Whatcom Marine Events

Marine Events - 2004 Archive

Current Year Marine News Articles
Marine News Archive

December

GP - Port of Bellingham Deal Meetings- Opportunity for Public Comment
December 13 Mon. - 7:00 pm
City Council Meeting, City Council Chambers, City hall, 210 Lottie Street
This is the last City Council Meeting scheduled for the year.
December 14 Tues. - 3:00 pm
Port Commissioners Meeting: Announcement of GP_Port decision scheduled.
1801 Roeder Street
For more information: P.O.B., 676-2500 or www.portofbellingham.com

November

Wildlife cruise in Skagit Flats and Swinomish Channel
November 20, 11:30-4pm
"The 55 foot Viking Star is the perfect viewing platform for an amazing variety of wintering birds. Beginning in LaConner, we will look for the marine birds of the rocky shores and deep waters in Rosario Strait; the Brant Geese, Loons and Shorebirds of Padilla Bay's eelgrass meadow; and the raptors and swans of the Skagit Flats along the Swinomish Channel. The boat is enclosed and heated, with an outdoor foredeck. Hot beverages will be available, and snacks may be purchased. The $32.50 cost of this 4 hour criuse includes a $5 donation to the Padilla Bay Foundation."R

egistration: send your name, address and phone number with a check made payable to The Padilla Bay Foundation. Send it attention to Glen Alexander, Padilla Bay Reserve, 10441 Bay View-Edison Rd., Mount Vernon WA, 98273. http://www.padillabay.gov/calendarofevents.asp

Nooksack Recovery Team--Salmon Summit
November 18, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A chance for individuals and organizations to come together to hear presentations and participate in discussions about issues surrounding salmon habitat restoration methods and projects, assessment and monitoring, estuary and nearshore issues, education and community involvement, and watershed recovery issues in the Nooksack Basin Watershed. The Salmon Summit involves nonprofit organizations, agricultural community members, environmental organizations, tribal members, private industry, government agencies, educators, landowners, students and the general public.

Where: Best Western Lakeway Inn, Bellingham

Contact: Wendy Scherrer, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, at (360) 715-0283.

Port of Bellingham G.P. Property Hearing.
November 16, 6 pm to 8 pm
Port of Bellingham commissioners have scheduled a special meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 16, at the Mount Baker Theatre to explain the details of the port's proposed takeover of Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s 137 acres of waterfront real estate. The event will begin with an open house presentation on the deal in the theater lobby. At 7 p.m., port officials will present all available financial details in the main theater, followed by a public comment period.
Where: Mount Baker Theater
For more information: P.O.B., 676-2500

North Cascades Audubon Society tour of Nooksack Delta and Marietta Slough.
November 13, 9am to noon.
A 3-hour walking tour of a prime river-estuarine res-toration site, featuring abundant wintering shorebirds, water-fowl, songbirds, eagles, and other birds of prey. Learn about habitat restoration with close-up views of numerous bird spe-cies. 9 AM. Trip limit: 10.
Registration contact: Andrew Craig, Trip leader, 671-8427.
http://www.northcascadesaudubon.org/php/index.php?chapter,field_trips

Stormwater Watcher Training
Thursday, October 21st and Saturday, October 23rd
Join RE Sources and People for Lake Whatcom to learn:

What stormwater is -- What it contains-- And why you should care
How pollution from stormwater can be prevented
How to document violations as part of a TEAM to make a difference!

Speakers will include Stormwater Inspectors from the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Department of Ecology.

When: Thursday, October 21st, 6-8 PM - Indoor Education and Training
Saturday, October 23rd, 9-12 AM - Field Training

Where: Thursday at the Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St. Saturday location TBA.

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact North Sound Baykeeper, Wendy Steffensen, waters@re-sources.org or call (360) 733-8307.

October

Whatcom County Shorelines and Critical Areas Public Workshop and Expert Panel Discussion.
Wednesday, October 6
Whatcom County is hosting a public workshop and expert panel discussion on the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Management Program updates. The workshop will serve to inform citizens of the issues and options being considered for these updates, and solicit input from the public.

When: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m . The workshop agenda: 6:00 p.m. Reception; 6:15 p.m. Welcome and Introduction, Overview ; 6:40 p.m. Panel Discussion and Question & Answer Session; 7:40 – 9:00 p.m. Open House: Visit listening stations to engage, or submit comments regarding your area of interest. Computer stations will be available for viewing the project website and aerial photos of the County.

