The Washington Ocean Acidification Center announces that Dr. Terrie Klinger, founding co-director of the Center, has retired from her faculty position at the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs as of 1 January 2026. The Center wishes to deeply acknowledge and thank Terrie for her service and vision as she brought groundbreaking research on Washington’s native marine species to reality.

A benthic ecologist, Terrie’s expertise was key to managing the Center, which she co-directed with Dr. Jan Newton, an oceanographer, since its creation in 2013. Both served on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification (2012) and have guided the Center’s research to implement Panel recommendations.

“Working with Terrie for over 10 years to build and direct the Center has been a professional highlight. Terrie brought much skill, biological knowledge, and dedication to the effort. She was trusted and respected by a wide swath of people involved. It has also been a personal pleasure; I will really miss working with her.” – Jan Newton, co-director, Washington Ocean Acidification Center

Dr. Klinger’s research has focused on applying ecological theory to practical management solutions, including ecosystem-based approaches to managing natural resources in the ocean, the ecological effects of environmental stressors, such as ocean acidification and habitat loss, and how rocky intertidal communities respond to and recover from disturbance. She has been recognized for her combination of marine science and public engagement with the UW’s Outstanding Service Award, received the Naturalist of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Western Society of Naturalists, and was honored with the Seattle Aquarium’s Conservation Research Award. She recently co-authored two guide books, Between the Tides in Washington and Oregon and Between the Tides in California.

Thank you, Dr. Klinger, and best wishes for your next chapter as an emeritus!