The Salish Sea School

Connecting people to the science and wonder of the Salish Sea—through hands-on research, discovery, and exploration.

The Salish Sea is one of the most biologically rich marine ecosystems on Earth—home to endangered Southern Resident orcas, tufted puffins, harbor seals, porpoises, and vast underwater forests of bull kelp that anchor the food web. From plankton to apex predators, every layer of this ecosystem offers lessons in ecology, chemistry, physics, and science.

Yet for many students and families in our region, this living laboratory feels out of reach—financially, geographically, or emotionally.

That’s where we come in.

The Salish Sea School is a nonprofit marine science education program that transforms the sea into a classroom without walls. We design unforgettable, place-based STEM learning experiences that take students beyond textbooks and into the field—aboard research vessels, into intertidal zones, and alongside working scientists.

Students don’t just observe—they collect data, analyze samples, and contribute to real conservation research. Whether it’s measuring the health of bull kelp forests, tracking marine bird populations, or studying forage fish that sustain salmon and orcas, every activity builds critical STEM skills while igniting curiosity.

For many youth, these trips are their very first time seeing the ocean. With your support, that spark of wonder becomes more than inspiration—it becomes an entry point into science, stewardship, and a vision for future STEM careers.

“Thank you so much for the scholarship. We went from war to being part of this community. My daughter now feels inspired to care for the environment—and I am deeply grateful.”

Each year, your generosity provides over $20,000 in scholarships, ensuring that more than 5,000 students, families, and lifelong learners can access free or low-cost marine biology education.

And right now, as we expand our reach to more underserved schools and communities, your donation fuels hands-on science experiences that change lives.

Together, we can:

• Put more students aboard boats to practice real marine field research

• Invite more young scientists into tidepools to study intertidal ecosystems

• Train the next generation researchers and STEM leaders

Whether you give $10 or $1,000, your generosity helps students transform wonder into knowledge, and knowledge into action.

“Our daughter came home filled with global responsibility, environmental stewardship, and confidence.”

“She’s still telling everyone about puffins. She’s so proud to be a Puffin Protector!”