Where: Lynden Community Center, 401 Grover Street, Lynden

For more information: www.whatcomcounty.us/shorelines , or contact Elizabeth Hartsoch, ehartsoc@co.whatcom.wa.us, 360.676.6907.

September

Whatcom County Shorelines and Critical Areas Public Workshop and Expert Panel Discussion.
Thursday, September 30. 2004
Whatcom County is hosting a public workshop and expert panel discussion on the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Management Program updates. The workshop will serve to inform citizens of the issues and options being considered for these updates, and solicit input from the public.

When: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The workshop agenda: 6:00 p.m. Reception; 6:15 p.m. Welcome and Introduction, Overview ; 6:40 p.m. Panel Discussion and Question & Answer Session; 7:40 – 9:00 p.m. Open House: Visit listening stations to engage, or submit comments regarding your area of interest. Computer stations will be available for viewing the project website and aerial photos of the County.

Where: Bellingham High School Commons, 2020 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham

For more information: www.whatcomcounty.us/shorelines , or contact Elizabeth Hartsoch, ehartsoc@co.whatcom.wa.us, 360.676.6907.

Bellingham Traverse and Eco Expo
Saturday, September 18
The Traverse: "A multisport challenge simulating the life cycle of salmon." Support your favorite nonprofit by collecting pledges and participating either solo or in teams through legs of running, mountain biking, road biking, trail running, sea kayaking and trekking.

Eco Expo: Peruse tables and exhibits by green non-profit sponsors and Nooksack Recovery Team member organizations.

When & Where: Race begins at 10:15 a.m., awards ceremony and party 7-11 p.m. at Boundary Bay Brewery. $60 per person. Eco expo 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Railroad Avenue.
Contact: 739-8458 or www.bellinghamtraverse.com .

Restore America’s Estuaries Conference
The goals of this national conference are:

Expand our collective ability to restore habitat through small to large scale projects – toward our Nation’s goal of restoring 1 million acres;
Build the restoration industry – products and services crucial to success in restoration; and
Catalyze new levels of exchange and collaboration between businesses, government, non-profit organizations, scientists, educators and volunteers.

Where: Washington State Convention & Trade Center and the Grand Hyatt Seattle in Seattle
When: September 12-15, 2004
Register: Visit the conference website link to http://www.estuaries.org/2ndregistration.php

August

Shellfish walk and talk
Aug 28
Birch Bay State Park
Join Birch Bay State Park and the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee for a joint event on shellfish harvesting in Birch Bay. Birch Bay State Park will host a low-tide shellfish identification beach walk from 1-2:00 pm. From 2-2:30pm, the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee will host a half hour Department of Health shellfish and water quality talk. Meet at the Wildlife Theatre at the upper day use area of Birch Bay State Park, at 1pm.

Clam Survey at Chuckanut Bay
Friday, August 27--7:00 am to 11:00am
You must register to participate.

Join the Marine Resources Committee for a day out on the beach. We'll be digging holes in the sand, counting, measuring, and identifying shellfish, and returning them to their holes! The information we gather will be used to get baseline data on the shellfish resource and will help us in our clam reseeding efforts. Training in survey protocol and in the basics of typing clams will occur prior to the survey-- So please plan to arrive promptly!

Wear clothes that can get dirty and wet, the same for your shoes, unless you plan to go barefoot, a hat for the sun, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a bottle for water and your enthusiasm! We will provide a carboy of drinking water for dispensing into your water bottles, some snacks, tools, and free identification materials.

To register call Doug Stark at 676-6876 or e-mail dstark@co.whatcom.wa.us

Whatcom County Hearing on Georgia Strait Crossing project.
Aug 18, 1:30pm-
The Whatcom County Hearing Examiner will hold a hearing on a shoreline permit for the Georgia-Strait Crossing Project at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 18 in the Whatcom County Council Chambers, 311 Grand Ave. Written and verbal public comment on the permit will be taken. Public comment can also be mailed to: Attn.: Hearing Examiner, 311 Grand Ave., Bellingham, WA 98227.

