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. He initially enrolled at Western Washington University after high school but left within his first year. He later attended Whatcom Community College, where he completed a Bachelor's degree while working in food service and catering.

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.

Inclusion work Hatch integrates traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary marine science, with a focus on Indigenous perspectives in environmental management. At Western Washington University, he has developed courses that incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems into the curriculum.