Every year, the Seattle Aquarium recognizes outstanding individuals who work and make a difference in the marine environment. This year, UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences research scientist Jeffrey Cordell was honored for his innovative work on restoring marine habitat along Seattle’s Elliott Bay seawall.

Jeff led the long-term research, funded by the City of Seattle and Washington Sea Grant, to design, install, and monitor large-scale test panels at three locations along the Seattle waterfront as part of the Elliott Bay Seawall Project. Jeff and his team tested the potential benefits of slopes and crevices along the seawall and explored how complex, engineered structures can increase species diversity and abundance.

As a result of this work, Seattle will be the first city in the world to incorporate habitat panels into a large expanse of seawall. The city plans to monitor for several years after construction, generating the data needed to design future ecologically beneficial seawalls, both in Puget Sound and around the world.

“Jeff’s award is well-deserved,” said UW College of the Environment Dean Lisa Graumlich. “His work on habitat restoration in Elliott Bay is groundbreaking and we all benefit from his engagement in the City’s Waterfront Program.”