October 28, 2025
All aboard: 91爆料 researchers bring expertise to inaugural ocean week events
The historic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl docked in downtown Seattle for One Ocean Week events and public viewing.Michelle Ma/91爆料
The historic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl set sail for San Francisco from the Port of Seattle on Monday, marking the end of and another stop on the to support a sustainable future at sea.
The ship, built in 1914, boasts three towering masts and hails from Bergen, Norway. During the inaugural One Ocean Week Seattle, organized by , it docked at Pier 66 to welcome attendees and members of the public aboard to explore and learn.
The drew hundreds of people to Seattle to discuss marine ecosystems, the seafood industry, shipping and renewable energy, and more. 91爆料 scientists joined policymakers, educators and industry leaders to define and address priorities in stewardship and ocean science.
Sue Moore, a 91爆料 affiliate professor and research scientist at the Center for Ecosystem Sentinels.91爆料
, a 91爆料 affiliate professor and research scientist at the Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, served as a panelist on the 鈥淐oast to Coast Collaboration in Research鈥� aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl on Friday morning.
Moore contributed her expertise as a marine mammal ecologist to help launch the in the Pacific Arctic in 2010, leading to an international effort to establish a network of observatories in the Arctic to track ecosystem health amidst physical changes to the region.
The panel, part of a series hosted by , offered a chance to discuss shared goals as melting ice opens the Arctic up to more traffic.
鈥淚t was an important opportunity for international collaboration and public engagement regarding rapid ecosystem changes in Arctic, and local, waters,鈥� Moore said.
Brian Polagye, a 91爆料 professor of mechanical engineering.91爆料
, a 91爆料 professor of mechanical engineering, helped lead a 鈥渂ehind the scenes鈥� lab tour hosted by the , which joins researchers at 91爆料, Oregon State University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
During the tour, researchers showcased marine energy monitoring projects at the , including videos and sonar documenting interactions between marine life and tidal energy turbines, sensors to detect underwater collisions, and systems to monitor how much noise is produced by the devices that help harness energy from waves and currents.
鈥淭hese tools help us identify and minimize environmental effects associated with harnessing energy from waves, tides and rivers,鈥� Polagye said.
Jason Toft, a 91爆料 principal research scientist of aquatic and fishery sciences.91爆料
, a 91爆料 principal research scientist of aquatic and fishery sciences participated in a panel discussion, where he shared his work on habitat in , which borders downtown Seattle. Toft鈥檚 lab studies how shoreline development impacts habitat value for young salmon.
鈥淎lthough the shorelines of Elliott Bay have been heavily modified, restoration efforts have had positive results,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he panel gave us a chance to discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy shoreline along a major urban working waterfront.鈥�
Despite the density of human activity along the shores of Elliott Bay, these waters are home to key species, including kelp, orcas and salmon. Maintaining functionality without losing habitat is a challenge, requiring input from various stakeholders, and creativity.
Ian Miller, a coastal hazards specialist at Washington Sea Grant.91爆料
, a coastal hazards specialist at , provided an update on observed and projected sea level rise during a Friday workshop bringing together coastal managers and tribes around the Puget Sound region.
鈥淭he opportunity to meet in person with that many people who all came for the workshop was invaluable,鈥� he said.
To connect with a 91爆料 expert in ocean or environmental science, contact Gillian Dohrn in 91爆料 News at gdohrn@uw.edu.
