Summer 2025 Sea Star
The newest issue of our biannual magazine is here!
Washington Sea Grant (WSG) is excited to share about our research, outreach and education programs through Sea Star, our biannual magazine.
The summer 2025 issue is, unofficially, the “salmon issue,” with five feature stories highlighting the rich variety of WSG’s work through the study, stewardship and harvest of one of Washington state’s most important and iconic fishes.
Removing the barriers to salmon recovery
A new tool weighs the multifaceted factors involved in efforts to improve habitat
From the Summer 2025 Sea Star
By Brian McGreal, WSG Science Communications Fellow
In 2018, in a case brought forth by 21 Northwest Tribes, the Supreme Court ruled that Washington State has a duty to protect tribal treaty rights by preserving fish runs.
The Salmon and Climate Initiative brings a broader perspective to recovery efforts
From the Summer 2025 Sea Star
By Jess Davis, WSG Science Communications Fellow
Big actions often start with simple dreams. Nearly 40 years ago, many Washington state salmon fishermen began noticing declining stocks in salmon populations.
Terrie Klinger reflects on her year as WSG’s interim faculty director
Kate Litle stepped into the role of WSG interim director as of July 1
One year ago, I assumed the role of interim faculty director at Washington Sea Grant (WSG). This represented a new leadership model for WSG, and my goal was to pilot the new model for 12 months while actively helping to recruit a permanent director from among the UW faculty.
Kate Litle, WSG interim director, nominated for Washington Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award
WSG is thrilled to share that Kate Litle, WSG interim director and deputy director, was nominated for the prestigious 2025 Washington Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award.
The award recognizes state managers who “not only met high standards of leadership, but who also advanced innovation, equity and continuous improvement in the work they do every day,” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson wrote in the call for nominations.
From drifters to drivers: How moon jellyfish are reshaping marine ecosystems
A WSG-funded project unravels how moon jellyfish are causing ecosystem-wide impacts in Puget Sound
Seattle, WA – Moon jellyfish blooms are a stunning sight to see, their white and translucent colors making them appear light and delicate.
Washington Sea Grant welcomes Community-Engaged Intern Ava Vaughan
WSG is excited to welcome Ava Vaughan as the Community-Engaged Intern! In her role, Ava will work with community engagement specialist Sanpisa Sritrairat, coastal hazards specialist Ian Miller, and partners at Washington Emergency Management Division to support coastal hazard mitigation planning and social vulnerability assessments.
Read moreRobyn Ricks, WSG creative director, retires
For twenty-seven years, Robyn Ricks has shaped how the outside world sees Washington Sea Grant. As the program’s creative director, Robyn has brought her visual branding and graphic design skills to produce materials from websites to the Sea Star print magazine to formal presentations.
Read moreNew staff: WSG welcomes Jubilee Cho and Kaitlyn Kowaleski
Washington Sea Grant (WSG) is excited to welcome two new staff this summer: Jubilee Cho is the new graphic designer, and Kaitlyn Kowaleski is a new postdoctoral scholar.
Jubilee Cho
In Jubilee’s role, she works across several creative mediums in print, web, digital and experiential to promote WSG communications, outreach and campaigns.
Wesley Hull wins UW Graduate School Medal for work with Washington shellfish farmers
By Alison Lorenz, WSG Communications Project Coordinator
Dr. Wesley Hull has been awarded the University of Washington (UW) Graduate School Medal for his dissertation research, supported in part by Washington Sea Grant (WSG).