The ocean is a living part of the world, and its changes affect everything connected to it.

The kwinɑyɫ (Quinault) Nation

For Indigenous peoples, like the kwinɑył Nation on the coast of Washington State, this connection is very strong.

Sea level rise, caused by things like ijɪmmɑ hənč̓o (ice melting), threatens coastal communities most. The kwinɑył’s town of Taholah is facing big challenges as rising ocean waters flood their tɑptɑɑnə (shore). They are working hard to move their community away from the tɑptɑɑnə to higher ground in an act of strength and determination to protect their homes and traditions.

Moving to Higher Ground

THINK-PAIR-SHARE

What is the problem?

What is the kwinɑył Nation doing to mitigate it?

ɫɪʔc̓oiɫ (Animals)

Rising ocean levels and warmer waters don’t just affect humans; they change entire ecosystems, impacting ɫɪʔc̓oiɫ that are part of the natural balance.

Rising sea surface temperatures and changes in freshwater flow and temperature threaten the julas (Blueback Salmon) and č̓aw̓ło (Chinook Salmon).

A bright red and green sockeye salmon swims in the clear, shallow water of a river with a sandy bed and submerged wood.

Changing sea levels also make it more difficult for the gwašʔups (Land Otter) to find prey.

A close-up of a wet, brown otter lying on a rock while eating a fish.

What Do We Do?

There are different ways that communities and scientists are dealing with sea level rise:

  • seawalls and levees
  • adaptive buildings
  • nature-based solutions (like preserving natural barriers like wetlands and mangrove forests)

But it all starts with monitoring! We can’t fight what we don’t know. One way we monitor sea level is through satellites.