Re: “Seattle Aquarium lays off 12 as revenues fall short” (Feb. 4, Northwest):
Left unreported is the influence on the general public and lessons of schoolchildren who go to Puget Sound seashores in King County throughout spring and summer season low tides. With the 2 lead Seashore Naturalist Program everlasting workers laid off, and the almost two dozen devoted seasonal workers not being rehired, Seattle Aquarium will not present 300 skilled volunteers and workers as seaside naturalists serving to educate and join numerous audiences to the wondrous tide pool animals.
For the primary time in 25 years, tens of 1000’s of native residents and schoolchildren coming to 11 seashores (from Sprint Level to Richmond Seashore) every year is not going to be greeted by aquarium naturalists. Most of the people, of all financial circumstances, loses this long-standing, worthwhile and free alternative to deepen their understanding and caring for our Northwest marine ecosystem.
Our recommendation: Proceed to go to our seashores and benefit from the life at low tide. Do what you may to preserve this superb a part of the place we reside. Share your discoveries with others on the seaside. Maybe you’ll find yourself speaking to an out-of-uniform former naturalist who simply can’t cease coming to see the thrill that’s within the tide swimming pools.
Former Aquarium seasonal workers: Daoud Neil Miller, Kenmore; and Stephanie Burkemoore, Noelle Congdon and Jess Keating Hassman, Seattle