This summer, our brilliant Scientific Advisory Committee gathered in Seattle to assess and ultimately determine funding for five new critical research projects here in the Salish Sea. You can read about those here.
Our Science Advisors are a vital part of our mission, and we’re excited to introduce two exciting new additions. They are Caitlin Magel of Puget Sound Institute and Phil Bloch of Confluence Environmental Company. We asked them a few questions so you can get to know them a bit better.
Welcome Caitlin and Phil!
We're excited to announce that SeaDoc Society will fund five new scientific research projects aimed at improving the longterm health of the Salish Sea. Each project was carefully reviewed and selected by our Scientific Advisory Committee and funded through your donations from people like you.
We look forward to sharing more about each of these as fieldwork ramps up, but here is a brief look at the newly funded projects:
The Washington State Academy of Sciences has elected 36 new members in recognition of their outstanding record of scientific and technical achievement. Among the select group in this year’s slate is SeaDoc Society Science Director Joe Gaydos!
The Molly B skims the water as divers prepare for a day of field work in the Salish Sea. SeaDoc Society’s research assistant Cat Lo gets ready to don her heavy dive gear and take a plunge. One by one, the divers back roll off the boat and splash into the water with their slates and survey equipment. They descend and begin their objective; to survey young-of-year rockfish.
Cat’s job entails a lot of time spent on or under the water, whether she’s surveying baby rockfish, assisting with killer whale health assessments, or the many other projects SeaDoc has in motion. Time spent in the field comes with its highs, its challenges, and its unexpected outcomes. While all components of science are important, much of the work we do puts us out in the field, interacting with the ecosystem first hand.
As marine scientists, the ocean is our laboratory.
The SeaDoc Society lost a great friend, and the world lost a true hero when Bill Anders died on June 7.
Bill’s famous “Earthrise” photo, taken aboard Apollo 8 as he became one of the first three astronauts to orbit the moon, was a stunning and poignant reminder that our planet is a small, watery blue marble floating in a vast universe. The image is credited with sparking the environmental movement and Life Magazine listed it as one of the “100 Photographs That Changed the World.”
This month’s Donor Spotlight features Richard and Dawn Bangert—two big SeaDoc supporters who have been regular guests at our Wine & Sea Auction over the years! The Bangerts also have their gifts matched by their former employer. Get to know Richard and Dawn below and check to see if your employer matches donations here!
Wally and Josie Barrows’ connection to the Salish Sea runs decades deep. They started off as visitors but in time felt the pull to make a home on Orcas Island. The Barrows have supported SeaDoc Society’s conservation work for years and are regular attendees at our summer Wine & Sea Auction. Our research vessel and marine mammal stranding response boat, the “Nancy Bee” is lovingly named in Wally and Josie’s daughter’s memory.
Supporting a cause you care about can take many forms, and Kelly and Janet Nimtz are shining examples of that. Kelly worked for many years at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and played a sustained role in the growth of the School—which is the top institution in the world. All the while, he and Janet have supported our work in the Salish Sea all the way from their home in California, not only with their energy and enthusiasm, but as longtime donors. They even recently took steps to put SeaDoc Society into their estate plans, meaning their impact will be felt deep into the ecosystem’s future.
The ocean and the rainforests are the lungs of our planet and without the oceans, we lose everything.
I am involved with and support several key wildlife and nature groups throughout the world. My philosophy is to only support groups who can make a positive difference on the ground, such as groups who move the needle in a positive direction for their specifically targeted goals. The SeaDoc Society does just that, they are such wonderful, smart people, doing great work, and are making a tangible difference.
We’re excited to introduce you to Tara Craig and Brenna Normann—two fairly new supporters of SeaDoc Society who immediately jumped on board as engaged monthly donors. Their employer matches each monthly donation, meaning their support is not only sustained but also doubled! Does your employer offer to match your charitable giving? Ask them or search for your employer here!
