Dr. Thomas Quinn, Emeritus Professor at SAFS, offers insight into the remarkable annual migrations of Pacific Salmon, emphasizing that there is no single “salmon run,” but a series of species-specific migrations spanning the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Visitors to the Anchorage Museum can explore Arctic marine science through a new exhibition featuring SAFS Professor and CICOES Director John Horne, whose work demonstrates how acoustic technology helps scientists observe life beneath the ocean surface.

A new study co-authored by SAFS Professor Corey Garza highlights how structural barriers limit access to California’s coast and outlines pathways toward more equitable coastal management.

As the Trump administration moves to repeal the Roadless Rule, Dr. Julian Olden, the study’s lead author and Professor of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at University of Washington, said “it is difficult to overstate the importance of roadless areas for people and nature,” warning that weakening the rule could threaten both clean water and outdoor recreation.

Are you passionate about climate change solutions and science communication? Join a local research project studying public perceptions of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), an emerging marine carbon dioxide removal technology being piloted right here in Washington State.
What You’ll Do
As a volunteer research assistant, you will help conduct visitor-intercept surveys at the Feiro Marine Life Center in Port Angeles Harbor, engage with the public about Project Macoma and ocean-based climate solutions, and answer guest questions about OAE and the local research being conducted. 

We are nearing the end of the academic year, a time that naturally leads us to reflect the past year, and to look ahead to the next. Doing so fills with deep pride and admiration for SAFS, as our faculty, staff, and students have achieved so much despite numerous challenges. They continue to make important scientific breakthroughs on so many topics: unraveling equity in seafood trade, decoding whale vocalization, identifying threats of climate change to kelps and steelhead, documenting gaps in river conservation and much more.

Connor Whalen received the College of the Environment’s Exceptional Mentoring of Undergraduates award. This award, given annually to faculty, students and staff throughout the college, recognizes individuals for their efforts to develop undergraduate student research and the intellectual vibrancy of the College of the Environment.
Connor is a parasitologist, currently pursuing a M.S. in SAFS.
Connor’s nomination was noteworthy in that it was led by a large group of undergraduate students who have had the opportunity to work with him.    

The 2026 Bevan Symposium on Sustainable Fisheries celebrated the careers and successes of recently retired NOAA Fisheries professionals. Ten individuals from around the country visited the School to reflect on their careers, their accomplishments, and the future of the fisheries in the U.S.
The symposium, in its 24th year, brings in the world’s experts to discuss their contributions to pressing topics in sustainable fisheries with faculty, students and staff.  

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) at the University of Washington is dedicated to sustaining healthy freshwater and marine environments. Within SAFS is Columbia Basin Research (CBR), a research center that provides public data access and quantitative approaches to issues involving Salmon and Steelhead migrating through regulated river systems.
CBR consists of a group of a dozen employees dedicated to providing important data services and research to the region. 

Steven Roberts is seeking two undergraduate students (or recent graduates) to participate in a funded summer research opportunity through the University of Washington eScience Institute.
The program supports undergraduate researchers interested in exploring how emerging AI tools can be applied to scientific research. Participants will work full-time (40 hours/week) for 10 weeks beginning June 22, 2026, as part of a cohort of students from across the UW system.