January 30, 2025
We are sad to share the news of the passing of former Washington Sea Grant (WSG) science writer Eric Scigliano, who died in a diving accident in the Galápagos Islands last week. He was 71.
In addition to serving on the WSG communications team from 2013–2017, Scigliano wrote on wide-ranging topics from the environment, art and history for dozens of local and national publications. He was an award-winning journalist and author of several books including The Big Thaw: Ancient Carbon, Modern Science, and a Race to Save the World; Michelangelo’s Mountain; and Love, War and Circuses: The Age-Old Relationship Between Elephants and Humans.
At WSG, Scigliano skillfully covered the breadth of WSG’s work for its own publications, such as Sea Star magazine, as well as in external outlets: for example, he wrote about Meg Chadsey’s work on ocean acidification, Ian Miller’s work on sea level rise, and Jeff Adams’ work monitoring sea star wasting disease.
Scigliano’s affinity for the marine environment was personal: “I love the ocean, and I like to dive,” he said in a 2017 interview with L’Italo Americano. “Living in Seattle means you are very aware of the water around you. My interest in marine science was a natural part of this evolution.”
Across the local science writing and media communities, Scigliano was well-known and loved for his charm, eccentricities and penchant for adventure. He was always ready to meet the moment with easy banter and anecdotes of far-flung escapades. He will be missed.
Read more about Scigliano in The Seattle Times and Post Alley.
Scigliano drew editorial cartoons for many local publications, including Washington Sea Grant’s Sea Star magazine.
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Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, helps people and marine life thrive through research, technical expertise and education supporting the responsible use and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Washington Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, education, outreach and technology transfer.
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JAN
2025