Kirsten Kane, Ph.D.
Salish Sea Strategy and Engagement Manager
she/her/hers
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. 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. Kirsten shares, “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.”
