Although Washington is blessed with a rich community of breeding and wintering seabirds, relatively little is known about the ecology and conservation status of many of the species, including the alcids (the auk family). This relative lack of knowledge extends to iconic species such as the Tufted Puffin, a species listed as Endangered by Washington State. Moving between islands, seascapes, and species of the waters of Washington, Peter Hodum will provide an overview of a collaborative research program focused on improving our understanding of Tufted Puffins, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Marbled Murrelets and their conservation status.

Dr. Peter Hodum is a professor in the Biology Department and the Environmental Policy and Decision Making Program at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, and the Chile Program Director for Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, a conservation non-profit organization. His research focuses primarily on the conservation and ecology of threatened seabirds and island ecosystems in Chile and Washington State. His work also has a strong focus on community-centered conservation, including how communities can be more effectively and authentically involved in conservation. Continue Reading →