Introduction Oysters are a crucial species of marine animal that help to stabilize sediment, provide habitat for other marine creatures, and improve
The Enigma of Pseudo-nitzschia
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are impacting the economy and marine health of Washington’s Pacific Coast. You may have heard this term before, but have
Fish-eating Anemone
Fish-eating anemones (Urticina piscavora) are large anemones that can be found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Southern California. They
Tide Pool Etiquette
Tide pools are unique and fascinating habitats home to dozens of species adapted to survive these ever-changing environments. Here on the Washington
Shortfin Mako Sharks
Shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) can be found all over the world in tropical and temperate waters. In the eastern Pacific Ocean, they range
Giant Pacific Octopus
You may have seen in the news cycle recently that a young girl saved a beached giant Pacific octopus at Bay View State Park by using her toy bucket to
Domoic Acid
Pacific razor clams are an integral part of Washington’s ocean beaches that are typically dug during the fall, winter, and spring as permitted by
All About Otters
Otters are members of the weasel family. They are “charismatic” creatures with short ears, long bodies, and soft, dense fur. (Fun fact: Otters are
Giant Sea Star
The giant sea star (Pisaster giganteus), also known as the giant-spined sea star, is a species of sea star native to the west coast of North America.