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About Us
Pacific Mammal Research (PacMam) is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Anacortes, Washington State, dedicated to understanding more about marine mammal populations in the Salish Sea and passing on that knowledge through scientific publications and education.
Mission: To understand and protect harbor porpoises and harbor seals of the Salish Sea through innovative scientific research, engaging educational outreach, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Vision: We aim to provide information that is crucial to creating biologically meaningful conservation measures for marine mammals of the Salish Sea, and build a community that is engaged in protecting the marine world they depend on.
Our research is conducted on the traditional lands of the Samish Indian Nation people past and present. We honor and give gratitude to the land itself, and to the Samish Tribe.
Our work and programs may occur outside of this region and we honor all Indigenous Peoples to include S'Klallam, Coast Salish, Lummi, Tulalip, Swinomish, Stillaguamish, Skagit, Lekwungen/Songhees, and Te'mexw. Learn more about the local tribes here and here.
Our Story
Founded in 2014 in Anacortes, WA, PacMam is one of only a handful of organizations worldwide conducting long-term non-invasive research and monitoring of harbor porpoise populations.
By studying marine mammals in their natural environment of the Salish Sea, we can improve our understanding of their life history, behavior, social structure and ecology within a dynamic and changing environment.
Using traditional and innovative scientific techniques, we provide information critical for conservation measures and create public awareness through education. Through ongoing research and education, PacMam provides high quality research data to the scientific community and creates an empowered constituency that can make informed decisions about the marine world they depend on.
Meet The Team
Cindy Elliser, Ph.D.
Founder & Research Director
Dr. Cindy R. Elliser received her B.S, M.S. and PhD in Biological Sciences and Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Before moving to the Pacific Northwest, she spent 10 years working with Dr. Herzing and the Wild Dolphin Project studying dolphins in the Bahamas. In 2014 Dr. Elliser founded Pacific Mammal Research to study harbor porpoises and harbor seals in the Salish Sea. Her research focuses on using photo-identification and behavioral observations to understand the behavioral ecology, social structure and foraging ecology of individuals and populations. In addition to her research, Dr. Elliser is the Associate Director of the Salish Sea Institute, part of Western Washington University. Dr. Elliser is also an educator and has taught biology, chemistry and marine related courses at a variety of community colleges and universities throughout her career.
Katrina White, MRes
Co-Founder & Assistant Research Director
Following completion of her Bachelors of Science degree (with Honors) in Ecology & Conservation, Katrina White (nee MacIver) went on to achieve a Masters of Research (MRes) in Marine Mammal Research, both at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. She has extensive experience in field research and photo-identification techniques in the United States and abroad including the South Western Marine Research Program in Western Australia. Katrina moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2014 and co-founded Pacific Mammal Research alongside Dr. Elliser to study marine mammals of the Salish Sea. She has since been a co-author on several scientific papers and presented at international scientific conferences.
Ciera Edison, BSc
Research Assistant
Ciera received her Bachelors of Science degree from Oregon State University where she majored in Fisheries and Wildlife with a specialization in marine mammal conservation and ecology. After graduation, she became a Research Intern with PacMam and has continued to stay involved with the organization until she was recently able to return as Research Assistant. Ciera’s lifelong passion for marine mammals continues to drive her to research how humans impact the oceans and how she can better educate the public on this issue.
Board of Directors
Michelle Green. President.
Steven Elliser. Vice-President / Treasurer.
Brooke Casanova. Secretary.
Levi Vandebunte. Director.
Christy Fischer. Director.
Dr. Cindy Elliser. Ex-Officio Member.
Katrina White. Honorary Advisor of Directors Emeritus.
Scientific Advisors
Dr. Denise Herzing. Research Director/Founder, The Wild Dolphin Project.
Dr. Julie Oswald. Senior Lecturer, University of St. Andrews.
Funding Supporters
Collaborators
