Salish Sea, Marginal sea in Washington and British Columbia, United States and Canada.
The Salish Sea is a marginal sea along the Pacific coast that links the Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This body of water stretches 440 kilometers (about 273 miles) between Washington State and British Columbia.
Marine biologist Bert Webber proposed the name Salish Sea in 1988 to raise awareness of the ecological connections across the Canadian and American border. Both countries officially adopted the name in the following decades, recognizing the geological and environmental unity of these waters.
The Coast Salish peoples maintain a connection to these waters through their traditions, languages, and fishing practices spanning generations.
The waters are navigated by commercial ships, cargo vessels, and ferries that run regularly between coastal towns and cities. Numerous ports and docks provide access to different coastal sections and islands throughout the region.
More than 250 fish species and around 400 islands have been documented within this marine area. This diversity creates varied habitats and current patterns across the interconnected waters.
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