Whelks to Whales: Coastal Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest, Newly Revised and expanded Third edition

By Rick M. Harbo

Newly revised and updated in 2010 with additional photographs and up-to-date names, this full-colour field guide to the marine life of coastal British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and northern California is perfect for divers, boaters and beachcombers. It is a ready reference to more than 400 of the most common species, the fascinating local sponges, jellyfish, crabs, shrimp, barnacles, clams, snails, seals, fish, whales, sea algae and hundreds of other living things that can be observed and identified without being disturbed. The book is arranged for quick identification with colour-coded sections, full-colour photographs and comprehensive but concise information on size, range, habitat and facts of interest about each species. A glossary, checklist, reading list and full index are included.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harbour Publishing
• Release date: May 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781550179842

Rick M. Harbo

Rick M. Harbo, BSc, is the author of the bestselling Tidepool & Reef (Big Country Books, 1980), Shells & Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest (Harbour Publishing, 1997), Pacific Reef and Shore (Harbour Publishing, 2017) plus several pocket field guides to marine life of the Pacific Northwest (Harbour Publishing). Harbo is a diver and a retired senior marine biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He currently volunteers as a research associate with the Royal BC Museum. Harbo lives in Nanaimo, BC.

Book preview

Four separate photographs compose the cover, as well as a solid blue-gray band in the middle where most of the text is placed. Three photographs across the top: a bright red anemone; a fish with mottled silver and bright red scales; and two red sea stars on a bed of sea grass, one much bigger then the other. One large photo at the bottom: an orca braching, with two other orcas behind it. The orca's body is seen from the belly, and it is curving to the left, about to crash on its right side onto the surface of the water. Text: Coastal Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest. Whelks to Whales. Newly revised and expanded third edition. Rick M. Harbo.

Whelks

to

Whales

Whelks

to

Whales

Coastal Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest

Newly Revised and Expanded

Third Edition

Rick M. Harbo

Harbour Publishing

Third edition copyright © 2022 Rick M. Harbo

First and second editions copyright © 1999 and 2011 Rick M. Harbo

1 2 3 4 5 — 26 25 24 23 22

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior permission of the publisher or, in the case of photocopying or other reprographic copying, a licence from Access Copyright,

www.accesscopyright.ca

, 1-800-893-5777,

[e-mail]

.

Harbour Publishing Co. Ltd.

P.O. Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, V0N 2H0

www.harbourpublishing.com

All photographs copyright the author unless otherwise noted

Cover, top right: Adobe Stock / ead72

Cover, main image: Adobe Stock / Wire Stock

Spine: Adobe Stock / Delphotostock

Map by Martin Nichols, Lionheart Graphics

Edited by Noel Hudson

Indexed by Chandan Singh

Text design by Libris Simas Ferraz / Onça Publishing

Printed and bound in Canada

Supported by the Government of Canada Supported by the Canada Council of the Arts Supported by the Province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council

Harbour Publishing acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, and the Province of British Columbia through the BC Arts Council.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Title: Whelks to whales : coastal marine life of the Pacific Northwest / Rick M. Harbo.

Names: Harbo, Rick M., author.

Description: Newly revised and expanded third edition. | Includes index.

Identifiers: Canadiana (print) 20220130361 | Canadiana (ebook) 2022013037X | ISBN 9781550179835 (softcover) | ISBN 9781550179842 (EPUB)

Subjects: LCSH: Marine animals—British Columbia—Pacific Coast—Identification. | LCSH: Marine animals—Pacific Coast (U.S.)—Identification. | LCSH: Coastal animals—British Columbia—Pacific Coast—Identification. | LCSH: Coastal animals—Pacific Coast (U.S.)—Identification.

Classification: LCC QH95.3 .H38 2022 | DDC 591.77/43—dc23

Contents

Map of the North Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Northwest Coast

