OUR MISSION
Uniting people across the Pacific to restore thriving sea turtle populations through sharing science, promoting education, and strengthening connections between coastal communities.
WEST COAST SEA TURTLE SYMPOSIUM
Through our biennial symposium, we bring together scientists, conservationists, and the public to share knowledge, inspire action, and build meaningful connections that drive impactful conservation efforts. By uniting diverse voices, we strengthen our collective ability to protect sea turtles and preserve our shared oceans for future generations.
OUR BOARD
Aiyana Reissman
President
George Shillinger
Board Chair and 2026 Host
Cassandra Davis
Secretary
Lynn Massey
Advisor to the Board
Michael King
Treasurer
Sadie Klughers
Board Member
OUR PARTNERS
Photography generously provided by Tyler Hobbs
Tyler Hobbs is a 20-year-old photographer born and raised in San Diego, California. Ever since he was young, he has always had a passion for learning about the ocean and interacting with animals. Whether swimming with white sharks or hand-catching venomous snakes, he's always had an itch to explore nature. Tyler started using photography not only to document his adventures but also to help protect the world's most fascinating creatures. When he learned about sea turtles being native to California, he began finding and tracking these rare and shy visitors to educate others through social media. He hopes the pictures can raise awareness about these beautiful creatures, which we see across many marine environments on the West Coast.
Land & Water Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that our activities take place on land and in waters of first-nations throughout California and beyond. Further, we recognize that WCSTS was founded on the unceded land and waters of the Kumeyaay Nation, who have cared for this region for thousands of years. We honor their enduring relationship with this land and their resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. WCSTS is committed to recognizing Indigenous presence, wisdom, and stewardship—past, present, and future.