3 minute read
The Salish Sea: A Coastal Treasure under Pressure
BY NADINE WONG
Stretching across the Pacific Northwest, the Salish Sea is one of the most ecologically and culturally rich marine ecosystems in North America. It encompasses the Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, linking the waters of southern British Columbia and northern Washington State. Here, orcas breach, salmon run and First Nations maintain deep ancestral ties. Yet, like so many natural wonders, the Salish Sea is under mounting pressure.
“In my lifetime, the reefs have deteriorated, though they are still relatively healthy. The challenge is shifting baselines. Years ago, I’d see far more fish and invertebrates, but new divers only know what they see today and think it’s great,” observes marine naturalist and educator Andy Lamb. “Everyone’s baseline is different, which makes research difficult. There isn’t necessarily less variety, but populations have certainly shifted.”
Key threats include:
Pollution: Urban runoff, wastewater and plastic debris contaminate the water, harming fish, orcas and other marine life.
Boat traffic and noise: Busy ports and heavy recreational boating create a noisy underwater world, disrupting whales that rely on echolocation.
Climate change: Warming waters, ocean acidification and rising sea levels are reshaping habitats and food webs.
Habitat loss: Coastal development, logging and shoreline modification have damaged critical ecosystems such as eelgrass meadows and estuaries.
Declining keystone species: Salmon populations, already stressed by habitat loss and overfishing, continue to fall –threatening the orcas that depend on them.
“The Salish Sea is unique,” says Lamb. “It’s a cold marine basin shaped by freshwater tributaries, mainly the Fraser River, and its position between two countries creates political and management challenges. More than 3,000 marine species inhabit these waters, from tiny plankton to killer whales. The sea supports kelp, eelgrass, mudflats and marshes, all of which nurture sea life and keep our coastal waters clean.”
Beyond its ecological wealth, the Salish Sea is a cultural keystone. Indigenous peoples, including the Stz’uminus, Penelakut, Halalt, Lyackson, and Cowichan, have lived along its shores for millennia, drawing on its abundance for food, trade and ceremony. Today, it also serves as a playground for kayakers, sailors, fishers and nature lovers.
A retired Vancouver Aquarium educator, former Fisheries and Oceans Canada fish culturalist, avid diver, and co-author of three books on Pacific Northwest marine life, Lamb now calls Thetis Island home.
“One of the most urgent threats today is human impact,” he says. “Despite the economy, boat traffic isn’t declining. With population growth, pressure on the shoreline keeps increasing. The Islands Trust and other groups are trying to mitigate this, but there are ongoing concerns about docks, anchorages and other developments.”
The Salish Sea is more than just a waterway; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem, a cultural lifeline and a source of inspiration. Whether you’re navigating its coves by sailboat or watching eagles soar from a rocky shore, every visitor has a role to play in its stewardship. By recreating and boating mindfully and advocating for healthy marine practices, we can help ensure that this unique and irreplaceable region remains vibrant for generations to come.
