligent, social, and globally distributed apex predators that sometime interact with commercial fisheries. Although not always, these interactions can result in negative impacts to the whales and the fishing industries. Given this species’ ecological diversity, geographic variability, and frequent encounters with fisheries, a global, comprehensive review of commercial fishery interactions with killer whales was undertaken by University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate student, Emma Luck, to understand overarching patterns and the potential for mitigating harmful impacts. Emma joins us on this episode to help us better understand these examples of human-wildlife conflict in marine ecosystems.

Tsunamis In The Salish Sea: A Wave of Action To Save Lives

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0800

It's no secret the Pacific Northwest is prone to earthquakes and landslides. While thinking about the risk of these events in the Salish Sea, though, what about tsunamis? Tsunamis are a series of waves (potentially up to hundreds of feet in size) caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, generally in an ocean or a large lake. When they happen, they can be absolutely catastrophic. Tsunamis certainly have occurred before in the Salish Sea (yes, it's true!). On this fascinating episode, Dr. Carrie Garrison-Laney, a Coastal Hazards Specialist at Washington Sea Grant, discusses local tsunami events; their causes, frequency, and danger; but also steps being taken to save lives and how we can be better prepared. Will we be ready for the next one?

Beavers: The Salish Sea's Engineers

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0800

Beavers are truly nature’s "engineers." They create habitat for many species, including salmon. Did you know researchers have discovered beaver populations living in the tidal marshes of the Salish Sea, an environment long considered unsuitable for them? Restoring beaver populations is being explored as a key strategy for aiding salmon recovery efforts regionally. However, there is concern over recent discoveries of dead beavers washing up on local beaches in the San Juan Islands, prompting investigations into potential causes like disease or toxins. On this episode, my co-worker who is TWM's Field Operations Coordinator, Erin Casellas, joins us to tell us all about beavers and the latest scoop on dead beavers that have washed up which TWM's marine mammal stranding network staff responded to.

Specters Of The Salish Sea: A Threat In Bloom?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0700

In the spirit of Halloween, we are leaving a bit of mystery in regards to this episode. You will have to tune in to find out what creature we are going to be discussing. Hint - it is the answer to this riddle: what is translucent, drifts or floats, has no bones, has a flowing shape which can sometimes morph, & can sometimes glow in the dark? While not a ghost, this specter of the Salish Sea is very common and recently, University of Washington graduate student, Haila Schultz, was involved in very cool research looking at how it's abundance and voracious appetite might be impacting salmon.

Kelp-tivating Idea! Kelp Aquaculture In WA State Waters

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0700

You may have heard the buzz about macroalgae aquaculture. To name a few of the benefits, kelp and other seaweeds can be grown for food, animal feed, organic fertilizer, biofuels and other sustainable products. In Washington State, kelp aquaculture grew out of ocean acidification (OA) research. Besides all these commercial services to humans, kelp forests provide productive habitat which supports a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals, forming the basis for a rich ecosystem. Did you know there are two kelp farms in WA state waters? Dr. Meg Chadsey, a Carbon Specialist and PMEL Liaison with Washington Sea Grant, joins us on this episode to tell us more about this really promising type of farming and what it takes to make "kelping the sea" happen!

Harbor Porpoise Identification: Exciting Research With A Porpoise!

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0700

Harbor porpoises are very common in the Salish Sea but hard to study. Pacific Mammal Research (PacMam) is a research organization taking on this task as they use identification methods to investigate the behavior, ecology, and conservation of these marine mammals. On this episode, Dr. Cindy Elliser, Founder of PacMam, shares with us intriguing insights they are learning about these animals through their work, such as their longevity, site fidelity (including remaining or returning to their birthplaces), & social dynamics.

Right On! How Long Can Right Whales Really Live For?