Marine Education Programs at Padilla Bay

Mini Explorers (3-5 yr old) - Mud Flat Safari: Wed 8/11, Thurs 8/12
Junior Ecologists - Mud Flat Safari: Friday 8/27/2004.
Family - Beach Seines: Thur 8/5, Tue 8/10, Fri 8/20
Family - Sharks: 8/7
Family - Mud Flat Safari: Sat 8/14, Thu 8/19, Tue 8/31
Adults - Shorebird Primer Saturday, 8/28/2004. It starts 1:00 PM and ends at 3:30 PM.
Kayaking in Padilla Bay ($55): Sat 8/7, Sat 8/21

Registration & information: (360) 428-1558 http://www.padillabay.gov/calendarofevents.asp

Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) annual conference
August 17-20
Evergreen State College, Olympia

It's the Water: Celebrating South Puget Sound will feature fascinating speakers, engaging workshops, fun field trips and special events. NAME is a nonprofit chapter of the National Marine Educators Association. For more information, visit: www.nameconference.org

Whidbey Island Spartina Dig Day
August 14, 2004

Join People For Puget Sound and partners in removing invasive Spartina from the beaches.

10am-2pm at Oak Harbor City Beach
Contact: Britta Eschete for more information or to register, (360) 336-1931 or beschete@pugetsound.org
http://www.pugetsound.org/calendar/calendar.php?op=view&id=194

Free workshop for residents of Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor and other interested members of the public.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Hear from experts about Birch Bay's unique geology and ecology and its wonderful marine life. Learn about the tools and resources available to protect shoreline property and natural resources. Find out about Whatcom County's Shoreline Master Program update and what it means for you.
Location: Christ the King church facility, Peace Arch Mall, I-5 exit 270.
Contact: Ken Carrasco, WSU Cooperative Extension/UW Sea Grant (360) 676-6736 or ken_c@wsu.edu. People who pre-register will receive a collection of useful handouts.

Public Boat Tour: The changing face of Bellingham Bay.
August 11, 6-9 pm
Come learn about Bellingham Bay's past, present and future as we discover the changing face of this local treasure. Displays aboard the boat will paint a picture of the Bay's historic landscape while local experts speak about the future of Marine Park, Squalicum Beach, Holly Street and more.

Approximately 1-hour of presentations will be followed by an informal question and answer session. Attendees will also have plenty of time for relaxing and enjoying the sites. 100 people maximum. $15 per person. How to get there: From Squalicum Way, turn South onto Coho Way. The boat is docked immediately behind the life-size orca whale. Please be early as the boat will leave the dock at 6:00 sharp. Although there is plenty of inside seating aboard the boat, please dress warmly. The wise boater always brings extra clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen. Light snacks will be served. Soda, and possibly, beer and wine will be available for a fee.
To register, call Whatcom County Parks at (360) 733-2900, registration #4536.303
http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/outdoor/registration.jsp

Hunters of the Sky, Campfire Program:
Saturday, August 7, 7:30 p.m., Birch Bay State Park upper day use area. Learn about birds of prey and their natural history. Free. ($5 parking). For info, call 360/371-2800.

Kayaking Classes with Whatcom County Parks and Recreation for August

INTRO TO KAYAKING: Aug 8 1pm - 4pm
INTRO TO KAYAKING: Aug 8 4:30pm - 7:30pm
CYPRESS ISLAND OVERNIGHT: August 10-11; Pre-trip: August 5
ONE-DAY SALTWATER KAYAK CLASS: Aug 14
NATURAL HISTORY BY KAYAK: 8am-4:30pm Aug 15
ONE-DAY SALTWATER KAYAK CLASS: Aug 28
4-DAY GULF ISLANDS KAYAK TOUR: August 20-23; Pre-trip August 16
LOPEZ ISLAND KAYAK TRIP WITH ELAKAH! EXPEDITIONS: Aug 27-29
BROKEN ISLANDS/BARKLEY SOUND KAYAK TRIP (7 days): August 30-September 5; Pre-trip: August 23

For fees, registration and further information
http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/outdoor/classes/watersports.jsp
or call (360) 733-2900

July

Samish Bay Bivalve Bash
July 31 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
2182 Chuckanut Drive, Bow (in Skagit County)

This event benefits community clean water awareness programs and features Shellacious Fare; 250-yard, low-tide mud run; shell castle contest; games; contests and prizes. Sponsored by the Skagit Conservation Education Alliance (SCEA) and Taylor Shellfish Farms. Cost is $5. Contact: (360) 766-6002
http://www.bivalvebash.com/

Public boat tour: Who lives in Bellingham Bay?
July 14, 6-9 pm
Join local wildlife experts aboard the110-foot Island Caper as we explore the rich marine and bird life of Bellingham Bay. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you discover the many unique animals that call this place home. Speakers will explore who lives here as well as the many reasons why the Bay is prime habitat.