Introduction

Marine Conservation

1 Sponges Phylum Porifera

2 Hydroids, Corals, Sea Anemones, Jellyfish, Comb Jellies Phyla Cnidaria, Ctenophora

3 Worms Phyla Annelida, Nemertea, Platyhelminthes

4 Moss Animals Phylum Bryozoa

5 Crabs, Shrimp, Isopods, Amphipods, Barnacles Phylum Arthropoda

6 Bivalves, Snails, Limpets, Nudibranchs, Octopus, Squid, Chitons, Lampshells Phyla Mollusca, Brachiopoda

7 Sea Stars, Brittle Stars, Sea Cucumbers, Sea Urchins, Sand Dollars, Feather Stars Phylum Echinodermata

8 Tunicates, Sea Squirts, Ascidians Phylum Chordata

9 Fishes Phylum Chordata

10 Marine Mammals Phylum Chordata

11 Field Guide to Eggs and Egg Cases of Invertebrates and Fishes

12 Seaweeds & Seagrasses Phyla Chlorophyta, Ochrophyta, Rhodophyta, Streptophyta

13 Non-Native, Introduced and Aquatic Invasive Species

Glossary

Acknowledgements

Index

A map showing the west coast of North America including Canada, the United States and Mexico. A small portion of Russia is above Alaska and to the west. The North Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean surround the land.

Introduction

This third edition has been expanded to include more than 40 new species and a new guide to introduced and invasive species. Scientific names have been updated and common names changed in an attempt to be consistent with other marine-life guides.

The shorelines of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and northern California—the Pacific Northwest area of North America—is so generously populated with marine animals and plants that divers, beachcombers, whale watchers, naturalists and biologists from all over the world come here to enjoy the natural wonders of the coastline. At any time of year, for experts and first-time beach walkers alike, every trip to the ocean can be a great pleasure and a learning experience with new discoveries.

The gentle climate and warm ocean current of this region support thousands of plants and animals, from the microscopic planktonic algae that bloom and colour the water, to the smallest snails on the seashore, to the Blue whale, one of the largest animals that has ever lived on earth. The Pacific Northwest is home to the world’s tallest anemone (Giant plumose anemone,

2.34

) and many of the world’s largest species, including the Giant Pacific octopus (

6.93

); the two largest scallops, the Weathervane scallop and the Rock scallop (

6.8

); and the largest sea slug (Orange peel nudibranch,

6.80

), chiton (Giant Pacific chiton,

6.106

), moon snail (Lewis’ moon snail,

6.48

), barnacle (Giant barnacle,

5.58

), intertidal clam (Pacific geoduck clam,

6.25

) and sea urchin (Red sea urchin,

7.45

). Giant kelp (

12.13

) is the world’s longest marine plant.

New species have been added in this third edition of Whelks to Whales to describe and illustrate more than 500 fascinating marine plants and animals of the Pacific Northwest. Most are commonly found along the seashore, in habitats ranging from tidepools to rocky reefs, while some of the whales, porpoises and dolphins may be found seasonally in coastal waters and range even farther, out across the continental shelf and beyond. Many of the species illustrated are conspicuous in size, shape and colour and have some unique and interesting features to help in their identification.

Our Rich Marine Life

The abundance and diversity of marine life found in this region is due to temperate water conditions, the age of the Pacific basin and the geographic diversity of the coast, among other factors. Upwelling at the edge of the continental shelf during summer months brings cold nutrient-rich waters to the surface. The many inlets, coastal reefs and thousands of islands affect water movement and create a multitude of habitats.

White anemones and bright pink coral intermingled on the sea floor. They have a fluffy appearance and resemble pink and white pompoms.

Short plumose anemones and soft coral.

Much of the region is remote and wild and remains biologically poorly known, but based on what we do know, experts estimate that there are at least 8,000 species of invertebrates that account for about 90 percent of all living marine organisms occurring in the region. Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including the sponges, crabs, shrimp, sea stars and many others. The vertebrate species of this region include some 400 fishes, close to 200 marine birds and 30 marine mammals. Approximately 640 species of seaweeds and seagrasses also grow along our shores.

Distribution of Species

The Pacific Northwest, which refers to the land that is bathed by the cold temperate waters of the Northeast Pacific Ocean, is one of seven zones or biogeographic regions used by scientists to describe the global distribution of marine life. These zones include the Arctic in the north, the cold temperate northern hemisphere, the warm temperate northern hemisphere, the tropics, warm and cold temperate regions of the southern hemisphere and the Antarctic.

Most animal and seaweed species have a broad distribution. The northern boundary of the Pacific Northwest region (see map, p. 6) is generally the Pacific rim of the Aleutian Islands and northeast Siberia. The southern boundary is often at Point Conception, California, a large headland where distribution of life changes dramatically. Many species range outside of this zone, and a few species, including the By-the-wind-sailor jellyfish (

2.50

), Pelagic goose barnacle (

5.66

), Spiny dogfish (

9.1

) and Killer whale (

10.6

), are cosmopolitan, being found in all oceans of the world.