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0700

Bowhead whales are known to live really long. - maybe even around 200 years! But, what is less known is how long right whales can live for. Right whales and bowhead whales belong to the same family, Balaenidae, and are actually considered each other's closest relatives among living baleen whales. While rare, North Pacific right whales can be spotted off of Washington State waters. On this episode, Dr. Greg Breed, a professor at University of Alaska Fairbanks, talks with us about some amazing longevity research on bowhead whales, Southern and North Atlantic right whales, and implications for North Pacific right whales.

ROVs & Kelp Forests: How Seattle Aquarium Is Maneuvering Forward In Assessing Marine Ecosystem Health

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700

ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) are an amazing tool (not to mention very cool and fun) in conducting underwater exploration and tasks. While we tend to think of ROVs being used in deeper waters that divers can't get to, what about their role and importance in marine science happening in coastal environments? On this episode, Dr. Zachary Randell, a Senior Research Scientist at the Seattle Aquarium, talks to us about very innovative research projects being conducted by him and his team utilizing ROVs to study kelp forests in Puget Sound.

Refined Palettes! How Spatial And Seasonal Foraging Patterns Are Driving Differences In North Pacific Resident Killer Whales

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:00:00 -0700

In the northeast Pacific Ocean, there are three populations of resident (fish-eating) killer whales that share overlap in their ranges from California to Alaska (Southern Residents, Northern Residents, & Southern Alaska Residents). On this episode, Dr. Amy Van Cise, Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, shares with us about her fascinating research exploring how seasonality and foraging patterns may be influencing diet differences between SRKWs and SARKWs as well as amongst SRKW pods. Since SRKWs are highly endangered, understanding foraging ecology and how foraging patterns may be linked to success and decline of these populations can help to better inform management strategies.

The Sharks Stirring Up A Frenzy: Broadnose Sevengill And Soupfin Sharks In South Puget Sound

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0700

Did you know there is at least 14 different species of sharks in the Salish Sea? In 2022, two graduate students at Oregon State University, Jessica Schulte and Ethan Personius, documented the presence of two shark species never before reported in South Puget Sound. Sharks play very important ecological roles as predators but are largely misunderstood or not well known at all. Come join us on this episode as Jessica and Ethan tells us about these two species, broadnose sevengill and soupfin, the implications their discovery may have, and what on-going research they are involved in with these species. We promise - this is definitely an episode you can sink your teeth into!

Avian Flu In Washington State: The Connection With Caspian Terns & Harbor Seals

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0700

Avian Flu or the "Bird" Flu has been in the news a lot lately. What is it really? When did the first outbreak start in Washington State and what is the connection between Caspian Terns and harbor seals? Find out on this exciting episode as Dr. Katherine Haman, a wildlife veterinarian with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) tells us all about Avian Flu and the impact it has on our local seabird populations and marine mammals.

Recruiting For The Future: Puget Sound Restoration Fund's Pinto Abalone Recovery Efforts

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0800

The pinto abalone is a sea snail and is the only abalone species in Washington State waters. This native species has great cultural and ecological significance. Overharvesting likely led to heavy declines in their population numbers. Since their overexploitation, numerous efforts have been implemented to try to restore populations in the area through abalone hatcheries and the outplanting of juveniles. Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF) is involved in these important efforts. Come learn on this episode from PSRF staff: Dr. Eileen Bates, Senior Abalone Biologist, and Malise Yun, Pinto Abalone Production Lead, about these efforts, successes along with mysteries regarding recovery, and what the future of this species looks like.

A Toxic Mixture: PAHs And Salish Sea Killer Whales

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0800

Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) and Transient (Bigg's) killer whales roam the waters of the Salish Sea. Being sensitive to their environment, they serve as sentinels to the overall health of the ecosystem. On this episode, Kiah Lee, a graduate student at the University of Oslo, talks to us about research she did involving these two groups of killer whales and PAHs. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, are chemicals found in coal, oil, and gasoline which have known harmful impacts on marine mammals. Their presence in the ocean comes from several sources including oil spills, burning coal, and surprisingly, a large amount may be coming from forest fires. This study was the first to detect PAHs in orcas off of BC. Kiah will tell us all about PAHs, local sources, the implications and importance of these findings, and what we can do to help!

