Ed Gullekson is a major asset to the Salish Sea, not only as a donor and advocate for the environment but also as a skilled diver and photographer. Ed has worked alongside SeaDoc Society on our annual REEF advanced-assessment dives, which are an important way to track the health of our marine ecosystems. We asked Ed a few questions about his love for this place and his work in support of its health.
What inspired you to support SeaDoc Society?: I have been a water person all my life. I learned to free-dive at age 14 and competed in swimming and water polo from age 14 to 42. My undergraduate degree is in oceanography. These days I am a citizen scientist, volunteering in a variety of ways to help monitor the Salish Sea. With that background, the mission of SeaDoc Society just fit with my way of thinking about caring for the environment around us. When I learned about all the great work they do, I wanted to contribute.
What's your biggest concern about Salish Sea health?: Two areas are important to me. The degradation of the water quality is a source of change that can and does cause changes to all that live in the Salish Sea. And because runoff from the land goes into the SS, it is often a source for materials that make negative impacts on the marine wildlife. The second concern is climate change which will cause marine creatures and plants to adapt or be lost.
What's your favorite aspect about SeaDoc Society as an organization?: The focus on using scientific methods to make improvements in the marine environment. The people who are part of SeaDoc Society bring a wide range of knowledge and skills. I especially appreciate the leadership that SeaDoc Society brings to large issues such as saving the SRKW pods by helping disparate groups understand the science and find common ground.
A short video Ed produced during a REEF advanced-assessment dive with SeaDoc.
Why should others consider supporting ocean health?: This group provides a way to contribute to environmental improvements that make a difference in our own home waters.
What's your favorite species in the Salish Sea?: Large - bluntnose sixgill shark; small - Pacific spiny lumpsucker; alien - giant Pacific octopus
Anything you'd like to add that we didn't ask about?: Water covers 70% of the earth. It is imperative that we pay attention to these environments as damage to them will have negative impacts on us.