An exciting, educational event is coming to Whidbey Island at the Coupeville High School on February 7! It’s Sound Waters University presented by Sound Water Stewards. It is the Hallmark event of this established Island County non-profit organization and in its 32nd Edition!
This event is a one-day conference for all who are curious about the Salish Sea ecosystem. This year’s theme, “Tracing Life through the Salish Sea”, explores the intricate web of relationships that connect species, habitats and communities throughout this unique marine ecosystem.
Sound Water Steward’s new executive director, Florian Graner, will deliver the keynote speech which will feature video excerpts from his latest film “Orcas – Life in Black and White” which won the Silver Medal at the 2025 New York Film Festival.
The powerful images support a striking narrative: Orcas are unquestionable at the very top of the food chain, the food pyramid. Their well-being is like a “Health Check” of the entire food web underneath them, they are like a mirror reflecting the state of the ecosystems they rely on for their very existence.
In recent years the outlook for the two eco-cultures of orcas visiting the Salish Sea increasingly points to entirely different trajectories, Resident orcas, which feed on salmon, have been on decline and are barely hanging in, Transient orcas, which hunt other marine mammals, on the other hand are on the up-swing and are coming back strongly. Since over a decade they have been the true “Residents” in our waters.
Florian Graner’s keynote describes their stories and unravels what is behind these developments.
The one-day university closes with a keynote presentation on data-based hope for the future of the environment from elin kelsey, international speaker and author. In between are 20 elective class options and a chance to connect with 30 environmental non-profit exhibitors who electrify this event with their committed stewardship and inspired sense of community.
Tickets are on sale now for this Saturday, February 7, 2026 event held at Coupeville High School from 8 AM to 4PM. Following up on topics covered, six optional field trips are available on Sunday, February 8. Tickets for the University are $70. with the optional field trip add-on for $30.
For more information and the link to register please go to the website:

Sound Waters University

Your ticket purchase supports Sound Water Stewards education, community science and stewardship programs throughout Island County.