A number of the bivalves, gastropods, worms, bryozoans, algae and other organisms included in this guide are exotic species, introduced when Japanese and Atlantic oysters were shipped to our waters for commercial production, often called aquatic invasive species. The discharge of ballast water from ships has also introduced new species. Although many are regarded as pests, some have been beneficial. The introduction of the Manila clam (

6.22

) and Pacific oyster (

6.5

) has led to the development of popular food and valuable commercial fisheries.

Habitat Conditions

Many animals and plants have very specific requirements that limit their survival to particular kinds of habitats. These habitats are defined by physical conditions, such as wave action; tidal exposure and type of bottom (sand, mud, rock, etc.); and chemical factors, such as salinity (saltiness of the water) and the amount of dissolved oxygen from wind, waves and currents. Biological factors such as predation, competition between species and the ability to tolerate exposure at low tides are also key elements.

Tidal exposure: The water at the seashore rises and recedes, drawn by the gravitational forces of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun. A daily tidal cycle in this region typically has two unequal high tides and two unequal low tides. Tidal changes can be extreme, with changes of 20′ (6.1 m) in water height or depth at some locations, and can cause swift currents through passes and narrows where the water flow is restricted by land masses.

Air temperatures and wind greatly affect the survival and distribution of marine life.

Some species are found only in the intertidal zone and shallows, limited by predators or environmental conditions. These species have a great tolerance to exposure to air, higher or lower temperatures and fresh water from rain and runoff. They often seek refuge at low tide in cracks and crevices, in shadows or under rocks. Some, like barnacles, are specially adapted to close up tight to minimize water loss. Many other species are found anywhere from the intertidal zone to great depths below the tides.

Official tide tables are published by government agencies and are available at marinas and sporting goods stores. The tables also appear daily in many newspapers. The best times to view marine life are during the two hours before and two hours after the lowest tides, which are generally less than 2′ (0.6 m) in the US and less than 3′ (0.9 m) height in Canada (the two countries measure tidal heights from different reference points).

White water rapidly swirling around a rocky shoreline. There are dense evergreens and mountains in the background.

Tidal currents in Skookumchuck Narrows are among the fastest currents in the world.

Wave exposure: Some animals and plants (e.g., California mussel,

6.2

, and Sea palm,

12.15

) are well adapted only to outer or exposed coast areas, where water is saltier (not diluted by coastal rivers and fresh-water runoff) and wave action is stronger. Wave action provides a highly oxygenated environment and an abundance of food washed up on the shore. Other species (e.g., Pacific blue mussel,

6.1

, and Eelgrass,

12.34

) prefer protected bays and sheltered habitats.

Caution: Waves can move logs and debris suddenly, which can be hazardous. Always beware of big waves. Sneaker waves can often appear without warning after long periods of quiet surf and much smaller waves. Many people have been swept off the shore by these unexpected waves.

Tidal currents: Marine life is prolific in areas where there are strong currents and turbulence that deliver a plentiful supply of food to fixed or sessile organisms and mobile organisms. Divers must be experienced, plan their dives and be cautious in these areas. Tidal currents often range from 5 to 10 knots (9 to 19 km/h) in passes and the fastest currents in the world, in excess of 20 knots (37 km/h), are found in this region.

Diverse Habitats

Each habitat is unique and important and many are poorly understood and often overlooked. Many coastal habitats have been changed or damaged or have come under threat from human activities.

Estuaries: Estuaries are where fresh-water rivers and streams meet the sea and waters mix as the tides go in and out. Although estuaries make up a small percentage of the coastline, they are essential to wildlife and considered to be among the most productive ecosystems on Earth.

Two people wearing wet suits in translucent blue ocean water. There is a submerged laundry basket nearby that contains bunches of green eelgrass.

Community groups are active in transplanting eelgrass to compensate for damage to eelgrass habitats. Cynthia Durance

The importance of eelgrass beds as critical fish habitat has long been recognized and activities in these beds are carefully regulated. Community groups map and monitor eelgrass beds to document changes and are active in transplanting eelgrass to compensate for damage to eelgrass habitats elsewhere, in response to a no net loss policy.

