New logo by WWU student Ashley Anshus incorporating many aspects of the Salish Sea.

Salish Sea Institute Logo Contest

We are happy to announce the winner of our recent logo contest, WWU student and Salish Sea Studies minor Ashley Anshus. Ashley came up with an intricate design that incorporates the wonderful beauty and biodiversity of the Salish Sea region, from the white capped seas to the white capped mountains. Thank you Ashley for this gorgeous design. Be on the lookout for this logo on future Salish Sea Institute projects!

New Tahlequah Communication Intern

We look forward to working with the Salish Sea Institute's first Tahlequah Communication Intern Mia Limmer-Lai! As a third-year environmental journalism student, she is passionate about making complex environmental science and policy issues accessible to the public through storytelling. She has worked as a reporter at the Methow Valley News and The Front, WWU's online student newspaper. As a communication intern she will work through University Communications to promote the Salish Sea Institute's research and accomplishments. This internship was made possible by a generous endowment from Frank Greer and Stephanie Solien. Read more about their support here.

Salish Sea Studies Scholarship Recipients

We are pleased to announce that SSI was able to provide five $1,000 scholarships to Salish Sea Studies students this academic year. These scholarships are available because of generous donors that see the value this minor provides to students. Read quotes from each student below about how the Salish Sea Studies minor has impacted their lives.

“Everyone at SSI is incredibly supportive and I look forward to seeing how I can continue working in the Salish Sea region to help preserve the incredible biodiversity we have here.”

- Lynden Miles

“When I took my first class in the Salish Sea Studies department I realized that scientific knowledge could be accessible to me, and I realized the importance of community when it comes to conservation.”

- Ashley Anshus

“I have learned so much from classes in the SALI minor and I hope one day that I can be a contributor and help a future student be rewarded with a scholarship like I have.”

- Emma Fredlund

No photos available

“My dream is to be part of the ongoing conservation effort that ensures the Salish Sea’s longevity for future generations. I love this region and everything that encompasses it, and I want to pay it back by committing to this path I’ve seen laid before me: by entering into the local biology/conservation effort for the sake of a better tomorrow.”

- Cody Anderson

“I have always wanted to study the ocean and I knew deep down I would have to move away from home, so I was so happy to find a place I felt confident to call my second home.”

- Cora Gunderson

Emerging Issues Series

Be sure to check out all our Emerging Issues series that highlights recent science and scholarship about the shared waters of the multinational Salish Sea.

Check them out at the links below!

Governance

Orcas/noise

Media and Roberts Bank

Urban forage fish

Evidence based hope

Mega projects impacts

Welcome our new Salish Sea Studies instructor!

We are happy to welcome Eli Loomis as the instructor for our Introduction to the Salish Sea courses (SALI 201 and 202) for the 2024-2025 academic year! Professor Loomis is a WWU alumni and conducted fieldwork in wilderness from the Salish Sea, to Montana, Utah and the Antarctic! He was also the executive director of the Boulder Outdoor Survival School. At Western Professor Loomis has taught a variety of environmental studies courses as well as been the faculty advisor for WWU’s Planet Magazine. His experiences with and love of the Salish Sea region make him a perfect fit for our Salish Sea Studies courses, and we are excited to have him on board!

Other events happening this month!

Bellingham SeaFeast 2024

Bellingham's annual SeaFeast honors our waterfront's rich maritime heritage through food, culture and entertainment. Join the festivities at Zuanich Point Park and Fisherman's Pavilion on October 5 and 6! Check out the event here.

Orca Recovery Day - Oct 19th

This is an intentional day of action to build awareness and make a difference for Southern Resident Killer Whales. Check out this great event happening here in Bellingham!

Conservation districts, cities, and non-profits are hosting informational, restoration and hands-on learning events throughout the Puget Sound. Look for other Orca Recovery events around the region. Find an event near you here.