7:00 – 8:30 pm  (doors open at 6:30)  Come early to enjoy LOTT’s Wet Science Center’s educational fresh water related exhibits and interactive displays and visit with SSEA friends.

LOTT’s WET Science Center, 500 Adams NE, Olympia

September 18, Dr. Ben Milner, “Lastest Findings on Sea Star Wasting Disease

Dr. Ben Miner from Western Washington University, expert in Ecology and Evolution of Marine Invertebrates, will teach us about the latest findings on Sea Star Wasting Syndrome. In 2013 & 2014, sea stars along the coast west coast of North America died in large numbers. The die-off is attributed to sea star wasting syndrome, but the proximate cause is not known. To better understand the causes and ecological impacts of the syndrome, Dr. Miner’s lab is working on laboratory experiments and field surveys.

Dr. Miner will cover what scientists are studying to learn more about the cause
and will share the latest findings. He will also provide an overview of the extent
of wasting in Puget Sound. The talk will also present documented and expected changes in the food web of South Puget Sound.

News stories about Sea Star Wasting Syndrome:http://myweb.facstaff.wwu.edu/minerb2/media.shtml

October 16, Ingrid Tohver, Global Climate Change from a Pacific Northwest Perspective.

Ingrid is a research scientist from the Washington State Climate Impacts Group. She will teach us about Global Climate Change from a Pacific Northwest Perspective.

November 20, WDFW Scientists Talk about Forage Fish – Why Puget Sound’s salmon and birds depend on them!

Dayv Lowry and other experts will teach us about Forage Fish – What are they and why are they so important? Also, how can citizen science help us learn more about population dynamics?

January 15, Laura James, Underwater Videographer

Laura James from Beneath the Looking Glass, LLC will teach us about stormwater pollution in Puget Sound. Laura is an amazing underwater videographer! She will teach us about why Puget Sound is in trouble, what makes it a wonderful and unique place, and what we can do to help protect and improve it!

February 19, Results from the Ruckelshaus Center’s Capital Lake Assessment

Chris Page from the Ruckelshaus Center will teach us about their approach to collaborative problem solving, how they applied the process for the Olympia’s Capital Lake assessment and a summary of the results.

March 19, Joe Evenson PhD, WDFW – Shorebirds of Puget Sound

Presentation will teach us about shorebird populations in Puget Sound. Joe will talk about the science used to count shorebirds, the changing trends, and the relationship with forage fish populations.

Free and open to the public thanks in part to The Russell Family Foundation, Washington Foundation for the Environment, presenters donating their time, and the many members/supporters who join SSEA to help keep these programs going.  Special thanks to our partner in offering the 2014/2105 “Discovery Speaker Series” LOTT ‘s WET Science Center.