Category: People

In the news: Radiolab event will feature PSI’s water detectives

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There is a nice story in The News Tribune today on the upcoming Radiolab event in Tacoma. The January 22nd show at the Pantages Theater will focus on Northwest water issues and features a panel of environmental leaders, including PSI Director Joel Baker. The paper calls Joel and his lab “the ‘CSI’ of water science” and highlights some of their research into the high prevalence of household chemicals in local waterways. “What we find in the water is by and large what you find in your house, from refrigerators to medicine cabinets,” Baker told the paper. The article describes how […]

‘Inside Radiolab’ will interview PSI Director and other Puget Sound area panelists

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Our Director Joel Baker is part of a panel of four environmental leaders in Puget Sound who will be interviewed onstage at the Inside Radiolab show next week in Tacoma. Radiolab’s Robert Krulwich will host the January 22nd event at the Pantages Theater where he will interview panelists about Northwest water issues. In addition to Baker, other panelists include Jennifer Chang of the Puyallup Watershed Initiative, Ryan Mello, Executive Director of Pierce Conservation District and Sheida Sahandy, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Partnership. Radiolab’s quirky take on science has […]

PSI Director talks climate with News Tribune

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Puget Sound Institute Director Joel Baker was interviewed by the The News Tribune in Tacoma this week as part of the paper’s coverage of climate change in Puget Sound. The article features a new University of Washington report commissioned by the Puget Sound Institute that provides the most comprehensive look to date at expected climate impacts in the region. New Puget Sound climate study: Older projections coming true, more changes ahead 

New papers look at ‘zombie’ steroids

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They are sometimes called ‘zombie’ chemicals. Some compounds thought to be safe and inactive can change into dangerously active forms when they are exposed to the environment. Two recent papers co-authored by PSI collaborator Ed Kolodziej look at some of the ways that regulators may need to account for these transformations. Cole, EA, McBride, SA, Kimbrough, KC, Lee, J, Marchand, EA, Cwiertny, DM, Kolodziej, EP. (2015). Rates and product identification for trenbolone acetate metabolite biotransformation under aerobic conditions. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Volume: 34, Issue: 7, pgs. 1472-1484; DOI: 10.1002/etc.2962. Read the full paper. Ward, AS, Cwiertny, DM, Kolodziej, […]

State approves human wellbeing indicators for Puget Sound

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The state today adopted a series of human wellbeing indicators for Puget Sound. The project was led by PSI social scientist Kelly Biedenweg and was featured in a story published by UW News and picked up by several news outlets.  July 29, 2015 Healthier Puget Sound depends on healthy people, report finds Michelle Ma from UW Today  A thriving Puget Sound depends on healthy habitat that can support the animals and plants that live here. Shellfish free of toxins, salmon dashing up streams and forests full of diversity all are […]

Wastewater study looks at Seattle marijuana use

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One of our collaborators made news this week for his pilot study quantifying marijuana use in Seattle and Tacoma. Dan Burgard, a chemist at the University of Puget Sound, is analyzing wastewater from sewage treatment plants to identify levels of metabolized THC. The study is designed to determine if new recreational marijuana laws are leading to an increase in marijuana use. It will also look at trends over time, and how the legal trade of marijuana compares with the black market. Burgard is using analytical equipment at the Center for Urban Waters for his study. Read more in […]

Forum looks at risks to Cherry Point

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Announcement reprinted from Resources for Sustainable Communities Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve Forum: A Report to the Community Saturday, October 25th 9:30am – 3:00 0pm Bellingham Technical College (map) Building G, Room 102A/103B Attend this Forum to learn about the risks posed to the Salish Sea by projected increases in vessel and rail transportation, and learn about Cherry Point herring and their role in the ecosystem. Sessions include experts speaking on Vessel and Railway Risk Assessment, Cherry Point as an Aquatic Reserve, and Forage Fish and Cherry Point herring. The forum is sponsored […]

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at Center for Urban Waters

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United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy visited Tacoma on 8/13/2014 to meet with Puget Sound environmental leaders at the Center for Urban Waters.  Read more about the visit on the Puget Sound Partnership blog: Heck, Kilmer continue to build momentum for a healthy Puget Sound with EPA Administrator visit, release of white paper Photos: Kris Symer, Puget Sound Institute

Remembering Billy Frank Jr.

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The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission announced the death this morning of its founder and chairman Billy Frank Jr., an iconic champion of tribal fishing rights and a leading advocate for salmon and the environment. The commission was closed for the day, and the news of Frank’s death at 83 has resonated throughout the Pacific Northwest. “Billy Frank Jr. was an inspirational leader in the Puget Sound region and nationwide for over 70 years,” said Puget Sound Institute Director Joel Baker. “Much of what we do here began with Billy’s determination and bravery […]

Socio-cultural values associated with salmon in the Quinault Indian Nation

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A 2014 report from the Puget Sound Institute describes a study of socio-cultural values associated with blueback salmon in the Quinault Indian Nation. The blueback salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) is a unique strain of sockeye that returns primarily to the Quinault river system. The report was prepared by Kelly Biedenweg and Sophia Amberson of the University of Washington and Justine James of the Quinault Indian Nation. Download the report. 

PSI Visiting Scientist key advisor in halt to Japanese whaling

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By Jeff Rice A March 31st ruling by the United Nations to halt Japanese whaling in the Antarctic draws heavily on analysis by PSI Visiting Scientist Marc Mangel, who served as an Independent Scientific Expert in the case. The Japanese government had argued that whaling in the region was primarily for scientific research, but had been challenged in a lawsuit by the government of Australia.

Legislature hears testimony on Puget Sound forage fish

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Puget Sound Institute research scientist Tessa Francis testified before the Washington House Environment Committee today about the ecological importance of the region’s forage fish. She discussed findings from PSI’s recent Study Panel on Ecosystem-based Management of Forage Fish in Puget Sound. Watch the testimony online.