Clam Survey at Semiahmoo Spit
Friday, July 16-- 8:30am to 1:30pm
Saturday, July 17--9:00am to 2:00pm
You must register to participate.

To register call Doug Stark at 676-6876 or e-mail dstark@co.whatcom.wa.us

Kayaking Classes with Whatcom County Parks and Recreation for July

CLAYOQUOT SOUND KAYAK TOUR (5 days): July 9-13; Pre-trip: July 1
NATURAL HISTORY BY KAYAK: 8am-4:30pm July 3
BARKLEY SOUND KAYAK TRIP WITH MOONDANCE SEA KAYAK ADVENTURES: July 5-9
LOPEZ ISLAND KAYAK TRIP WITH ELAKAH! EXPEDITIONS: July 16-18
INTRO TO KAYAKING FOR SENIORS: July 14, 9-12am
INTRO TO KAYAKING FOR SENIORS: July 14, 1-4pm THREE-DAY KAYAK SKILLS ADVENTURE: July 16-18; Pre-trip: July 14
INTRO TO KAYAKING: July 24 1pm - 4pm
INTRO TO KAYAKING: July 24 4:30pm - 7:30pm
ONE-DAY SALTWATER KAYAK CLASS: July 25
3-DAY NATURAL HISTORY KAYAK TOUR: July 30-Aug 1; Pre-trip: July 26

For fees, registration and further information
http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/outdoor/classes/watersports.jsp
or call (360) 733-2900

Marine Education Programs at Padilla Bay

Mini Explorers (3-5 yr old) - Eelgrass: Wed 7/14, Thurs 7/15
Junior Ecologists (6-9 yrs) - Plants and plankton: 7/23
Family - Mud Flat Safari: Thurs 7/1, Tues 7/20, Fri 7/30
Family - Beach Seines: Wed 7/7, Sat 7/10, Wed 7/28
Adults - Sail the Sophia Christinan: Saturday, 7/17
Kayaking in Padilla Bay ($55): Sat 7/10, Sat 7/24

Registration & information: (360) 428-1558 http://www.padillabay.gov/calendarofevents.asp

Annual July 5 Beach Clean Up: Post Point and Cherry Point
July 5th, 10am -2pm.
Volunteer to pick up spent fireworks and post Independence party debris.
Contact Wendy at RE-Sources, 733-8307 or waters@re-sources.org

June

Marine Education Programs at Padilla Bay

Mini Explorers (3-5 yr old) - Foodchains: Wed 6/24, Thur 6/25
Junior Ecologists (6-9 yr old) - Sun: Wed 6/25, Thur 6/26
Kayaking in Padilla Bay ($55): Sat 6/12, Sat 6/26

Registration & information: (360) 428-1558 http://www.padillabay.gov/calendarofevents.asp

Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Open House
Come celebrate the re-opening of shellfish harvesting in Drayton Harbor!

On Saturday, June 19, the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District will host its annual open house and oyster feed, at the Port of Bellingham's conference room on Marine Drive in Blaine, from noon to 4 pm.

The Drayton Harbor Shellfish Advisory Committee invites you to enjoy community-grown, Drayton Harbor oysters, fresh off the barbeque. Learn about the past and ongoing work to improve water quality and re-open the shellfish beds, and to keep the harbor clean for the next generation. This is the first oyster opening in Drayton Harbor in almost ten years- thanks to your work to improve water quality.

This event is sponsored by Whatcom County Water Resources, Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District, Port of Bellingham, and City of Blaine.

SPEAKER: Dr. Peter Ross, marine mammal toxicologist: "Effects of Persistent Environmental Contaminants on the Health of Marine Mammals in Puget Sound"
Thursday, June 17 7 to 9 p.m.
Walker-Ames Room, UW Kane Hall
Dr. Peter S. Ross is a research scientist-marine mammal toxicologist with the Institute of Ocean Sciences (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) in British Columbia. Dr. Ross is researching the effects of persistent environmental contaminants on the health of marine mammals and the sources, movement and fate of persistent environmental contaminants in marine food chains.
Admission: $8 in advance; $10 at the door (students--free).

Spartina survey training
The quicker we find it--- the less damage it will do to our intertidal areas!
Training: Saturday, June 19, 12-2pm
Location: To be announced.

Spartina is a noxious invasive weed that, once established, can change the entire intertidal ecosystem. In Willapa Bay, it has cost the shellfish industry a tremendous amount of money. Spartina is documented to the south of Whatcom County in Skagit County, and to the north in the Fraser River delta. It is important that we monitor for Spartina so it can be eradicated easily if it starts to establish. Eradicating Spartina after it has taken hold is back-breaking work and very costly.

