The Fisher and the Whale: Understanding Human-Whale Interactions in the Pacific Northwest

February 24, 2026

Christopher Biggs, Research Scientist at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Dungeness crab is an iconic species across the Pacific Northwest and the most significant fishery for Washington State's coastal communities. However, the conservation and management of this vital resource face modern-day challenges, such as from the impacts of changing conditions and marine mammal entanglements. Join Christopher Biggs, Research Scientist at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn more about how his research integrates climate science and oceanography to project future changes in crab distribution and abundance, while also identifying crucial overlap areas between whale migratory patterns and active fishing grounds.