Anne Shaffer

Anne Shaffer is an Adjunct Professor at Western Washington University and a senior marine scientist specializing in northeast Pacific nearshore ecosystem conservation. She leads research initiatives focused on ecosystem services, conservation, and restoration of the Salish Sea nearshore environments.

Her research examines coastal ecosystem functions, anthropogenic stresses, and restoration strategies, with emphasis on kelp forests, forage fish ecology, and dam removal impacts. She coordinates field studies on marine ecosystem responses to shoreline armor removal and dam removals.

Shaffer's publications frequently address nearshore restoration outcomes, particularly following the Elwha River dam removals. Her articles document ecological responses across trophic levels and provide frameworks for coastal resilience planning. Recent work explores interactions between coastal beavers, salmon habitats, and nearshore restoration.