Winter Waters at 7 Devils Coos Bay
Sunday, February 22, 2026 (time TBD) — 7 Devils Brewery Coos Bay, OR
Come to Coos Bay for a day of science and art. We’re heading to 7 Devils for a Pub Science Talk on seaweed and kelp as well as seaweedy arts and crafts!
We’ve been so excited for the oppurtunity to do an event with 7 Devils Brewery. Deeply rooted in Oregon’s south coast, 7 Devils takes “local” seriously, weaving community, craft, and coastal pride into everything they do. From sourcing regional ingredients to uplifting farmers, musicians, distillers, and artists, they embody the spirit of the Adventure Coast and invite everyone to experience it fully.
While their handcrafted ales are the heartbeat of the brewery (including their Elakha Ale using local dulse seaweed), 7 Devils’ commitment goes far beyond drinks. Their approach to food mirrors our own mission: honoring the coastal cornucopia and showcasing the flavors, people, and stories that make this place special. It’s about connections to the land, sea, and communit, and creating spaces where local abundance is celebrated and shared.
Winter Waters Speakers & Activities:
Learn about Kelp Forest Dynamics
Miles is a graduate student at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology in Dr. Aaron Galloway’s laboratory. He grew up as an avid diver and spearfisherman in Oregon, developing a deep passion for the state’s coastal ecosystems. Since then, he has become a SCUBA instructor and scientific diver, using diving both to conduct research and to teach others about the underwater environment.
His research focuses on kelp forest dynamics, particularly the role predators play in shaping these ecosystems. He studies sunflower sea stars and their influence on sea urchin populations, which help maintain ecological balance. A key area of his work is the “landscape of fear” effect—how the presence of predators alters urchin behavior, including where they feed and how intensely they graze—ultimately influencing the structure and health of kelp forests. In his talk, Miles will present recent findings from Oregon field experiments showing how predator restoration, combined with kelp outplanting, may help restore healthy, thriving kelp forests.
Learn about Seaweed Farming and Foraging
Seaweed farmer, forager, and Winter Waters co-founder Alanna brings her deep love of seaweed to the pub for an engaging science talk all about seaweed farming and foraging in Oregon. From farming Pacific dulse with Oregon Seaweed, to teaching hands-on kelp harvesting and processing each spring through Shifting Tides, Alanna has a well rounded LOVE of seaweed that spans the full lifecycle, from ocean to plate.
Blending marine science, food culture, and coastal stewardship, she’ll explore seaweed as a powerful culinary ingredient while sharing approachable, fun ways to incorporate it into everyday home cooking. Expect stories from the shore, practical knowledge, and plenty of inspiration for anyone curious about sustainable ocean foods and the future of seaweed on the Oregon coast.
Seaweed art activity
Make "seaweed kabobs" out of cleaned up marine debris with Washed Ashore. This activity will be first come first serve, as materials are limited.
If you’ve ever driven through downtown Coos Bay or visited the Coquille Point overlook in Bandon, you’ve likely encountered Washed Ashore’s striking marine debris sculptures. This coastal arts organization transforms trash collected from beaches into large-scale works of art that bring the issue of ocean pollution into clear focus. Through creativity, education, and community involvement, Washed Ashore inspires stewardship and demonstrates the power of art to protect the sea.
In true Winter Waters fashion, participants will create “seaweed kabobs” from cleaned marine debris that will become part of future Washed Ashore sculptures.
Join in, get creative, and contribute to a larger collaborative art piece with a powerful coastal message.
You can also visit Washed Ashore’s new home gallery in Pony Village Mall! Home to our artists, workshop spaces and multiple sculpture and art installation. Exhibits on display every day. Studio open Saturdays: 12pm – 4pm
Stay All Weekend!
Want to do the whole 3-day Adventure coast weekend of events with a group? In partnership with Winter Waters, Meridian Boutique Travel invites you to join a soulful, small-group weekend through Coos Bay, Bandon, and Reedsport from February 20-22, 2026. This tour includes accommodations and tickets to all the Winter Waters events. Spots are limited, so sign up for the waitlist.
Thank you to Travel Southern Oregon Coast and Oregon’s Adventure Coast for sponsoring Winter Waters in Coos Bay.
About Us
Winter Waters is an Oregon-born initiative dedicated to promoting seaweed as a superfood culinary ingredient and enhancing local Oregon coast food systems. Our mission is to bridge the gap between consumers and sustainable seafood sources through education and shared meals.
Each February, Winter Waters collaborates with chefs and tastemakers to celebrate local seafood! The state of Oregon boasts some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world, yet much of the seafood produced is exported, and a significant portion of consumed seafood is imported (about 90%!). There is a disconnect between the people and the process and we’d like to help bridge this gap through education and delicious culinary experiences.