Intertidal
Organisms EZ-ID GUIDES
Our beaches are absolute treasures!
The Salish Sea* is home to an amazing variety of species.
Three factors: salinity, energy from wind and waves, and substrate determine
the plant and animal complement of marine habitats (and human intervention can
play a part in altering any one of them). A shoreline tour of the Salish Sea
will reveal habitats with almost every conceivable combination of these. From
marine high energy rocky beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San
Juan Archipelago to long sandy spits and quiet protected estuarine lagoons,
a beachcomber can't help but encounter hundreds of invertebrate, fish, and seaweed
species, each settled into its own niche.
Nitrogen rich water from the Pacific, entering the Salish Sea through the
Strait of Juan de Fuca, provides the nutrient base for the formation of
new marine life. In the spring, when the hours of daylight increase, photosynthesizing
phytoplankton "bloom", setting off a reproduction explosion that works its
way through the entire marine food web. Soon the Salish Sea is teeming
with new invertebrate and fish life.
Very old life exists in the Salish Sea as well. Some of our invertebrate
species live well over 100 years. As you explore this beautiful and fascinating
shoreline, tread carefully and respect the animal life you encounter. Follow
the links below to the EZ-ID Guides for animals, seaweeds, sea grasses and
shore plants. Take the time to look and learn. We think you'll be amazed!
*The Salish Sea (named after the first nation peoples who first inhabited this area) extends from Olympia Washington to the northern edge of Georgia Strait.
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