Coral reefs can adapt to climate change if given the chance to evolve, according to a study led by Coral Reef Alliance, Rutgers University, the University of Washington and other institutions.
The recent study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, finds that coral reefs can evolve and adapt to the effects of climate change—but only if we protect a sufficient diversity of coral reefs, particularly when it comes to temperatures. 

Congratulations to José Guzman, Mikelle Nuwer, and Aina Hori who were recognized by the UW College of the Environment for Exceptional Mentoring of Undergraduates, Outstanding Teaching Faculty, and Undergraduate Dean’s Medalist, respectively

Parasites play an outsize role in balancing ecosystems, and some species may be in danger. Read the article from Scientific American featuring SAFS’ Chelsea Wood who teaches Parasite Ecology (FISH 406) and Fisheries Ecology (FISH 312)

Marine Geoscience Education, Oceanographic Discovery, Undergraduate Collaboration (GEODUC) is a new and unique offering from the UW College of the Environment. GEODUC is a two-week immersive experience for incoming transfer students on board our research vessel and at our marine field facilities. Students will receive hands-on training and create an independent research project to answer their own questions. All expenses are covered. In addition, students will receive a stipend of $1,400.

Chris Mantegna is a first-generation, non-traditional student, who is currently finishing her Marine Biology undergraduate degree at the University of Washington. She also serves on the board of directors of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS) as co-chair of the Outreach, Mentorship, Social Committee. We recently caught up with Chris to learn more about her and how she became involved with this fast-growing international organization.

Scientists at the University of Washington, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, are raising sunflower sea stars in captivity, with the goal of learning more about this species and exploring eventual reintroduction to the wild, if determined to be advisable.

Explore our Watery World! Join the UW Marine Biology and School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences communities for the SEAS 2021 Open House, May 19–22! This year’s free virtual Open House offers four days of family-friendly activities to safely celebrate science and research that relates to water.

Thanks to 20 years of observations from thousands of citizen scientists, University of Washington researchers have discovered distinct patterns in the mass strandings of by-the-wind sailor jellies. Specifically, large strandings happened simultaneously from the northwest tip of Washington south to the Mendocino coast in California, and in years when winters were warmer than usual.

When it comes to things that give us the heebie-jeebies, parasites reign supreme. However, they are a necessary part of our ecosystems. SAFS assistant professor Chelsea Wood joins Bill Nye on his “Science Rules!” podcast to explain what makes parasites so creepy, how to prevent them from killing us, and why she keeps digging around in decades-old cans of salmon.

Coral bleaching is a significant problem for the world’s ocean ecosystems: When coral becomes bleached, it loses the algae that live inside it, turning it white. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but while they are bleached they are at higher risk for disease and death. Now an international consortium of scientists, including Marine Biology instructor Jacqueline Padilla-Gamiño, has created the first-ever common framework for increasing comparability of research findings on coral bleaching.