Ocean Cultures & Wild Cultivation Part 2: Northwest Coast Ecosystems And Indigenous Management Systems

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Most North American Indigenous Peoples, have been described as “Hunter-Gatherers,” with the implication that they simply randomly harvested food sources – from salmon and clams to berries, and greens – available to them from the wild. Increasingly, it is recognized that First Peoples have developed sophisticated techniques and approaches to sustaining and enhancing their food resources and the habitats in which they are found. As my interview with Dr. Nancy Turner, Professor Emerita at the University of Victoria, BC, continues, she will pick up with where we left off last episode on Indigenous resource management practices, with some key examples including transplanting fish, fish traps, seaweed harvesting, herring roe harvesting, estuarine root vegetables, seabird eggs, and clam gardens and discuss their importance, both in the past and at present. These management practices and associated knowledge have excellent potential for application in ecological restoration, food production, permaculture, and biodiversity conservation.

Ocean Cultures & Wild Cultivation Part 1: Northwest Coast Ecosystems And Indigenous Management Systems

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Most North American Indigenous Peoples, have been described as “Hunter-Gatherers,” with the implication that they simply randomly harvested food sources – from salmon and clams to berries, and greens – available to them from the wild. Increasingly, it is recognized that First Peoples have developed sophisticated techniques and approaches to sustaining and enhancing their food resources and the habitats in which they are found. On this episode, Dr. Nancy Turner, Professor Emerita, at the University of Victoria, BC, gives an overview of Indigenous resource management practices, with some key examples including transplanting fish, fish traps, seaweed harvesting, herring roe harvesting, estuarine root vegetables, seabird eggs, and clam gardens and discuss their importance, both in the past and at present. These management practices and associated knowledge have excellent potential for application in ecological restoration, food production, permaculture, and biodiversity conservation.

Life After Death: Whale Falls & Invasion Of The Zombie Worm Hordes

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0700

In the spirit of Halloween, on this episode, we are talking about a spooky topic - whale falls and zombie worms! Whale falls, or whale carcasses that fall to the ocean floor, play a very important role ecologically here in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. Dr. Craig Smith, an Emeritus Professor at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, shares with us about this fascinating topic. Get ready for a bone-chilling episode!

Anything But Looney! The Loon Foundation's Pender Harbour Coastal Waters Monitoring Program

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0700

Oh, My! Loons & coastal water birds, salmon, pinnipeds, forage fish, intertidal critters, seaweed, & invasive species - The Loon Foundation in British Columbia certainly does a ton of monitoring and research. On this episode, get to know this organization and the amazing research they are doing here in the Salish Sea as I interview Jenn Blancard, Field Research Supervisor, about the important work they are doing in Pender Harbour. Pender Harbour is a harbor on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast on the east side of Malaspina Strait. Come learn why this harbor is so important ecologically and what things are being discovered about the health of the Salish Sea Ecosystem through The Loon Foundation's Pender Harbour Coastal Waters Monitoring Program.

You Otter Know! How Sea Otters May Help Fight Climate Change

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0700

Did you know we have sea otters here in the Salish Sea? It's true! Although rare, there are occasional sightings (rivers otters are much more common). Sea otters play a critical role in helping to maintain healthy kelp forest ecosystems. As such, the recovery of sea otter populations in the North Pacific may have larger implications than just the survival of this species. They may actually help to slow the local impacts of climate change! On this episode, Dr. Shawn Larson, Curator of Research at the Seattle Aquarium, will tell us all about these adorable animals and explain the intriguing connection between them and climate change.

Marine Invaders: Aquatic Invasive Species In The Salish Sea

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:00:00 -0700

Invasive species are a large, and sometimes under-looked, problem in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. If unchecked, they can cause large-scale ecosystem and financial damage, such as European green crabs. But, how bad are aquatic invasive species here in the Salish Sea? What impacts are they having? Which species are on the "most wanted" list here in Washington State and why? Find out the answers to all these questions and more on this episode as Justin Bush, Aquatic Invasive Species Policy Coordinator for WDFW, talks European green crabs and other invasive species with us!

