SALISH SEA MARINE SANCTUARY
North America’s First International Marine Sanctuary
The Salish Sea Foundation proposes a partnership of the people and governments
of Coast Salish First Nations, British Columbia and Washington State
to cooperatively designate and co-manage
the Salish Sea Marine Sanctuary & Coastal Trail.
The Salish Sea, the second largest inland sea in North America, includes the Strait of Georgia, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. Its 6,000 square mile estuarine ecosystem is home for a vast array of Pacific Northwest wildlife. With well over 3,000 species, many of them are unique to our bioregional watershed.
Marine Sanctuaries are exceptional waterways where elevated standards of conduct protect and restore water quality, wildlife populations and habitats. Pollution levels are reduced, while eco-tourism revenues are multiplied. An excellent role model is Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary’s 6,000 square miles in California. Combined with 3 other marine sanctuaries extending over 100 miles westerly into the Pacific Ocean, over 50% of California’s coastal shorelines and nearshore habitats are being protected and restored.
The Salish Sea Coastal Trail will provide a world-class hiking and biking path circumnavigating the Salish Sea Marine Sanctuary. An abundance of educational exhibits, outdoor artworks and wildlife will make the Trail even more useful, interesting and enjoyable for All.
Click here for more information
about this and other world-class
marine sanctuaries & coastal trails!
