MARINE

Exploring Puget Sound Kelp Forests

Beneath the water’s surface, a world of kelp pumps life into Puget Sound. Over 20 native kelp species occupy the intertidal and subtidal depths, helping to foster the rich marine biodiversity and ecosystem health that supports our Pacific Northwest way of life, and our coveted seafood cuisine. Similar to a terrestrial forest, this diverse assemblage of understory and canopy kelp species creates a living, 3-dimensional space and complex ecosystem - or an “underwater forest."

• Explore Puget Sound's underwater kelp forests

Southern Resident Orca Whales

Explore these resources on Southern Resident Orca Whales, compiled with help from island whale expert Ann Stateler, also known as Orca Annie.

Salish Sea Orcas: choose a pod to explore their habits when they are in the Salish Sea. Courtesy of Seattle Aquarium

Taken from Home: a history of live capture continues to hinder killer whale recovery. Courtesy of the Seattle Aquarium

The Chinook and Orca: explore how the fate of Southern Resident orcas are tied to chinook salmon. Courtesy of the Seattle Aquarium

The Future of Chinook: Orca need salmon to survive but salmon habitat is in trouble. Courtesy of the Seattle Aquarium.

Pollution and Orcas: learn how pollution in Puget Sound impacts orca populations. Courtesy of Seattle Aquarium.