Mindful Conversations: Putting The Focus On Endangered Species And The Issues They Face

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0700

Media plays a very important role in raising awareness amongst the public about environmental issues and endangered species. While media can take many forms, as naturalists, how can we better communicate through media and spread our message to the general public about our beloved endangered Southern Resident killer whales & the issues they face? In a world full of limited attention and distractions, what is the best approach to keeping the focus and conversation on what really matters, the animals themselves and their environment? On this episode, Elizabeth Shepherd, a journalist with the newspaper, Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, reflects with us on these important questions and shares her perspectives. The two articles cited in this interview are available online. To read those, click here and this link.

Holy Mola! The Very Big And Bizarre Ocean Sunfish

Thu, 16 May 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Did you know it's possible to see the world's heaviest bony fish off of Washington State and along the Northwest Coast? Molas, or ocean sunfish, are gentle giants that can get up to around 5,000 pounds and 10 feet in length! Dr. Marianne Nyegaard, a Research Associate at the Auckland Museum, has been collaborating on a citizen science project for several years now to document sightings of molas in our area to get a better sense of the distribution and relative abundance of two different species. On this episode, we will learn from her all about these amazing fish as well as her ongoing research. If you do see a mola, you can report it through this link.

Going Wild For Gulls: ECCC’s Seagull Research In British Columbia

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0700

We may not give much thought to the gulls we see commonly along our coastlines and inland areas here in the Salish Sea. But, what is being learned about them may surprise you. Did you know, for instance, gulls have been found to study human behavior when scavenging food? It’s true! Gulls can also be important ecological indicators of pollution and other stressors. Dr. Mark Hipfner, a research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), joins us on this episode to discuss research being undertaken in British Columbia to track gulls and examine their health. You can report sightings of banded gulls from this study here

Microplastics In The Salish Sea: Breaking It Down

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0800

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastics, unfortunately abound in our oceans and waterways, and seem to be everywhere. In the marine environment, these microplastics accumulate and work their way up the food chain to top consumers, including humans. Dr. Lyda Harris, a Sustainability and Conservation Scientist at Boeing, will discuss this issue here in the Salish Sea, how big of a problem it really is locally, health effects and impacts to marine life, innovative solutions to the problem, and how we can help!

Don’t Toy With Me! Why Southern Resident Killer Whales Harass Porpoises

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0800

Even though Southern Resident killer whales do not eat marine mammals, they have been observed harassing and killing porpoises for decades in the Pacific Northwest. If they aren’t doing this behavior to get food, this leads to the big question of Why? Dr. Deborah Giles, Science & Research Director at Wild Orca, and Sarah Teman, Graduate Student at the University of Washington, joins us on this episode to share their insights and latest research findings into this perplexing behavior.

Making A Splash: Humpback Whales In The Salish Sea

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0800

In recent years, there has been record number of humpback whales being seen in the Salish Sea. What's going on? What might this mean for our local ecosystem? Tasli Shaw, Co-founder and Project Lead of Humpback Whales of the Salish Sea, starts the new year off with us on this episode as we talk humpback whales and learn about their ongoing humpback whale photo identification work.

You Saw What? Marine Mammal Sightings In Washington State

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 17:00:00 -0800

The Whale Hotline public sighting network was initiated by TWM in the spring of 1976 as a means for members of the public to report Orca sightings in Washington State to the Orca Survey. Later, the focus was expanded to include reports of all species of cetaceans and marine mammal strandings in Washington State. On this episode, my co-worker, Alexis Morrigan, TWM’s Sightings Network Coordinator, shares with us some sighting highlights, and the more unusual encounters, that have been reported locally. Learn not only about how you can get involved by reporting sightings, the importance of these data, trends being seen (including those of Southern Resident Killer Whales), but also surprising marine mammals that have been seen!

