The small subpopulation of polar bears in Kane Basin were doing better, on average, in recent years than in the 1990s. The bears are experiencing short-term benefits from thinning and shrinking multiyear sea ice that allows more sunlight to reach the ocean surface, which makes the system more ecologically productive.

A new University of Washington study uses passive data from a fishing technology company to model the movement of anglers and predict where aquatic invasive species may be spreading.

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is launching a new citizen science project called OceanEYEs and is seeking volunteers to help find Deep 7 bottomfish in underwater videos.

Last quarter we explored SAFS’ vast research network throughout the world’s arctic, subarctic, and tropical regions. We now bring the focus back to Washington State and the fascinating science coming from our own backyard. Delve into some research highlights from our faculty, staff, and students with an interactive map taking you on a virtual tour all around our state.

Less than two months after taking my last final exam as a SAFS undergrad, I packed two small duffel bags and left Washington. I flew across the country to Charleston, South Carolina, to start a dive internship with the South Carolina Aquarium.

John Connelly, the President of NFI since 2003, has helped oversee the organization’s generosity to SAFS. Read a digital conversation between John and Danna Bowers (Advancement, College of the Environment).

Drs. Usha and S. Rao Varanasi are longtime supporters of SAFS and also benefactors to many other academic units across the UW. Usha chatted with Andrew Storms (Advancement, College of the Environment) about her and Rao’s commitment to the education of students at SAFS and the UW.

Pacific geoducks, among the largest burrowing clams in the world, are native to the Pacific Northwest. Commercially grown only since 1995, farmed geoducks now generate over $20 million in annual sales in Washington State and are among the most valuable farmed shellfish on a per-acre basis. However, hatcheries can be a critical production bottleneck.

Six months ago, I was writing to you about our new full-color printed newsletter and our preparations for the class in Alaska this summer. Well… how things have changed since then!

Each year, our students, faculty, and staff win regional, national, and international awards. Please join us in congratulating this year’s group of award winners!