Shorelines

Our diverse work on beaches of Vashon-Maury are helping highlight the islands’ natural shorelines as a regionally important ecological resource. Island beaches form half the shoreline existing in King County, and host major forage fish spawning locations. Salmon born as far away as the Stillaguamish River have been documented feeding along our shores. All three eco-types of ocra can be seen from island shorelines.

Kelp

The Pacific Northwest is known for its tremendous old-growth forests but less people know about the incredible richness of our forests below the sea. Kelp forests provide an important array of benefits to fish, marine invertebrates, birds and more through providing underwater structure, a food base, and shelter. They are also important cultural species long valued by indigenous cultures and helpful to all of us. Yet, in Puget Sound, especially south and central Puget Sound where Vashon is located, kelp forest are declining precipitously.

In 2023, we received funding through the statewide kelp initiative to launch surveys to monitor natural island kelp beds. Each summer, we conduct kayak and snorkel surveys to enhance our understanding and track the health of our local kelp.

We are also exploring the history of kelp beds that once flourished along the island’s shores so that we can gain clues as to what might be causing decline and how we can turn the decline around.

Through interviews with long-time residents, we’ve gathered their memories, stories, and values about kelp, which we’ve used to create a historic kelp map. This map highlights the locations of once-thriving kelp beds and the times when they disappeared.

Visit our events page to sign up to volunteer for kelp surveys or contact us to share memories of kelp on Vashon.

Publications and Press

Vashon Historic Kelp Map– working document

Perla BS, Umetsu T, Metler M, Fardad A and Jamala J. 2024. Vashon Community kelp project. A presentation at the Central Puget Sound Kelp Symposium. Suquamish, WA.