Temperate species you can expect to see:

Though a specific species may vary from place to place, we can expect to see the same general groups distributed from Alaska to California due to the water's temperature providing similar habitats throughout this range.

The Pacific Northwest is a dynamic setting that encompasses Puget Sound, a highly productive marine environment that plays an important role in the daily lives of humans and wildlife that inhabit this area. Both ecologically and economically valuable, the Sound is relied on by many and must be conserved as climate change threatens the viability of its future. The general threats that could be potentially damaging here include but are not limited to: ocean acidification, sea level rise, shoreline erosion, and warming temperatures. Examples of specific ecological issues pertinent to this area are listed below. Familiarizing oneself with regional wildlife can aid in monitoring habitats and species, contributing to local conservation efforts.

Media: step-by-step photo series demonstrating the use of iNaturalist

• Can help with identifying species

• Start a discussion about your findings with others

• Record-keeping of observations (where, when, what)

• Personal engagement can be gauged by interactions on the app and participants will be asked to complete a survey (attached below)

Name and title?

“Hi, my name is Sara and I am a volunteer Beach Naturalist through the aquarium.”

How did you first get interested in tidepooling?

“I’ve lived in Seattle all my life and my parents would always take me and my brother to Alki Beach as kids. It’s always been a fun activity but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more immersed in the ecological aspect of it and think it’s important to get out and discover the animals we have right outside. Even though I work in an unrelated field, it’s a personal hobby of mine that I enjoy and hope to pass on to my kids like my parents did for me.”

How important is tidepooling in your opinion?

“Now that climate change is ramping up, it’s been really interesting to see the changes throughout these last few decades. I’m seeing less of the species I used to spot all the time and that’s been unfortunate... I remember when the sea stars started melting about ten years ago and they seem to be improving, but I still see cases here and there. It’s really humbling to see the effect that climate change can have on these critters and goes to show that we as a society need to make changes to our habits and lifestyles to help protect them.”

What do you enjoy most about your position?

“As a kid, I started learning a lot about the animals that live here through touching and observing them. Now that I’m well into my 30s, I’m still learning new facts so I can give out the most accurate information possible. I love being able to share that with others, especially the kiddos and watching their eyes light up as they touch an anemone for the first time. I’ve been waiting for that reaction to get old and it still hasn’t yet. It’s amazing.”

Do you have to be an expert to go tidepooling?

“Most definitely not! As a volunteer, I’m there to engage and answer questions but as long as you go out when the tide is at its lowest, you’re golden. It’s surprisingly easy to do and a great activity for families. You’re free to explore at your own pace and there are field guides you can use to help ID species. You can also crowdsource questions on social media and upload pictures to platforms like iNaturalist where people are eager to help.”

Where are some sites that you would recommend in the area?

“I am 100% a creature of habit so I tend to stick with the spots I’m most comfortable with. Like I said, I grew up going to Alki, so Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint is a personal favorite of mine and I love being stationed there. Seahurst is also a great location and Discovery Park has an adorable lighthouse if you don’t mind a little hike on your way down to the beach. Maybe you could suggest some places up in North Seattle for the map since you’re more familiar with that area than I am.”

What’s your favorite animal to see on the beach?

“I love the crabs! We’ve got kelp crabs, decorator crabs, red rock crabs; my favorite thing is overturning a rock and seeing all the tiny shore crabs scatter about. They’re so cute! I would keep them as pets if I could, but they belong on the beach. It’s really important to remind the people I interact with not to pocket anything because as tempting as it is, it could disrupt the natural order of things.”

• Informed monitoring of species can reveal patterns throughout time

  • Report findings to the appropriate outlet

• Conservation at all levels

  • Species, population, community, ecosystem

• Encourages people to get outside and familiarize themselves with local marine life

• Many moving pieces in such a dynamic environment, we must be conscious of as much as we can to help conserve for the future