Low tide peels back the water to reveal an ochre sea star upon the sand. A gull alights beside it to inspect a would-be lunch but decides otherwise and takes flight.
Not far away, a moon snail shuts itself tightly into its shell, sealing in safety and water, hoping to ride out another of the two daily low tides. It is the same for other tidal zone creatures. A clam digs itself deeper into the sand. Sea anemones affixed to the craggy rocks lie limp and defenseless.
Meanwhile the beach bustles with sunbathers, kids playing, and pedestrians enjoying a stroll along the shore. Divers at the nearby Edmonds Underwater Park check their gear before swimming out to explore sunken vessels and a man-made reef.
The ferry linking Edmonds to Kingston across the Sound is loaded, and, with a blast from its horn, departs laden with cars, trucks and passengers. This ferry route is one of the busiest in the nation, carrying up to 200 vehicles and 2,500 passengers on its busiest runs.
With all of this activity, it’s hard to imagine that Edmonds’ beaches are home to one of a few marine sanctuaries in the Puget Sound. Here sea creatures live and thrive beneath protected waters.
According to the Edmonds Historical Society, as early as 1909, these beaches once were lined with shingle mills that capitalized on the red cedar that used to proliferate the shoreline. Other industry included an excelsior manufacturer and a fuel tank farm.
A group of kids flock around the sea star, and squealing, lift it high by one of its legs. In their excitement, they drop it. A woman scoops up the moon snail and deposits it in a bucket with other sea creatures to show to her friend. Two teenagers poke at the wilted sea anemones with a stick.
Years of industry as well as uncontrolled spear fishing had serious impact on the marine life and severely depleted the fish population. According to longtime residents, trash littered the shores and the water was murky. In 1980, the city council voted to designate Edmonds Underwater Park and Brackett’s Landing a sanctuary. Soon after, two more Edmonds beaches were designated.
Under this umbrella of protection, the sanctuary today is a haven to some of the most plentiful and diverse sea life in Puget Sound. No fishing, clamming, crabbing, or collection of shells, rocks, driftwood, or marine life is allowed. Dogs are permitted only at “Dog Beach” south of the sanctuary.
Yet not everyone who visits the beaches has heard the word. Despite signs posted in obvious places, visitors walk their dogs on the beaches, harass sea creatures, litter, and harvest shells and driftwood.
Owen Caddy, Interpretive Specialist for the City of Edmonds, says, “Few know [the Sanctuary] exists, or what the implications of its existence are. Some are only aware of it when it touches their lives, or causes an inconvenience - such as dog walkers being asked to leave the sanctuary. Even those who know of it, and support it in principal, don't fully appreciate the role the sanctuary has in creating the quality of life the town of Edmonds is known for.”
Local citizens organize clean ups to maintain the beaches while Beach Rangers work to educate visiting school groups and the public about the delicate ecosystem found here.
“I keep on doing the job in hopes that the message is sinking in to the children's memories and will produce in later years at least an awareness of the life along our shorelines. Students who have been on a walk with a ranger will know that they have the responsibility and the power to protect the environment of Puget Sound,” says Ranger Pam Williams.
The tides have reached their trip point, and the water flows back over the sand on its way to high tide. The sea star, worn from encounters with terrestrials, can move now that sea water pumps through its veins. The anemones once again resemble swollen blossoms. The moon snail, left forgotten in the bucket with the other collected creatures, dies, lost to heat and dehydration.
It is through awareness that the Marine Sanctuary at Edmonds will succeed.
“While initially the thought of "no taking" may be hard for the public to hear and understand,” says Ranger Michelle Bear, “it is my hope that the larger picture of conservation and sustainability will create the necessary impact of preserving our marine ecosystem for today and the future.”
