Elyse Hauser

Elyse Hauser is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest whose work focuses on environmental issues and solutions. As a lover of all things aquatic, she often writes about water and its ecosystems, from rivers to the deep sea. She has an MFA from the University of New Orleans, and has also learned from the Center for Investigative Journalism (SUJO) in Bergen, Norway.

Stories from Elyse Hauser

A river barge floats next to the RivGen river turbine, also floating in the water of the Kvichak River.

The Alaska Native Villages Where Rivers Provide Power

In one Alaskan village, turbines have harnessed electricity from the river since 2019. This summer, a second village is testing its own turbine in an attempt to reach 100 percent renewable power.

A Grays Harbor Transit public bus drives along a rural forested road past a red building.

Community Development

Free Public Transit Is Trending in Rural Washington

Anyone in Washington can travel hundreds of miles by bus without paying a cent. As gas prices and the cost of living climb, transit ridership is rising in counties with zero-fare programs.

A close up of a spiky, bright purple sea urchin on top of a pile of other purple urchins.

Urchins Are Ravaging Pacific Kelp Forests. Will Seafood Ranches Stop Their Path of Destruction?

Urchins are overwhelming Pacific coastlines, where they devour kelp and destabilize ecosystems. Aquaculture "ranches" are collecting them for human consumption to mitigate the damage.

Two orcas breach the water along the coast of the Pacific Northwest while a tanker ship sails past in the background.

AI Helps Protect Orcas from Noisy Ships in Washington’s Puget Sound

Endangered orcas are struggling to survive in the Puget Sound. Among other threats, noise from ships in the busy corridor can drown out the orcas’ communication and disrupt their use of echolocation to hunt. A new thermal imaging camera uses AI to spot whales and alert passing ships when they’re nearby.

Two scuba divers explore a coral reef surrounded by small orange fish.

Alternative Economies

The Long View: 20 Years of Sustainability in Motion

We’re Halfway Through the Ocean Decade: What’s Next for the Blue Economy?

United Nations delegates first envisioned a sustainable "blue economy" over a decade ago. Will industries like bioprospecting and marine energy finally bring that future to life?

The Statsraad Lehmkuhl at sea on a sunny day with all of its sails open.

The Century-Old Sailing Ship That Became a Research Vessel

Outfitted with modern scientific equipment, the historic Statsraad Lehmkuhl proves ocean science isn’t just for formal research cruises.

November 25, 2025

A cottage pie cooked with Purply mince.

A New ‘Red Meat’ From the Sea Could Be Coming to Menus Near You

A Scandinavian startup is making a ground beef alternative from marine invertebrates. Scientists say it shows sustainability promise, but getting people to try it might be the hardest part.

November 3, 2025

Clean Cities Campaign team members gather together with signs and a megaphone to show support for low-emission zones in Poland.

Community Development

Are Low-Emission Zones Freeing European Cities from Smog?

Low-emission zones can help reduce pollution from cars, but many are still a work in progress. Experts say success comes from gradual, flexible, incentive-driven design.

October 10, 2025

Grady Crosby

Alternative Economies

The Community Land Trust Model Brings Affordable Housing to Milwaukee

Milwaukee Community Land Trust and Northwestern Mutual are making homeownership possible for more city residents by buying and transforming run-down properties.

August 11, 2025

The Puget Sound Restoration Fund team is testing a unique

A New Strategy in the Fight to Save Washington State's Kelp Forests

Kelp gardening is an experimental new method for restoring a key ecosystem. It hasn’t worked yet, but researchers aren’t giving up.

National Domestic Workers Alliance members

Justice + Equality

Philadelphia's POWER Act Could Set National Precedent for Worker Rights

Philadelphia passed the POWER Act last month, strengthening protections for non-unionized and non-traditional employees. It's the result of collective effort by local organizations, worker centers, and formal labor unions, but the work isn't over yet.