Shannon Point Marine Center

05/14/2026

04/28/2026

From SPMC Marine Tech Mira Lutz, who just returned from the Pacific Estuarine Research Society conference in Newport, OR: “A shout out to everyone who contributed to WWU students giving stellar presentations at this year’s PERS conference in Newport. These were truly enjoyable. Grad students, Delaney Adams, Marisa Viola, Aleutia Morris, and Jessica Scotten, and MACS undergrad, Zack Woods, shared their research with poise, clarity, and confidence equal to experienced scientists.

WWU students nearly swept the awards. Aleutia received the Honorable Mention (2nd place) award for grad student presentations, and Zack won first place for undergrad students, both including Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) membership. In a first for PERS, Jessica tied with Lara Breitkreutz from UW to both win the Heinle Award, including CERF memberships and $500 each toward attending the CERF conference. And Jessica did so presenting on sediment ammonium in the final hours of the conference, which she magically made fun and exciting (evidence of a truly effective educator).” 👏

04/19/2026

Today we sail! We’re headed to the Lau Basin, between Fiji and Tonga in Tongan EEZ, on to study hydrothermal vent ecosystems for the next four weeks. These vent fields were impacted by the 2022 Hunga eruption, so one of our big goals is to understand how this kind of disturbance impacts these ecosystems and how they recover. Stay tuned as we document the expedition!

04/06/2026

April 8th is Western Washington University’s Give Day, and it’s a great opportunity to have a direct impact on the Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) program.

This year, all donations to the Marine and Coastal Science Program will be matched up to $8,000!

Your gift helps students:

-Gain hands-on field and research experience
-Prepare for meaningful marine science careers
-Contribute to the understanding and stewardship of the Salish Sea

Thank you for considering a contribution and for supporting the next generation of marine scientists. Though Give Day is April 8th, early giving is welcome. Our Give Day page: https://wwugiveday.wwu.edu/giving-day/116110/department/116150

03/31/2026

New paper alert! Dr. Emily Roland (MACS/Geology) is a coauthor of a new study investigating subsurface thermal gradients along the Queen Charlotte plate boundary. Article link in bio.

03/19/2026

https://news.wwu.edu/charting-the-flood-wwu-ocean-researchers-investigate-the-extent-and-impact-of-skagit-river-flooding

In the days leading up to the Skagit River cresting on Dec. 12, 2025, Western Washington University Professor of Environmental Sciences and physical oceanographer Erika McPhee-Shaw looked for changes in the river.

03/19/2026

New paper alert! Dr. Emily Roland (MACS/Geology) is a coauthor on a study finding a longer recurrence interval of large earthquakes in our region than previously thought. Article link: https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article-abstract/doi/10.1130/G53496.1/726831/Deformed-submarine-terraces-in-Puget-Sound-Pacific

03/09/2026

Recently we had a visit from students and staff from . Students got a tour of the lab and met with SPMC staff and students. The visit culminated with a talk by Dr. Kathryn Sobocinski (MACS/ ESCI) on the state of the Salish Sea. Thanks for visiting !

01/28/2026

Last Friday a group of MACS and MESP students and staff participated in the Storming the Sound environmental education conference at Skagit Valley College. Several students gave presentations on their work. Well done all!!

Pictured from left to right:
Jessica Scotten, MESP student
Emmelina Mojica, MACS staff
Dr. Nina Whitney, MACS staff
Sabina Guzek, MACS student
Saima Krouse, MACS student
Mira Lutz, MACS staff
Ian McBride, MESP student
Jim Johnson, MACS student

01/09/2026

The deadline to apply to the Marine and Coastal Science program is quickly approaching! Apply at marine.wwu.edu by Thursday January 15th!