Sharing Voices
We sent out a questionnaire, asking people about their personal views and experiences with the Salish Sea. Responders to the questionnaire have a wide variety of backgrounds in professions relating to the Salish Sea. Each responder shares their own experience with the Salish Sea. If you wish to go directly to their responses click on their name.
Responders Include:
Dana Lyons, Bellingham musician; Stefan Freelan, WWU, cartographer of the Salish Sea; Brian Bingham, Director of the Shannon Point Marine Center; Dick Beamish, retired fisheries biologist from the Nanaimo Biological Station; Parker MacCready, estuarine scientist at the University of Washington; Ron Thom, Ecologist and past president of the Washington Academy of Sciences; Megan Dethier, Director of the Friday Harbor Laboratories; Susanne Pavlyuk, a mother of 2 young fans of the Salish Sea; Mindy Roberts, the Puget Sound Director of the Washington Environmental Council; Colin Levings, a research scientist retired from Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans; Ian Perry, ecosystems scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Iris Kemp of Long Live the Kings.
Our responders were asked three questions. The purpose of these questions was to ask them about their thoughts.
What environmental threats are facing the Salish Sea?
What cultural conflicts or issues arise in the Salish Sea area, given its multifaceted history?
What does everyone need to know to become better stewards of the Salish Sea?
What environmental threats are facing the Salish Sea?
In terms of environmental threats, most responders cited a need to limit under-water noise, over-harvesting, and pollution. Many responders were also concerned about the increasing watershed development around the Salish Sea. Click the button below to see a more in-depth response.
2. What cultural conflicts or issues arise in the Salish Sea area given its multifaceted history?
Regarding cultural importance, most responders said that there is a need to turn away from industrialized society and reconnect with nature. Additionally, responders highlighted the necessity to teach people about the waters that comprise the Salish Sea. Click the button below to see a more in-depth response.
3. What does everyone need to know to become better stewards of the Salish Sea?
When asked how people can better preserve and support the Salish Sea ecosystem, most people said that learning about the interconnectivity between waters and organisms is very important. Click the button below to see a more in-depth response.
Everyone who lives around the Salish Sea has a connection to the waterways and animals who live there. That is why it is valuable to hear everyones’ perspective and see how each person connects with the Salish Sea. Some people with the deepest connection are without a doubt the Coast Salish peoples who have lived here since time immemorial.