Contact Wendy at 733-8307 or waters@re-sources.org for more information or to register.

Tour Maple Beach
Whatcom Land Trust
Saturday, July 17 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Limit 15

When the tide is out, as it will be during our tour, Maple Beach is hard packed sand stretching over a quarter of a mile beyond the bulkhead. It is a wonderful place to wade in shallow tidepools. The incoming tide warmed by sand bars provides great swimming and water sports. The tidelands are also important marine habitat, particularly for the large heron colony on Point Roberts. County Park Manager Ben Van Buskirk will lead the tour of this as yet undeveloped addition to the County park system. Come with Ben, at one of the lowest tides of the year, to learn about and walk Maple Beach. This is an easy to moderate walk. After enjoying Maple Beach, there will be picnicking at Lighthouse Marine Park.

Reservations required. Free to WLT members, others $5.00 suggested donation.
Registration / information: 360.650.9470 email: info@whatcomlandtrust.org

Tour Teddy Bear Cove Tour
Whatcom Land Trust
Saturday, June 12 10 a.m. – 12 Noon Limit 20

Enjoy a gorgeous beach site with beautiful views of the San Juan Islands and Clark’s Point, unique flora and fauna, and a lovely walk through the woods. You will also learn secrets waiting in Teddy Bear Cove. Larry Simkins will lead this morning tour of Teddy Bear Cove. Hiking is easy to moderate. The trail to the beach is steep.

Reservations required. Free to WLT members, others $5.00 suggested donation.
Registration / information: 360.650.9470 email: info@whatcomlandtrust.org

Shellfish Survey at Birch Bay
June 6-- starting at 11am- You must register to participate.

To register call Erika Stroebel at 676-6876 or e-mail EStroebe@co.whatcom.wa.us

Oceans Day

June 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blackie Spit (foot of McBride Ave.) Crescent Beach, Surrey BC

Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society invites you to World Oceans Day. This fun family event is to raise public awareness and respect for Boundary Bay and its watershed. Activities for all ages include beach exploration, crafts and study of microscopic critters. This area is of concern to the Georgia Bay Action Plan Shared Waters Committee, focused on water quality in Boundary Bay and Drayton Harbor. The area provides habitat for more than 320 species of birds, five wild salmon species and many other commercially important crab and fish species. The event is free. For more information, contact Marg or Chris, (604) 536-3552, blueheron@3web.com or visit the Birds on the Bay Web site.

A Sound Investment: the Northwest Straits Initiative Looks Ahead, Everett, WA:
June 4 & 5, 2004
For five years the Northwest Straits Commission and Marine Resources Committees in each of the seven counties bordering the Northwest Straits have helped mobilize numerous local organizations and hundreds of citizens to protect and restore the marine environment under the Northwest Straits Initiative.

To celebrate and evaluate the results of these past five years, the Commission invites you to join them on June 4 and 5, 2004, in Everett for the 2004 Northwest Straits Conference. Held at the new Everett Events Center in Snohomish County, the conference will highlight the great accomplishments and models for community-based restoration, and touch on emerging issues and ways that individual communities can get involved in citizen-based restoration models. Invited speakers include Governor Gary Locke, Senator Patty Murray and William Ruckelshaus.

The conference is a great way to meet others fighting to help protect the health of the marine environment of the Northwest Straits. To register for the conference, click here.

Waterfront Futures Group Open Houses and Presentations
The Waterfront Futures Group (www.waterfrontfutures.org) is preparing to finalize a comprehensive vision for future waterfront development in Bellingham. Learn about their work-to-date, share your ideas and meet the WFG members to explore what it means to “Connect Bellingham to the Bay”.

Open House- Tuesday, June 1, 11:30am- 1:30pm and 5:00-8:00pm, Bellingham Cruise Terminal
Presentation (City Council and Port Commission)- Thursday, June 24, 7:00-9:00pm, Bellingham Cruise Terminal

Whatcom County Parks Classes
INTRO TO KAYAKING: June 12
ONE-DAY SALTWATER KAYAK CLASS: June 6
NATURAL HISTORY BY KAYAK: June 5
Registration & Information: call (360) 733-2900 or see http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/outdoor/outclasses.jsp

May

Pacific Estuarine Research Society (PERS) 27th Annual Meeting
Defining and Restoring Habitat Functions and Water Quality in Pacific Coast Estuaries
When: May 17-18, 2004
Where: Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA
How to Register:

Beach Naturalists in Whatcom County
RE Sources for Sustainable Communities is organizing a corps of volunteers to steward Whatcom County beaches and educate beach users about our precious marine shores.