Diving Into Kelp! The Samish Indian Nation’s Kelp Forest Research

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0800

Kelp forests are not only very important ecologically, but also culturally important to indigenous peoples here in the Salish Sea. Staff at the Samish Indian Nation have been conducting kelp forest monitoring since 2017. Come join us on this episode, as Toby McLeod, a member of the Samish Indian Nation as well as a technician with their Department of Natural Resources, tells us all about the awesome work they are doing locally to help protect kelp forests and how they are using traditional ecological knowledge and the data collected in this on-going study towards this effort!

U R What U Eat: Seasonal Variation in Fat Content Of Fraser River Chinook Salmon And Implications For SRKW Prey Quality

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -0700

You may know that the endangered Southern Resident killer whales rely on Chinook salmon for food, especially from the Fraser River. Did you know, however, a recent study has found there is significant variation amongst Fraser River Chinook in how fat (high quality) these fish are? This, in turn, affects the energetic value of these fish to SRKWs. Jacob Lerner, a PhD Candidate from the University of British Columbia, discusses these findings and how they might be impacting SRKW foraging patterns and even the ability of SRKWs to recover as a population.

Food For Thought: Different Foraging Strategies Between SRKWs And NRKWs

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0700

In the Salish Sea, Southern Resident killer whales and Northern Resident killer whales both eat salmon, primarily Chinook. Although similar populations, they surprisingly have strikingly different foraging strategies. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Tennessen, a Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Ecosystem Sentinels at the University of Washington, explains these different strategies and their implications.

Salish Sea Oceanographic Modeling: Who Could Have Predicted?

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0700

Water quality and properties can be impacted by a wide array of sources, including climate change. Having a practical and accurate modeling tool for assessing such impacts is vital to making good ecosystem management decisions and future planning. On this episode, Dr. Tarang Khangaonkar, a coastal ocean modeler with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, will tell us about the development of a high resolution 3-D finite volume hydrodynamic and transport model for the Pacific Northwest region of Puget Sound & Georgia Basin (the Salish Sea). This oceanographic model includes a comprehensive biogeochemical component and is now the “workhorse” for the analysis of water quality and circulation, nutrient pollution management, and response to sea level rise, climate change, and ocean acidification.

Cold-Water Corals: Ancient Treasures Of The Salish Sea

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0700

If someone asked you where can you find corals, you would say tropics, right? However, you can find corals here in the Pacific Northwest too! It’s true – believe it or not! These native corals can take thousands of years to form, and as such, can serve as an important key to understanding changes in the physical and chemical properties of Salish Sea waters and the impact of these changes to local corals in the past, present, and future. On this episode, we are thrilled to have Mary Margaret V Stoll, a graduate student at the University of Washington, share with us all about cold water corals; their importance, as well as fragility, in the ecosystem; and her research.

Sustainable Ecotourism In The Salish Sea: What Does It Look Like And How Do We Get There?

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0700

Whale watching and visitors are huge economic booms for the San Juan Islands and other Salish Sea communities. However, how do we navigate the desire for tourism and recreation in our local waters and lands while mitigating the harmful impacts such activities can have on our beloved wildlife, especially whales, and our surrounding environment? Conservationists world-wide have struggled with this very question given increased pressures and stress on ecosystems. On this episode, Angela Broderick, San Juan County’s Climate & Sustainability Coordinator, discusses the creation of a Sustainable Tourism Management Plan for the San Juan Islands as well as what a vision of sustainable ecotourism could look like for Salish Sea communities.

Who's Your Daddy? Paternity And Inbreeding In The SRKWs

Thu, 04 May 2023 13:00:00 -0700

Genetics, including paternity, is challenging to figure out in killer whales. These relationships, however, are very important to determine in order to better understand mating dynamics and genetic diversity within their populations. As our endangered Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) population continues to decline, there is concern of increased inbreeding within the population and the negative impacts this would further have on genetic diversity within the population. Dr. Mike Ford, Research Scientist with NOAA, joins us on this episode to discuss his latest research findings regarding SRKW mating patterns, population structure, and population viability. Understanding these aspects are vital towards conservation efforts. Believe me: you aren’t going to want to miss this episode!

