Robyn 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).
Raising the next generation of endangered pinto abalone
A WSG-funded project informs future restoration efforts and resilience for pinto abalone populations in the Pacific Northwest
By Luciana Calle, WSG Science Communications Fellow
Seattle, WA – You may know abalone by its shimmery shell, but the pinto abalone, Washington’s only native abalone species, is now better known for its sharp decline.
Second Annual Salish Sea-wide Molt Blitz coming June 20
Are you one of the millions of Washington residents living on or near the Salish Sea? Join the Salish Sea-wide Molt Blitz on June 20 to contribute to the largest single-day dataset of crab molts collected in our state.
Read moreWashington Clean Vessel Act Program expands pumpout options for boaters
With the boating season officially underway, it’s time for Washington boaters to brush up on their knowledge for leaving a healthy wake for all to enjoy. This includes being able to safely and effectively dispose of sewage from a boat’s holding tank.
Read moreWith Washington Sea Grant Skills and Drills training, aspiring commercial fishermen get their sea legs
From the Summer 2025 Sea Star
By Alison Lorenz, WSG Communications Project Coordinator
“Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” The student called a distress signal, indicating their boat had an emergency. Fortunately, there was no real danger at Washington Sea Grant (WSG)’s South Bend office.
WSG welcomes Mel Lemke, Graduate Science Communications Fellow
Mel Lemke is a self-proclaimed creepy-crawly-enthusiast who loves the deep sea. Hailing from the mountains of Colorado, Mel has always had an awe and appreciation for the complexity of marine systems, leading her to complete her B.S.
Read moreCelebrating 20 years of the Clean Marina Washington Program
By Luciana Calle, WSG Science Communications Fellow
On a sunny Wednesday morning, Aaron Barnett and Bridget Trosin, who manage the Clean Marina Washington Program, walked on the deck of Boat Street Marina, admiring one of the many marinas helping to protect Washington’s waters and marine life.
Dr. Nicole Naar receives 2025 College of the Environment Outstanding Community Impact Award
By Luciana Calle, WSG Science Communications Fellow
We are happy to announce that Dr. Nicole Naar, WSG social science and education specialist, was selected to receive the UW College of the Environment’s 2025 Outstanding Community Impact Award.