Marco Hatch

Marco Hatch is an Samish and American marine biologist and professor known for integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary marine science. He teaches at the College of the Environment at Western Washington University. Hatch's work focuses on sustainable marine practices, enhancing collaboration between scientists and Indigenous communities, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.

Early life and education

Marco Hatch is a citizen of the Samish Indian Nation and grew up in Yakima, Washington. As a child he enjoyed interacting with the local marine wildlife with a fondness for clams and crabs. Upon finishing high school, Hatch enrolled in Western Washington University where he dropped out within the first year. He then attended Whatcom Community College where he finished a Bachelor's degree and worked in food service and catering. However, Hatch found himself becoming dissatisfied with his career. Coincidentally, it was around that time when the Samish Indian Nation began an internship program for its members called the Samish Stewards Program directed by Russel Barsh which focused on coastal research. In exchange for their work, the interns would receive a stipend they could use towards college. After the internship, Hatch enrolled at University of Washington and continued his education at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, before later going to San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography for his doctorate in Biological Oceanography.

Career

Upon leaving graduate school, Hatch applied for and received a fellowship that placed him at Northwest Indian College. He was then hired as director of the Salish Sea Research Center at the same college. As of 2024, Hatch works as a professor at Western Washington University. In addition to his professional work, Hatch also resides on the advisory committee for the United Nations Ocean Decade Collaborative Center for the Northeast Pacific and is part of the Clam Garden Network where he works to continue and promote indigenous style clam garden management techniques.

Hatch was selected by the Pew Charitable Trusts as one of the seven global 2023 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation recipients, which provides recipients with $150,000 over the span of three years to use on a project that involves marine conservation.

Hatch's work primarily focuses around how traditionally trained scientists can better support aquatic communities such as clam gardens. Additionally, Hatch is discovering and implementing ways that scientists and indigenous communities can combine their knowledge into new ecological practices. Clam gardens have long been utilized by indigenous peoples to sustainably harvest clams without damaging local populations or the ecosystem. Hatch states that the indigenous methods are two to four times more productive than conventional practices that are commonly used today.

Inclusion work

Marco Hatch is committed to integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary marine science, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in environmental stewardship. As a member of the Samish Indian Nation, he collaborates with Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest on projects aimed at restoring and managing marine ecosystems, such as clam gardens and eelgrass meadows. One such project, titled 'Indigenous sea gardens within the Pacific Northwest generate partial trophic niche and dietary fatty acid shifts in littleneck clams (Leukoma staminea),' highlights his efforts in aiding Indigenous communities in understanding and improving future restoration programs in these areas.

Beyond his research, Hatch advocates for diversity and inclusion within the scientific community. He participates in workshops, conferences, and educational programs to increase the representation of Indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups in environmental science. As a mentor, he supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to pursue careers in science. At Western Washington University, Hatch has developed curricula that incorporate Indigenous knowledge, fostering an inclusive learning environment and advocating for diverse voices in academic discourse.