Program on the Environment

On the Olympic Coast of Washington, the harvest and use of treaty protected marine resources have been central to tribal livelihoods, food security, and sociocultural practices for thousands of years. However, due to worsening climate conditions, ocean acidification is disrupting coastal ecosystems and putting many marine species – and thus the communities that depend upon them – at risk. The aim of this project is to both examine the extent to which indigenous communities on the Olympic Coast are vulnerable to ocean acidification as well as share the personal stories of the Makah, Quileute, Quinault and Hoh tribes who are experiencing these effects on a daily basis. Using a mixed methods approach of quantitative analysis of existing tribal data and qualitative observations and quotations from informal site visits and interviews, I assessed tribal vulnerability from three different perspectives: economic, food security, and sociocultural. Results showed that a lack of access to food alternatives as well as a majority of tribal diet, income, and employment coming from the fishing industry were the greatest contributors to tribal vulnerability to ocean acidification. Beyond these monetary challenges, findings also showed a loss of access to these resources due to ocean acidification have limited the ability of these native peoples to practice their own culture and traditions. By looking at multiple aspects of tribal-wellbeing as well as incorporating the personal experiences of individual tribal members, the results of this comprehensive vulnerability assessment provides a more holistic analysis of ocean acidification and the effect it has on people.