Washington 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.
Washington Sea Grant Tide’s Out trainings help to skill up the shellfish industry
Over a few days this winter, aspiring leaders and supervisors of farmhands, plant workers, and nursery staff from shellfish companies up and down the West Coast found themselves back in the classroom – well, at least part of the time.
Read moreNew research reveals genetic insights key to eelgrass restoration efforts
A WSG-funded study shows that nature, not just nurture, explains whether eelgrass flowers
Native Washington eelgrass (Zostera marina) is in trouble. Due to declines in some areas of the Salish Sea and Pacific coast over the last 20 years, restoring eelgrass – and the crucial habitat and ecosystem services it provides – is a high priority for Washington state.
WSG Director update: Our federal funding status
Dear Partners and Friends of Washington Sea Grant:
One month ago, I shared an update highlighting the benefits that Washington Sea Grant (WSG) continues to bring to Washington state. Since writing that update, WSG underwent a 6-year programmatic review and passed with flying colors: the review committee was quick to see the substantial economic value and excellent service to Washington provided by our program and the outstanding expertise and dedication of our staff and awarded us high marks in all categories.
Who brings your seafood to you? An interview with Jesse Holden, fisherman, shellfish farmer and geoduck diver
By Alison Lorenz, WSG Communications Project Coordinator
One of the first questions to ask in a fisherman profile is what all the fisherman catches. Many fishermen specialize in one or two species, but some target several.
Researchers to map the genome of the invasive European green crab
With state funding, Washington Sea Grant will work with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to shed light on a highly invasive species
SEATTLE – Washington state will soon have another tool to support long-term management for one of the highest priority invasive species, European green crab, thanks to additional state funding dedicated to genetic research.