The Princess and the Crown — David B. Graham

Before Mimi Voor can get used to the feel of her Miss Indiana crown, a call from the White House offers her a challenge … use her expertise in marine biology and her excellent problem solving skills to help save a vital link in the Pacific Ocean food chain. Something, or someone, is killing krill in massive numbers off the Oregon coast. During the research voyage she confronts the mysterious marine parasite, faces kidnapping, and death threats from the crew of a trawler shadowing the research vessel. Can they reverse the killing process and help US and Canadian law enforcement stop the terrorists who may be responsible?