About the Salish Sea
The Salish Sea is an area of spectacular beauty, biologically diverse marine waters, and rich cultural history. The international sea includes the Strait of Georgia, the Puget Sound, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, United States. Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, WA, anchor the northern and southern portions of the ecosystem and provide dynamic economic growth and highly urbanized environments. As an international inland sea, the marine waters are managed by Canada, United States, Province of British Columbia, State of Washington, over 65 Tribes and First Nations and many local jurisdictions. Bellingham and Western Washington University, the home of the Salish Sea Institute, is situated at the heart of the Salish Sea.
The Salish Sea name recognizes the Coast Salish peoples who were the sea’s first stewards and who have lived here since time immemorial. Over seven million people now live, work, and play in the Salish Sea watershed. We benefit from the area’s rich natural resources and deep culture. The Salish Sea is experiencing detrimental impacts of human development and climate change, such as ocean acidification and increased storm and flooding events.
The sea is suffering significant loss of marine fish and wildlife populations due to habitat loss and a myriad of pollutants. By the year 2025, the Salish Sea regional population is expected to be over nine million people. Regional collaboration and collective action are needed to combat these impacts and ensure that the Salish Sea and its inhabitants thrive into the future.