Gravel and sand beaches: Many beaches have often been overlooked as important spawning and rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids and small forage fish that provide food for many marine mammals, seabirds and other fishes. Finding and protecting forage fish spawning and rearing habitats will have positive benefits by protecting this vital food source. Professional biologists assisted by volunteers are undertaking surveys year-round to document the current extent and health of the spawning habitats of Surf smelt and Pacific sand lance in the Strait of Georgia, Juan de Fuca Strait and Puget Sound; on the west coast of Vancouver Island; and in central and northern BC.

Surf smelt and Sand lance are found spawning in the upper one-third of the intertidal zone of sand and gravel beaches, just below the driftwood line and usually between the two lines of seaweed deposited by the tides. Sand lance eggs are found on the intertidal beach slope as well. A mix of coarse sand and pea-sized to kiwi-sized gravel is ideal spawning habitat. Vegetation overhanging the beach is also critical to protect spawning habitat of those Surf smelts that spawn in the summer. These beaches often have constant underground seepage through the gravel–sand beds.

Sponge reefs: In 1989, underwater cameras revealed unique living Glass sponge at depths of 800′ (244 m) in Hecate Strait, British Columbia. The sponge reefs are up to 4 miles (6.4 km) long and 65′ (19.8 m) high and cover an estimated total area of more than 400 square miles (1,036 km²). Smaller sponge reefs have also been found in the Strait of Georgia, now part of the Salish Sea. Fossil sponge reefs have been studied in other areas of the world, but BC’s living sponge reefs are unique structures, found nowhere else.

Two people wearing rain gear crouching with their backs to the ocean on a rocky beach. Together they are holding a white square tray. There are plastic buckets on the ground in front of them of various colours and sizes.

Volunteers participate in surveys to document the extent and health of the spawning habitats of Surf smelt and Pacific sand lance.

Cold water corals: Corals provide important structural refuge and habitat for many fish and invertebrate species.

There are a surprising number of cold water corals in this region, more than 40 species identified from records dating back to the 1800s. Some hydrocorals can be found intertidally and a few large, branching corals are found in water as shallow as 50′ (15.2 m) and seen by divers (see the diversity of Cold water corals,

p. 46

). Most corals, however, are in deeper waters of approximately 600′ (183 m) or more. There are ongoing surveys to identify corals and protect them. Threats to these sensitive benthic marine habitats include sedimentation, changing ocean chemistry and fishing activities (trawling, trapping and long lining).

Scientific and Common Names

Many of the scientific names have changed and have been updated in this third edition. A few of the common names have been changed in an attempt to be consistent with other marine-life guides.

Carolus Linnaeus (1707–1778), a Swedish scientist, developed a system of giving each species a unique Latin name composed of two words. These scientific names are used throughout the world and provide a standard, precise way of communicating about an organism, regardless of the language of the scholar. Type specimens are designated against which additional specimens can be compared. Today the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature sets the rules for scientific naming of animals. Names of marine algae (including seaweeds) and seagrasses are governed by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.

Three people on a rocky beach, with the ocean behind them. The two people on the right are crouching; one is examining a divided square area marked on the ground, and another is writing on a clipboard. The third person is standing and also writing on a clipboard.

Volunteers conduct an intertidal survey while taking care to cause minimal disturbance to the habitat.

Species also have common names, given by people who live in the area or by specialists who study them. These names seldom change, unlike scientific names that are constantly under revision. But because common names are not unique names, they have limited use in international study and published reports. Some species have several common names, and sometimes two or more species are known by the same common name in different regions.

Species differ from one another in at least one characteristic and generally do not interbreed with one another where their ranges overlap in nature. An organism’s scientific and common names often reflect its unique features—structural attributes, colours or colour patterns, ecological characteristics, geographic distribution—or honour a person associated with it. Scientists generally discourage names that are not descriptive, but these names persist.

Scientific naming and classification of animal and plant species is constantly under review and is frequently changed, as species demographics change and as biological study all over the world continues and new information is found and exchanged.

A section of shoreline that has large rounded rocks protruding from the water. Tall evergreen trees grow further back.

Rocky shore exposed at low tide.

A sign that reads: Warning... Toxic Shellfish: Shellfish from this area are unsafe to eat due to paralytic shellfish toxin. Do not eat clams, oysters, mussels or scallops. The sign is translated into several languages underneath and also has illustrations of the shellfish overlaid with the prohibition symbol.

Before harvesting for food, consult with local fisheries or health authorities for seasonal or annual closures due to pollution or to harmful algal blooms such as red tides. Watch for posted notices or closure signs.

