The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs will hold its next faculty meeting on Thursday, December 4th, at 12:00 pm. Please see below for location details:
MAR Room 268  or via Zoom
A copy of the meeting agenda 12-4-25 Faculty Meeting Agenda is provided. Please contact Hailie Borges (hrb25@uw.edu) with any questions or for more information. 

Jeffery Randell began his time at SMEA while serving on active duty in the United States Coast Guard, and he continues that service today. Currently stationed in Key West, Florida, Jeffrey serves as the Director of Joint Interagency Task Force South, leading a multi-agency, international effort focused on countering illicit trafficking in the maritime domain.
In his current role, Jeffrey oversees coordinated operations among U.S. 

Students in SMEA 505 recently took their learning beyond the classroom with a field trip to Fishermen’s Terminal. Led by Terrie Klinger, professor at SMEA, the visit offered students an opportunity to explore one of Seattle’s historic working waterfronts.
During the trip, students learned about the terminal’s history, its management, and the important role it plays in supporting the regional fishing industry. 

New research published in FACETS explores trends in environmental impact assessments (IAs) for mining and quarry projects, highlighting how these evaluations inform decisions about resource development and environmental protection. Environmental impact assessments are a key tool used to predict potential environmental effects of proposed projects and guide policy and permitting decisions.
The study was co-authored by Chris Sergeant, a research scientist at the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. 

Reconnect with the School of Marine & Environmental Affairs (SMEA) at our 2025 reception! This biennial gathering brings together alumni, students, faculty, and friends to celebrate our community, share updates, and strengthen connections in marine and environmental affairs.
Date: November 22, 2025Time: 5:00–7:00 PMLocation: Silver Cloud Hotel (SODO, Stadium Location)
21+ Event
RSVP here: UW SMEA COMMUNITY RECEPTION AT PACIFIC MARINE EXPO 2025 

New research co-authored by Nives Dolšak, Ph.D., director of SMEA, explores how different audiences perceive the emerging issue of deep-sea mining. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, compares perspectives between the general public and environmental organizations.
The findings suggest that public support for deep-sea mining can shift depending on how the issue is framed, for example, emphasizing economic benefits or environmental risks, while environmental organizations tend to hold more consistent views. 

A recent publication in PARKS Journal examines how cities around the world can better protect biodiversity through stronger recognition and management of urban protected areas (UPAs). The article was developed in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Protected Areas Urban Conservation Strategies Specialist Group and was featured in a special issue connected to the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. 

Sean Hastings is a leader in marine policy and conservation, working at the intersection of ocean management and industry collaboration. He is a co-founder of Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies, a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction program operating off the California Coast. The Initiative partners with county air districts, national marine sanctuaries, and the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation to encourage shipping companies to slow down in key areas, reducing fatal ship strikes on endangered whales while also cutting air pollution. 

Faculty from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs will host an upcoming workshop focused on the role of public comment in shaping policy. “The Power of Public Comment” will explore how science and research can be used to inform and strengthen public participation in policymaking.
The workshop will feature Ryan Kelly, PhD, JD, professor and associate director at SMEA—along with Lauren Kuehne, MS. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs is pleased to announce Rear Admiral Steve Metruck, U.S. Coast Guard (retired), and Executive Director of the Port of Seattle, has joined us as Professor of Practice in addition to his role as Executive Director of the Port of Seattle.
With a distinguished over forty-year career spanning maritime leadership and public service, Metruck brings extensive experience as both a U.S.