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Dana Daniels

Beach Seines with Schools

Education & Outreach
Fourth grade students learn how to identify juvenile salmon caught in a beach seine Photo credit: Dana Daniels

From Classroom to Shoreline

In 2022, the Whatcom MRC launched the Beach Seine with Schools program to provide elementary students with a hands-on opportunity to learn about the critical role intertidal habitats play in supporting juvenile salmon and forage fish. By connecting students directly with local shorelines, the program fosters environmental stewardship and builds awareness of marine science and conservation opportunities. Following strong demand and positive outcomes, the program has continued annually through 2026.

The program combines classroom based lessons with a field experience at Boulevard Park in Bellingham, where students participate in beach seining activities, collect scientific observations, and learn from Tribal members about the cultural and ecological significance of salmon.

Marine intertidal zones are migratory corridors for juvenile salmon, much like the sidewalks we use along the shoreline.

Mike MacKay, MRC Project Lead

Students observe biologists with the Lummi Nation Natural Resources Department conduct a beach seine. Photo credit: Kimberly Cauvel.

Jim and Sandra Bura speak to students about the cultural importance of salmon. Photo credit: Kimberly Cauvel.

Fourth grade students observe juvenile salmon that were caught in a beach seine.

Fourth grade students observe juvenile salmon that were caught in the seine. Photo credit: Dana Daniels.

A fourth grade student identifies a juvenile salmon caught in the beach seine. Photo credit: Kimberly Cauvel.

A Growing Tide of Impact

The Beach Seine with Schools project relies on various partners, organizations, and the local community to help facilitate the program. Partners include the Lummi Nation Natural Resources Department, Tribal speakers and marine scientists, the Salish Sea School, the Salish Sea Alliance, and several community volunteers.

In 2026:

  • 3 Beach Seine with Schools events were held
  • 180 students from 3 schools participated in the program
  • 15 volunteers assisted, contributing over 125 hours of volunteer time

Since the program began in 2022:

  • 15 Beach Seine with Schools events have taken place
  • 800 students from 16 schools have participated

This was a wonderful experience for our 4th graders. Many had never been down to the park and being able to see the fish (and other animals) in the water was really meaningful. Learning with real life experiences is so powerful.

Cordata Elementary School Teacher
Beach Seines with Schools