Marine Species and Their Environment

This guidebook has been written and illustrated to help you observe and identify animals and plants in their natural surroundings without disturbing them, as this is the best way to understand the relationships between organisms and their environment. Whenever possible, please capture the seashore with your camera, sketchbook or notebook and leave the beach undisturbed for others to experience. Avoid stepping on plants and animals on the beach or in tidepools, and return any overturned rocks to their original positions. If you dig holes, fill them in.

If you do take specimens, please keep these guidelines in mind to cause minimal disturbance to habitats and the organisms that live there:

Whenever possible, collect specimens from human-made structures such as docks and pilings. If you turn any rock to inspect the underside, replace it carefully and immediately.

Take the minimum number of specimens necessary. Do not collect individuals that are laying or guarding eggs or engaged in any other reproductive behaviour. Familiarize yourself with local park or seasonal closures, bag limits, requirements for sport fishing or collecting licences and other regulations for conservation.

A white gull with grey wings standing in front of a body of water. It has a dark brown sea star in its beak, with three of the arms protruding.

Marine Conservation

Threats to our oceans and biodiversity

There are many threats to our oceans and the rich diversity of marine life. Habitat loss, pollution, overfishing and non-selective fishing, introduced aquatic invasive species and climate change are all critical issues. The dumping of trash and the careless discharge of oils, detergents, sewage and toxic products from vessels is easily prevented.

Much of the world’s population inhabits coastal areas endangering the most productive regions of the estuarine and marine environments. Industrial, agricultural and wastewater discharges lead to the accumulation of toxic chemicals, eutrophication (excessive nutrients) and sedimentation. Pollution tends to reduce the number of species and degrade habitats within an ecosystem, which lowers diversity and makes the system less resistant to stresses.

The protection of habitats and biodiversity and the management of fisheries and aquaculture development for sustainable and selective fisheries is essential. There are many initiatives underway to be more selective in all fisheries, from seining salmon to trawling for groundfish, reducing the capture of non-target species or bycatch.

The introduction of aquatic invasive species to the Pacific coast has been largely a consequence of the introduction and maintenance of Japanese Pacific oysters since the early 1900s, as well as other aquaculture species. Recent introductions have resulted mainly from ballast water discharged from ships. Invasive species in BC include algae (e.g., Wireweed or Japanese seaweed), Dwarf eelgrass, sponges, anemones, flatworms, polychaetes, bivalves (e.g., Manila clam, Pacific oyster, Varnish clam), gastropods (e.g., Mudflat snails), crustaceans (e.g., Green crab) and fishes (e.g., Atlantic salmon). These invasive species are often very successful and edge out native species, reducing biodiversity.

The effects of climate change are likely to take a long time to recognize. The general heating of the oceans will cause ocean water to increase in volume and raise global sea levels. Heating is expected to be greater at the poles, resulting in a decrease of both permanent and seasonal ice. This will impact populations of species associated with sea ice (walrus; Bowhead whales; Ringed, Spotted and Ribbon seals; and Polar bears). There are signs already. Gray whales have entered the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, most likely through the Northwest Passage. The distribution of species will change as shown by new records of Humboldt squid in large numbers into the waters of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska.

Marine life of the northern intertidal zone may be greatly affected since many may be at the upper limits of their tolerance to temperature rather than their lower limits. Changes in temperature may disrupt the synchrony of spawning and other reproductive cycles.

A long, flat area of sandy beach on a grey day. There are thousands of different shells washed up on the beach, stretching all along its length.

Winter storm events at North Beach, Haida Gwaii, regularly wash up Weathervane scallops, Patinopecten caurinus, and other species.

Mass Mortalities of Marine Species

There have always been natural mass mortalities of marine species that have taken place due to unusual combinations of weather and ocean conditions.

Large numbers of Lion’s mane jellyfish, Cyanea ferruginea, have stranded on beaches in past years. This may be a result of either favourable growing conditions in protected waters or an intrusion of offshore water carrying large numbers of animals. In most springs and summers, currents reverse and there is an intrusion of oceanic water from the Pacific into the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia (all part of the Salish Sea).

Mass mortalities of intertidal clams, especially Manila clams, Tapes philippinarum, occur in the spring, following a winter with freezing temperatures and wind chill during nighttime low tides. The gills of the clams are damaged and in spring, when their feeding and metabolism increase, they cannot survive.

