The Last Catch: Conversations on the Columbia and Snake Rivers is a dynamic speaker series exploring the future of our rivers and the vital role they play in the ecology, economy, and culture of the Northwest.

This month’s episode, From Millions to Memories: Stories of Abundant Salmon and Orca, explores what it means to have gone from once-abundant salmon runs to the precarious state we face today—and what it will take to bring them back. We will also discuss the impact of this loss on numerous species downstream throughout the Pacific Northwest, such as the beloved Southern Resident orcas.

Our moderator, Marcus Harrison Green, Seattle Stranger columnist and Founder of the South Seattle Emerald, will guide a conversation reflecting on abundance, loss, renewal and hope, with voices from across the region.

Speakers include:

• Tim Ballew, fisherman and former Lummi Nation Chairman
• Dr. Deborah Giles, whale scientist at SeaDoc Society
• Jay Hesse, Fish Biologist, Nez Perce Tribe
• Keyen Singer, youth fisherman