To participate in this exciting program, volunteers will attend a 4-part training focusing on three of our outstanding, local, public beaches. After attending the trainings, volunteers will be asked to spend two or three afternoons in June, July and August acting as informal naturalists at Larrabee State Park, Birch Bay State Park, and Marine Park.

Whatcom County Trainings are scheduled for:

Tuesday, May 11, 6:00-9:00 PM, Garden St. Family Center. Program introduction.
Saturday, May 22, 12:00-4:43 PM, Birch Bay State Park. Explore the cobble beach and sand flats while learning about the organisms that call this beach home. A representative from WDFW will also train volunteers about proper shellfish harvesting techniques, identification and regulations.
Sunday, May 23, 12:00-4:30 PM Larrabee State Park. Learn about the organisms that live in Larrabee’s tide pools during a great low tide.
Tuesday, June 8, 6:00-9:00 PM Marine Park. Program wrap-up.

To participate, please contact Crina Hoyer at RE Sources, 733-8307, 800-760-8434 or crinah@re-sources.org.

Open Houses

Saturday, May 8, 9:00am- Noon, Encore Room, Mt. Baker Theater
Wednesday, May 12, 5:30-9:00pm, Bellingham Cruise Terminal

Presentation (City Council and Port Commission)

Wednesday, May 12, 3:00-5:00pm, Bellingham Cruise Terminal

April

Workshops on Marine Ecology at Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Nearshore Habitats and Food Webs. Charles Simenstad, Research Associate Professor, University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences: April 10, 2004
Science and Stewardship. John Cambalik and Mary Knackstedt, Puget Sound Action Team: April 24, 2004

Location: Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend

Time: 10 AM to 5 PM.

To register: Go to www.ptmsc.org Click on Education and then on Forage Fish/Nearshore Ecology Workshops.

Workshops are free - a $20 refundable deposit for each workshop is required to reserve your space. For further information, go to www.ptmsc.org or contact info@ptmsc.org or (360) 385-5582. Register ASAP. In 2003, a similar workshop series filled very quickly.

March

Free Workshops on Marine Ecology at Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Nearshore Oceanography and Ecology. Andrea Copping, PhD, Washington Sea Grant Program, Univ. of WA and Ron Hirschi, Fisheries Biologist: March 6, 2004

Location: Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend

Time: 10 AM to 5 PM.

To register: Go to www.ptmsc.org Click on Education and then on Forage Fish/Nearshore Ecology Workshops.

February

Free Workshops on Marine Ecology at Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Forage Fish Biology and Life Cycles. Dan Penttila, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife: February 14, 2004
Shellfish and the Nearshore Environment. Staff of Point Whitney Shellfish Lab: February 21, 2004

Location: Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend

Time: 10 AM to 5 PM.

To register: Go to www.ptmsc.org Click on Education and then on Forage Fish/Nearshore Ecology Workshops.

The "Ways of Whales" Workshop: February 14, 2004
Orca Network is proud to present the second annual "The Ways of Whales" workshop to be held Saturday, February 14th in Coupeville, from 9 am - 4 pm. The day long workshop will include a variety of presentations on the cetaceans of Puget Sound, as well as educational displays and materials. Featured presentations include a talk on Transient Orcas by researcher and author Robin Baird of Cascadia Research; Brad Hanson of National Marine Fisheries Service speaking about Puget Sound Porpoise and the effects of Navy sonar on porpoise, as well as describing NMFS' Orca Recovery Plan and the current status of the Federal listing of the Southern Resident Community of orcas; Howard Garrett of Orca Network will talk about Southern Resident orcas including "missing" L pod members Lolita and Luna. Two additional and special presentations will be the telling of the Tulalip Orca Story by Tulalip Tribal Language Teachers, and a tribute to Keiko, the Free Willy whale.

The workshop is open to whale lovers of all ages. Join us Sat. Feb. 14th, 9 am - 4 pm at the Coupeville Middle School Performing Arts Center, 501 S. Main, Coupeville, Whidbey Island. Admission is $15, with an additional $5 for lunch. To pre-register, contact Orca Network at info@orcanetwork.org, www.orcanetwork.org. or call 360-678-3451. Registration will also be available at the door.