Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Marine sanctuary along Olympic Peninsula, Washington, US
The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary stretches roughly 160 miles along the Pacific Ocean and protects a vast expanse of ocean waters with underwater canyons and diverse marine habitats. The sanctuary extends far offshore from Washington's Olympic Peninsula and encompasses multiple distinct zones of ocean life.
The sanctuary was established in 1994 to protect these ocean waters and recognize the maritime history along this coast, where ships have been lost over many decades. The area has long served as a major shipping route with a complicated past.
Four Native American tribes - Hoh, Makah, Quileute, and Quinault - work together with authorities to manage the waters and continue their traditional practices of fishing and harvesting. You can see evidence of these traditions in how local communities interact with the coast.
The sanctuary offers opportunities for fishing, shellfish gathering, diving, kayaking, and wildlife watching, though each activity has specific conditions to consider. Plan your visit with flexibility, as ocean conditions can change significantly with weather and seasons.
The sanctuary is home to around 30 species of marine mammals, including humpback whales, seals, and sea otters, making it one of the most diverse marine mammal habitats on the coast. These animals are regularly visible to visitors, offering frequent chances to observe large marine creatures in their natural setting.
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