In 1970, world-renowned ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau explored the waters of the Salish Sea, and was so impressed with the beauty, abundance and diversity that he immediately called for its protection. So too have international agencies, publications and the magazines of our day extolled the virtues and exceptional qualities of our unique inner ocean.
Leap-frog across the estuarine reaches, where salmon once packed the river's edges and kelp forests provided habitat and harvesting for millennia. Then consider the shellfish, herring, seals and sea lions, giant Pacific octopus, dolphins and humpback whales and the Salish Sea's southern resident killer whales ...and the millions of migrating and resident bird species of this Pacific Flyway.
Protections of a World Heritage Site would help restore and revitalize our marine environment and coast, in turn bringing cultural renewal, thriving communities and sustainable livelihoods. All nations co-managing the resources, stewarding the health and biodiversity, protecting the world’s heritage here in our backyard. Now that's a history our children would be proud to inherit.