I fell head-over-field-kit in love with the Salish Sea the first time I set eyes upon it, and each return visit has only served to deepen and enrich my affections for it. Naturally, whenever I’m given the chance, I revel in walking along its shores, both to admire its beauty as well as to seek-out some of the fascinating forms of life it holds within its waters, made visible to land-bound observers in its coastal tide pools (as well as in the superb educational displays of such visit-worthy institutions as the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea).
Of course, as the Salish Sea is located off the west coat of continental British Columbia, the weather can at times be a bit on the damp side (of soaking wet), and then of course there is the seawater itself. Therefore whatever reference guide I take along must be able to withstand such challenges.
Harbour Publishing has recently produced two very handy solutions to these challenges: Rick Harbo’s A Field Guide to Marine Life of the Protected Waters of the Salish Sea, and his A Field Guide to Marine Life of the Outer Coasts of the Salish Sea and Beyond. Taking the form of vividly photo illustrated, thickly laminated, pocket-friendly fold-outs, these handy guides are designed for quick and ready access in either a traditional book-style manner (perfect for a quick look in reference to a particular specimen) or as a fully expanded glorious expanse of life and color (ideal for use in helping younger naturalists learn about what they’re seeing, or for spreading out across the table of a Sea-side pub after a glorious, wonder-filled walk along the shore). I’ll wager they’ll withstand rain, sea-spray, or the errant over-flow of a Salt Spring Golden Ale equally well.
