Friends of the San Juans is excited to welcome and introduce Kirsten Kane (she/her/hers) as our new Salish Sea Strategy and Engagement Manager. Kirsten joins Friends with extensive experience in ocean ecology and marine policy. Kirsten will help build and support our coalition efforts, work with the press, and enhance community engagement to protect the health and biodiversity of the Salish Sea..
With a Ph.D. in Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry from Oregon State University, Kirsten will use her technical expertise and research background to offer insight on key issues and support evidence-based environmental protections for the Salish Sea. Throughout her professional career, Kirsten has studied ocean environments all over the world, from right here in the Salish Sea to the far reaches of the Southern Ocean.
“I aim to double down on Friends’ efforts to protect the Salish Sea’s habitats, wildlife, communities, and recreational and cultural resources from shipping risks and impacts.”
— Kirsten Kane, Salish Sea Strategy and Engagement Manager
Kirsten comes to Friends from the U.S. Department of the Interior where she worked for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) assessing offshore renewable and decarbonization energy and its impact on ocean environments. At BOEM, she managed international relationships and helped shape domestic policies on emerging technologies like offshore hydrogen production and its use as an alternative to fossil fuels. She has served as a member of the U.S. delegation for international treaty meetings, like the London Convention and London Protocol which ensures that rigorous regulations are upheld for the dumping of wastes and other matter into the ocean. She also helped draft important national-level marine policies, like the U.S. National Strategy for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.
From a young age, Kirsten knew she wanted to study and help protect the world’s oceans. In 2012, she moved to Bellingham, WA from the small town of Flagstaff, AZ to study marine biology at Western Washington University. She fell in love with the Puget Sound and spent the better part of the last decade in the Pacific Northwest. She has put down roots in Washington and is excited to join the strong staff at Friends working to build and protect the state’s pristine ocean ecosystems for its residents, both human and creature alike.
“Kirsten’s deep commitment to protecting marine and community well-being powerfully aligns with Friends’ mission. She brings a tremendous amount of expertise and exceptional research and analytical abilities to the policy work we lead. Adding Kirsten to the team will expand our reach in protecting the Salish Sea.”
— Lovel Pratt, Marine Protection and Policy Director.
Kirsten is passionate about working to find solutions for protecting natural ecosystems and the vital resources they provide to communities. She is thrilled to join Friends, working alongside members and partners to safeguard the Salish Sea and all it sustains.
