Caroline Gibson Scholarship Fund

Promoting Caroline Gibson’s Passion For The Salish Sea

Caroline Gibson devoted the bulk of her career to the protection and restoration of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. While she worked on numerous projects of importance, one of her greatest contributions was raising attention to kelp (particularly bull kelp) and creating a monitoring network to greatly expand availability of data for its coverage.

Her amazing ability to bring people together, enthusiastically share a vision and increase collaboration among scientists and volunteers was critical to the protection and restoration of the Salish Sea. Caroline created the International Salish Sea Kelp Alliance to encourage the sharing of monitoring techniques and data across borders.

Caroline used her knowledge of the fishing industry and strong personal relationships to assist NOAA in leading an effort to engage commercial fishers on methods to prevent the loss of derelict fishing gear. The candid conversations she fostered and insights she gathered have led to improved fishing practices and reduced net loss.

Caroline held extensive experience in the Northwest Straits Initiative and was a leader in community-based conservation efforts. She served as Northwest Straits Foundation Executive Director, Northwest Straits Commission Marine Program Manager and Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee member.

Prior to joining the Northwest Straits Initiative, Caroline spent more than a decade providing management and administrative leadership on U.S. regional and national marine conservation, policy, research, and development projects.

Working with Caroline was uplifting and inspiring. She brought a spirit of innovation, hopefulness and problem solving to all challenges. Caroline saw and implemented solutions by believing in the power of partnerships and people. The Salish Sea is a better place because of Caroline Gibson. The Caroline Gibson Scholarship Fund supports the next generation of marine conservation leaders and continues her passion for the Salish Sea.