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The Salish Sea Institute invited Dr. Holly Fearnbach of SR3 (Sealife Response + Rehab + Research), and Dr. Giles of Seadoc gave a webinar on their individual projects on October 15^th 2025. 

Dr. Fearnbach spoke on her long-term drone aerial photographic 3D modeling research on the endangered population of Southern Resident killer Whales. She shared research updates and how the data is being used to help recover the population.

Dr. Giles gave an overview of SeaDoc’s Southern Resident Killer Whale Health Monitoring Program as well as a summary of collaborative research projects being conducted that paint a near real-time picture of the health of endangered Southern Resident killer whales and provide timely data to the public and management agencies used to understand and address the causes of population decline.

Whales and their prey in the Salish Sea are not currently afforded sufficient protection due to a combination of limited cross-border cooperation, gaps in legislative protection, and governmental authorities disregarding established legal frameworks. For Southern Residents in particular, lack of protection due to these factors is likely to result in extinction, based on the current trajectory of this population. However, enhanced protection of whales and their prey is possible within the Salish Sea with identifying and developing unified pathways. Through learning and reflecting on current strategies on either side of the border, a greater understanding of legislative processes between both countries can be achieved, which in the long-term will facilitate more cohesive and robust environmental protections. The Salish Sea is a biologically unique and ecologically valuable inland sea, and enhanced cross-border cooperation and legislative alignment will support conservation of marine species that exist in this special region.

Read Issue #10 Here

The Salish Sea Institute just released their 9th volume of their Emerging Issues in the Salish Sea Series: Reconcili-action in Higher Education. Increasingly, universities have been seen as sites for practicing decolonization work. Examples include the introduction of Land-based curricula, tribal relationship building, and the offering of critical Indigenous studies courses. However, universities remain spaces with deep colonial foundations. This paper summarizes a recent publication in Higher Education, by the same authors, offering a description of the challenges and insights gained through attempted decolonial reconcili-actiona work within this imperfect environment. We critically examine the conception, implementation, and lasting impact of a course offered at Western Washington University (WWU), located in Washington State on the ancestral territory of the Lummi and Nooksack peoples.

Read Issue #9 Here

Jerry Masters, business leader, conservationist, and lifetime resident of the Salish Sea has given a generous $500,000 gift to establish the Endowed Salish Sea Studies Professorship. Once the gift is matched to a total of $1,000,000, the endowment will establish a Salish Sea Studies Professorship.  According to Director Ginny Broadhurst the endowed position will center Coast Salish Knowledge in the institute's work, and deepen partnerships with Coast Salish communities. "We're excited at the possibility of bringing a scholar with Coast Salish expertise into the institute in a leadership role to help guide curriculum, mentor students, and help shape our work."

Do you need a part-time job for Fall, Winter, and Spring quarter? Do you need credit for Journalism 430? Do you want to grow your portfolio & gain experience working with veterans in the field? You might be interested in the Tahlequah Internship.
 

You are eligible to apply if you are a third or fourth year WWU student majoring in Journalism, Public Relations, Communication or Marketing; and meet the prerequisites for Journalism 430 (6 credits). More information on the internship and how to apply at the link below.

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