Amy Eberling

Amy Eberling is the Founder and Executive Director of The Salish Sea School in Anacortes, Washington, where she has built a distinctive, place-based marine science program that immerses youth, families, and adults in the ecology and wildlife of the Salish Sea. With a background in biology and education, Eberling holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Multicultural Education. She also holds a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License and is a certified Salish Sea Steward. Before founding The Salish Sea School, Eberling spent over a decade as a high school biology teacher, where she developed a passion for experiential, hands-on learning. That passion now drives her work connecting people directly with marine ecosystems — from rocky shorelines and intertidal habitats to offshore waters of the San Juan Islands.

The Salish Sea School’s programs emphasize inquiry-based learning, encouraging participants to investigate real ecosystems and study species such as Tufted Puffins, Rhinoceros Auklets, Marbled Murrelets, and other seabirds that serve as indicators of ocean health. Through The Salish Sea School, Eberling has developed interdisciplinary programming that integrates marine ecology, conservation biology, and environmental stewardship. The organization now reaches thousands of participants annually through school partnerships, field experiences, community programs, adult learning opportunities, and summer camps. Her work highlights the interconnectedness of marine food webs — from plankton to forage fish to seabirds and marine mammals — and explores how changing ocean conditions, including warming waters and marine heatwaves, impact wildlife.

Eberling’s leadership extends beyond education programs. She collaborates with regional scientists, conservation organizations, and community partners to align learning experiences with current research and stewardship priorities. Programs under her direction include seabird monitoring, citizen science initiatives, and conservation-focused field experiences where participants contribute to real-world learning and stewardship. She is widely recognized for fostering environmental literacy and inspiring stewardship among youth and adults alike. Through public speaking, community programs, and partnerships, Eberling translates complex marine science into accessible, meaningful experiences that connect people to place and inspire lifelong care for the Salish Sea.