SOOKE Bay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Jennifer is embarking on a MA degree in Environmental Studies at Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University! She is researching contaminant levels in Salish Sea seaweeds. Working with Washington Tribes and British Columbia First Nations to select beach sites and harvest seaweeds, she is checking both "pop weed" (Fucus) and bull kelp (Nereocystis). The Salish Sea Seaweed Garden has been a source of food for 1000s of years. As people return to traditional foods, it is essential they know if the foods are contaminated by chemical pollutants. Stay tuned! Results will be analyzed in the Winter/Spring of 2016. Oceans of thanks to UC Davis/Sea Doc Society (the generous funders) and the Border Policy Research Institute at WWU (also a wonderful funder), and the many First Nation and Washington Tribes who have generously contributed scientists, boat drivers, boats and their vast knowledge of the Salish Sea! Raised kayak paddles to Shannon Point Marine Center and staff for their kind lab support and giant freezer!

"Hy'Shqa" 
(Coast Salish for "blessing" or "thank you)