October 28, 2025
All aboard: UW researchers bring expertise to inaugural ocean week events
The historic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl docked in downtown Seattle for One Ocean Week events and public viewing.Michelle Ma/University of Washington
The historic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl set sail for San Francisco from the Port of Seattle on Monday, marking the end of One Ocean Week Seattle and another stop on the ship’s yearlong voyage to support a sustainable future at sea.
The ship, built in 1914, boasts three towering masts and hails from Bergen, Norway. During the inaugural One Ocean Week Seattle, organized by Washington Maritime Blue, it docked at Pier 66 to welcome attendees and members of the public aboard to explore and learn.
The week’s events drew hundreds of people to Seattle to discuss marine ecosystems, the seafood industry, shipping and renewable energy, and more. University of Washington scientists joined policymakers, educators and industry leaders to define and address priorities in stewardship and ocean science.
Sue Moore, a UW affiliate professor and research scientist at the Center for Ecosystem Sentinels.University of Washington
Sue Moore, a UW affiliate professor and research scientist at the Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, served as a panelist on the “Coast to Coast Collaboration in Research” aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl on Friday morning.
Moore contributed her expertise as a marine mammal ecologist to help launch the Distributed Biological Observatory in the Pacific Arctic in 2010, leading to an international effort to establish a network of observatories in the Arctic to track ecosystem health amidst physical changes to the region.
The panel, part of a series hosted by Arctic Frontiers, offered a chance to discuss shared goals as melting ice opens the Arctic up to more traffic.
“It was an important opportunity for international collaboration and public engagement regarding rapid ecosystem changes in Arctic, and local, waters,” Moore said.
Brian Polagye, a UW professor of mechanical engineering.University of Washington
Brian Polagye, a UW professor of mechanical engineering, helped lead a “behind the scenes” lab tour hosted by the Pacific Marine Energy Center, which joins researchers at UW, Oregon State University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
During the tour, researchers showcased marine energy monitoring projects at the Harris Hydraulics Lab, including videos and sonar documenting interactions between marine life and tidal energy turbines, sensors to detect underwater collisions, and systems to monitor how much noise is produced by the devices that help harness energy from waves and currents.
“These tools help us identify and minimize environmental effects associated with harnessing energy from waves, tides and rivers,” Polagye said.
Jason Toft, a UW principal research scientist of aquatic and fishery sciences.University of Washington
Jason Toft, a UW principal research scientist of aquatic and fishery sciences participated in a panel discussion, where he shared his work on habitat in Elliott Bay, which borders downtown Seattle. Toft’s lab studies how shoreline development impacts habitat value for young salmon.
“Although the shorelines of Elliott Bay have been heavily modified, restoration efforts have had positive results,” he said. “The panel gave us a chance to discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy shoreline along a major urban working waterfront.”
Despite the density of human activity along the shores of Elliott Bay, these waters are home to key species, including kelp, orcas and salmon. Maintaining functionality without losing habitat is a challenge, requiring input from various stakeholders, and creativity.
Ian Miller, a coastal hazards specialist at Washington Sea Grant.University of Washington
Ian Miller, a coastal hazards specialist at Washington Sea Grant, provided an update on observed and projected sea level rise during a Friday workshop bringing together coastal managers and tribes around the Puget Sound region.
“The opportunity to meet in person with that many people who all came for the workshop was invaluable,” he said.
To connect with a UW expert in ocean or environmental science, contact Gillian Dohrn in UW News at gdohrn@uw.edu.
Tag(s): Brian Polagye • Center for Ecosystem Sentinels • College of Arts & Sciences • College of the Environment • Department of Biology • Department of Mechanical Engineering • Ian Miller • Jason Toft • School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences • Sue Moore • Washington Sea Grant