Jason Toft is a principal research scientist at the University of Washington in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. As the lead for the Wetland Ecosystem Team, he has focused on the effectiveness of nearshore restoration and impacts of shoreline armoring in Puget Sound. The ecological interactions of juvenile salmon and invertebrates with estuarine and marine systems is the underlying framework for most of his research. This includes function of natural habitats, such as bull kelp and feeder bluffs. In addition to field-based research, he has also helped establish standardized protocols as part of the Shoreline Monitoring Database and coordinates the PSEMP Nearshore work group to increase communication on nearshore issues in Puget Sound.

Jason received his MS at UW in 2000 and never left, previously working at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and has a BS from Brown University. He really enjoys exploring beaches and the interactions of humans with nature, oftentimes trying to keep up with his kids.