The opposite happens to cockles, Clinocardium nuttallii. These bivalves are buried shallow, at the surface of the sediments. In summer, low tides in the Salish Sea are mid-day. Prolonged periods of hot, sunny and windy days create temperatures that are fatal to these shellfish.

A small section of rocky beach with several dozen translucent dark burgundy jellyfish strewn on the ground among green seaweed.

Large numbers of Lion’s mane jellyfish are stranded each summer. Michael Stewart

On occasion, storms will wash up shallow species. This happens occasionally in the Salish Sea, an example being a massive mortality of Horse clams, moon snails and other species washed up along several kilometres of shoreline in the Strait of Georgia.

Surface swarms of krill, small shrimp-like crustaceans, are common events due to upwelling from strong tidal currents. They attract large numbers of seabirds into a feeding frenzy. On occasion, tons of krill naturally wash up on beaches along many kilometres of shoreline. Stranding events in the Salish Sea (Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia) and on the open coast of Oregon are reported by members of the public concerned about pollution killing baby shrimp. The events had in common dark nights with high tides before dawn and onshore winds. The strandings are quite often in the spring and are mostly adults, which surface in mating swarms. They either drifted into shallow water or were stranded by onshore winds or a falling tide or both.

Several beachwalkers have encountered a die-off of Giant Pacific (Gumboot) chitons, Cryptochiton stelleri, in the late winter and early spring. There have been several reports of mortalities over the years at this time. One report was 30 dead Gumboot chitons in tidepools over about a 500 metre portion of beach.

A long, flat section of beach, densely carpeted in krill that have washed up on the shore. They are small and pink with black eye spots, and they cover all visible shoreline into the distance.

On occasion, tons of krill wash up on Oregon, Washington and BC beaches. Scott Groth, ODFW

The late Roland Anderson, retired from the Seattle Aquarium, commented on a similar reported die-off of 68 of these large chitons. He suspected the chitons get too big for their rocks and get washed off in winter storms only to be found on the beach in early spring when tides and weather allow people to walk the beaches again.

Hundreds, and on occasion thousands, of Humboldt squid, Dosidicus gigas, wash ashore and die. These squid, normally off Baja California and in the Sea of Cortez, are carried north in warm currents and are not able to tolerate the colder nearshore waters.

In the spring and summer, beachcombers may encounter what appears to be many dead crabs on the beach. These are most likely moults, or old shells, split at the back where the crab has backed out. Crabs grow in size by moulting or shedding their shell. Adult crabs often moult simultaneously, females in the spring and males in the summer. The moults amazingly still contain old gills, antennae and mouth parts. A small percentage of crabs will die during the moulting process and turn up among the moults.

Marine Conservation and Research Societies—Get Involved!

A small section of sandy beach that is densely covered in crab shells and seaweed. Legs, claws and carapaces can be seen.

Many Dungeness crab moults wash up on the beach on the coast of Oregon. This is a natural process when crabs grow in size.

It is essential that all of us who enjoy and benefit from our marine experiences also contribute to protecting the marine environment. Many local community groups and international organizations have websites that list volunteer programs and provide links to additional education, research and conservation resources.

Be active in contacting and demanding action from local, provincial, state and federal governments.

All great changes start with dedicated individuals; individuals make change happen, not governments.

Marine Education and Research

There are endless opportunities to learn more about our rich and diverse marine life. Many species are yet undescribed and even for many described species there is little known about their life history—things like reproduction, predation, physiology and behaviour. Genetic studies are revealing new species and giving surprising results about the relationship between organisms. Chemists and oceanographers are investigating the impacts of climate change and new threats from changes in ocean chemistry.

Manage Your Waste!

One of the most visible kinds of pollution is plastic and other garbage that can trap, injure or kill a variety of marine life, from birds to whales. Even small quantities of toxic products discharged from vessels can have devastating effects on local marine life. Onboard vessel holding tanks, pump-out stations and sewage disposal sites are required to avoid contamination, especially in anchorages, swimming areas and harbours.

Three people on a sandy beach picking up trash. One of the people is using a trash picker.

Adobe Stock/ David Pereiras

A grey fish that looks like rock, as seen from the front. It is wrinkly with bulgy eyes and is hiding in a rock cave with only its face exposed.

1

Sponges

A white reticulated sponge on the sea floor. It is shaped like many upright waving tube-like fingers.