Seabird Bycatch In The Pacific Northwest: The Problem And The Solutions

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0700

Seabird bycatch (that is the unintentional catching of seabirds) in commercial fisheries is a big problem globally. Many of these birds wind up dying. Here in the Pacific Northwest, albatross are particularly at risk. Bycatch can result in huge population losses of seabird species. For threatened or endangered species, even the death of a small number of birds can have devastating effects. Seabird bycatch can hurt economically too through increased fishing costs, decreased fishing efficiency, and lost fishing access. Fortunately, there are solutions. Edward Melvin, a former faculty member of the University of Washington, joins us on this episode to give us an overview of these solutions and explain the challenges and opportunities in their implementation.

Mystery In The Pacific Northwest: The Gray Whale Unusual Mortality Event

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0700

Since 2019, a high number of gray whales have been stranding along the west coast of North America from Mexico to Alaska. This has prompted NOAA to declare an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for the Eastern Pacific stock of gray whales which is still being actively investigated. Joining us on this episode is Dr. Aimée R. Lang, a researcher with NOAA, to tell us about this UME, latest findings on the cause(s), future outlook of the population, and what actions, if any, are being taken.

Meet The Pipefish: The Salish Sea’s Seahorse

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0800

If you like seahorses (who doesn’t?) than this episode is for you! While there are no seahorses in the Salish Sea, we do have pipefish, which are very closely related to seahorses. On this episode, Tiffany Boothe, Assistant Manager at the Seaside Aquarium in Oregon, tells us about these unique and eloquent fish! We’ll explore their biology, where you can find them, their cool peculiarities, and so much more, including the question everyone wants to know: what’s up with the males doing all the hard work of carrying the eggs? Tune in to learn more fun facts and surprises about this species!

Squid Game, Salish Sea Style: Our Weird And Wonderful Squid!

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0800

How well do you think you know our local squid species? You are about to find out! These cephalopods have strange and secret lives. Your imagination may conjure up the imposing Humboldt squid, a very large, silent predator with a sharp beak and tentacles containing hooks and suction cups with razor sharp teeth. Perhaps you picture, instead, the cute, small, googly-eyed stubby squid or the beautiful profile of a shimmering opalescent inshore squid. On this episode, Dr. Benjamin Burford, a post doctoral scholar at the University of California, Santa Cruz, joins us as we learn from him about these mysterious animals. We have an inkling you will just love this episode!

Ocean Empathy: The Race To Win Over Hearts And Minds

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:00:00 -0800

Empathy - the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. With the holidays upon us, our thoughts turn to good will towards others, which includes kindness and compassion to nature. If you are listening to this podcast, it reflects you caring about our oceans and the life within them. What sparked this in you? It starts with empathy. If we are to save our waters and the life within them, the very first step is caring enough to want to act. On this episode, Dr. Erika Woolsey, Chief Scientist & CEO of The Hydrous, and Jess Newley, Community Science and Education Manager at Friends of the San Juans, discuss the importance of having ocean empathy, and how technology, especially virtual reality, is being used as a tool to foster this.

Ancient Evidence: First Peoples And The Management And Use Of Salish Sea Marine Resources

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0800

For thousands of years, indigenous peoples have called the Salish Sea home. An important part of living here was sustainably managing and using the resources the waters provided. On this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Anne Salomon, a professor at Simon Fraser University, with us to talk about these ancient management practices in regards to traditionally important resources, like sea otters, clams, and salmon. Not only will we learn about the historical and cultural relevance of these resources to First Nations in Canada, but also how evidence is uncovered to learn about the ancient past.

Are You Smarter Than A Killer Whale? Exploring Orca Intelligence

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -0700

On this riveting episode, Dr. Lori Marino, President of The Whale Sanctuary Project and a neuroscientist and expert in animal behavior, joins us to discuss the intelligence of orcas. Just how smart are they? Are they smarter than humans? How did they get such big brains and why? Are dolphins and whales capable of complex emotions? These are just some of the many questions we will explore.

