Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference begins April 30 in Seattle

Western Washington University is coordinating the 2014 Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference April 30-May 2 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.

Planning and coordination is led by Western’s Center for Canadian-American Studies and Huxley College of the Environment, in partnership with the Puget Sound Partnership in Seattle and Fraser Basin Council in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference will assemble more than 1,200 scientists, First Nations and tribal government representatives, federal, state and provincial officials, community/business leaders, policy analysts, educators and students to present the latest scientific research on the state of the ecosystem. Through dialogue and shared research, the conference will emphasize the importance of Canada-U.S. collaboration among leading scientists and policymakers to solve complex environmental issues that span the cross-border ecosystem.

The conference will feature several prominent keynote speakers, more than 450 science presentations, over 150 poster demonstrations, workshops, opportunities for informal networking, and related off-program events.

The conference features a traditional Tribal-First Nations dinner and performance, a reception at the acclaimed Seattle Aquarium, and a gala reception.

For more information about the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference, contact Western’s Don Alper at 360-650-4675 or don.alper@wwu.edu.