The Salish Sea

Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University

In 2009 the term “Salish Sea” was formally adopted to describe the inland marine waters of Washington State and British Columbia. The term unites rather than replaces the existing geographic place-names (Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound, etc.). The term was first introduced in 1988 by Dr. Bert Webber, who recognized the need for a single geographic term that encompassed the entire ecosystem, which spans the international border. One of the strengths of the name "Salish Sea" is that it leaves all of the existing place-names fully intact (with corresponding constituent loyalties) while providing an overarching term, acceptable to citizens on both sides of the border.

This map was created as part of the naming application process and related outreach. At Webber’s request, the map focuses almost exclusively on natural rather than human features, so cities, roads, political boundaries and corresponding annotation are excluded. The map makes use of "Swiss hillshade" and bathymetric "floorshade" effects along with appropriate elevation and depth color ramps and a semitransparent basin mask.

The Salish Sea basin for this map was defined as just those areas draining directly into the sea. As such, the upper Fraser River watershed was excluded. The map focuses on the area directly connected to, and influenced by, the Salish Sea.

Courtesy of Stefan Freelan, WWU, 2009.

Map Book Page [PDF]