Extinction Is Not An Option! Washington State’s Efforts To Recover Salmon

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0700

As their primary food, Chinook salmon are vital to our beloved, endangered Southern Resident killer whales. By restoring salmon populations, we can help to save these orcas. On this episode, Tara Galuska, Orca Recovery Coordinator at WA State Recreation and Conservation Office, gives an update on what efforts the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office have undertaken to help increase local salmon populations; the status and progress of these efforts; and how they fit in with recommendations made by Governor Jay Inslee’s Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force for orca recovery. While much hard work still lies ahead, we can take hope with the successes that have already been made.

Howl You Doing? Getting To Know Wolf Eels

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0700

Wolf eels are a marine species we have here in the Salish Sea. With their large heads and menacing teeth, they look scary but are they really? Are they even eels at all? You’ll find out all about this misunderstood species on this episode as Robert Pacunski, Research Scientist with WDFW, joins us to talk about them and shares with us interesting and surprising details about their lives. This is an episode you definitely can sink your teeth into!

Nudis Exposed: Nudibranchs Laid Bare!

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0700

Nudibranchs are truly amazing and beautiful marine invertebrates! These sea slugs of the Salish Sea come in a variety of sizes, colors, patterns, and body forms. While you can commonly discover them tide-pooling along rocky beaches, you can also find them underneath floating docks and when diving. On this episode, Luan Roberts, a citizen scientist and naturalist, shares with us the fascinating world of these creatures and her dock fouling adventures around the Puget Sound area. As Luan will show us, we all can make important contributions to science through our observations of the natural world.

Green Dreams: Salish Sea Eelgrass Bed Restoration Projects!

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0700

Here in the Salish Sea, eelgrass beds are an essential part of the ecosystem. On this episode, we have two special guests: Tina Whitman, Senior Staff Scientist at Friends of the San Juans, in San Juan County, WA, and Fiona Beaty, Regional Coordinator at Seachange Marine Conservation Society, in BC, Canada, who will share details about the importance of eelgrass beds and the eelgrass bed restoration work their organizations are doing. Together, they will give us a great snapshot of restoration approaches being taken on both the American and Canadian sides of the Salish Sea, their partners, and how you can get involved!

Eat, Prey, Love: WDFW’s Forage Fish Research And Beach Spawn Surveys

Mon, 16 May 2022 11:00:00 -0700

Forage fish, or small schooling fish species that serve as important prey for larger fish, marine mammals, and sea birds are vitally important to supporting a thriving marine ecosystem. On this episode, Phillip Dionne, Washington State Forage Fish Research and Management Lead at WDFW, discusses forage fish research WDFW is involved in the southern Salish Sea, including annual macrovegetation ("rake") surveys for herring eggs and beach spawn surveys for smelt and sand lance eggs. We’ll also discuss how citizen scientists are a big part of the beach spawn survey effort.

Harmful Algal Blooms And Red Tides: Separating Fact From Fiction

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0700

With Earth Day coming up, a lot of attention is on global warming. One impact of global warming is increased harmful algal blooms (HABs). There are a lot of misconceptions out there about HABs. True or False? Red tides are always red. You should only ever eat shellfish in months with R’s. You only have to really worry about red tides in summer. Answer: False to all of the above! How did you do? On this episode, Aimee Christy, a research biologist with the Pacific Shellfish Institute, helps us separate fact from fiction about HABs, risks they pose, and local phytoplankton monitoring efforts.

See Birds? WDFW’s Marine Bird Population Surveys And Research

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0700

On this episode, Dr. Scott Pearson, Research Scientist with WDFW, shares with us about the important long-term work WDFW is undertaking to monitor population abundance and trends of different seabird species that breed locally or over-winter in the Puget Sound, San Juan Archipelago, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Washington Coast. Marbled murrelets, tufted puffins, and rhinoceros auklets are just some of the amazing birds you will hear about. Listen in to find out more about the life history and ecology of these birds, how WDFW is conducting surveys of their populations, the status of these populations and threats they face, as well as what you can do to help!

Simply Fintastic! Raincoast Conservation Foundation’s Fraser River Connectivity Project And Wild Salmon Initiative

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0800

Fraser River Chinook salmon are a very important food source for our beloved North Pacific orcas but sadly these salmon are struggling to survive. On this episode, we find out about some of the actions being taken to help them. Raincoast Conservation Foundation (RCF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the lands, waters and wildlife of coastal British Columbia. While their team is involved in a wide array of conservation projects, we chat with Dave Scott, RCF’s Research and Restoration Coordinator for the Lower Fraser Salmon Program, about programs they are specifically undertaking to increase and protect salmon. We hope this episode leaves you inspired, and more knowledgeable, about supporting Pacific salmon recovery!

Springer: A Story Of Hope

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0800

January 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of when a lone, orphaned Northern Resident orca calf, Springer, was first seen in Puget Sound, WA, and an extraordinary journey began to rescue her and reunite her with her family in Canadian Waters. To commemorate this anniversary, this very special podcast episode features interviews with several individuals involved in the events as they share their memories and perspectives on Springer's story and lessons learned. We are joined by Lynne Barre, NOAA's Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery Coordinator; Donna Sandstrom, Founder, The Whale Trail and Author, Orca Rescue! the True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer ; Kari Koski, former Soundwatch Coordinator for The Whale Museum; and Mark Sears, Puget Sound Orca Researcher. Also, please note the following correction: in this episode, "Friends of the Earth" should be "Earth Island Institute."

Our Northerly Neighbors: Northern Resident Killer Whales

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -0800

What better way to start out a new year than with whales! On this episode, Jared Towers, a cetacean research technician with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, joins us for a fascinating in-depth conversation about the Northern Resident killer whales (NRKWs). NRKWs are a population of killer whales (also known as orcas) that eat fish and reside in waters around, and above, northern Vancouver Island. We’ll get the scoop on the culture of these whales; population dynamics, status, and threats; as well as research and conservation efforts. Additionally, differences and interactions will be delved into between this population and the similar, but distinctly different, population of Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs).

All In A Day’s Work: SJCMMSN Adventures In Marine Mammal Rescue, Research, And Education

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:00:00 -0800

Happy Holidays! Tis the season to be merry with friends and family! In that spirit, on this episode, I interview my fellow co-worker at The Whale Museum, Alyssa Scott, Stranding Network Coordinator/Acoustician, about the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN). Follow along as we explore the ins and outs of marine mammal rescue, stranding call response, her involvement with the latest research efforts and trainings, surprising things stranded marine mammals have revealed about themselves and our local ecosystem, as well as how you can get involved in marine mammal rescue.

Spilling Your Guts: Sea Cucumbers!

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0800

Dubbed “vacuum cleaners” of the sea, sea cucumbers play an important role in ecosystems. Sea cucumbers are one of more than 3,000 marine invertebrate species we have here in the Salish Sea. Did you know they can defend themselves by shooting their internal organs out through either their head or butt? Or, that several species of pearlfish live inside their butts? These are just some of the amazing and fun facts you’ll learn about these wacky echinoderms on this episode. Dr. Emaline Montgomery, a research scientist from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, tells us all about these incredible animals! We’ll learn about their biology, their role in aquaculture, threats to marine invertebrate populations, as well as research and conservation efforts.

Salish Sea Sharks: The Jawsome Truth!

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0700

We hope you are a shiver with excitement for this topic! Do you know we have sharks here in the Salish Sea? For our very first podcast, we are so happy to have research scientist, Dr. Jackie King, from the Ecosystem Science Division of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, joining us to talk about sharks! We'll discuss what species we have here in the Salish Sea, their life history/biology, current research and findings, threats and issues to them, conservation measures being undertaken, and other interesting tidbits you might want to know about working with sharks!