Dwindling salmon runs and shortened seasons have adversely affected Olympic Coast's once thriving commercial ...click image for more...(photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Olympic Coast NMS supports research with the use of its 36-foot aluminum research vessel, "Tatoosh." (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

We are all drawn to the ocean's edge to wonder at life's most basic questions, and marvel at the ocean's astonishing diversity. (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Bottom samples from the Sanctuary help researchers map communities of bottom-dwelling organisms. (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Sanctuary trained ranger-naturalists lead beach walks, tidepool explorations and other educational programs to heighten visitor's ...click image for more... (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Small charter boat operators lead visitors to the isolated waters near Cape Flattery, home to seabird colonies, gray whales, sea otters and sea lions. (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is recognized for profound its ecological value. The Sanctuary's parent agency, the ...click image for more... (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Maritime commerce is an important use of the ocean. Ensuring that commercial shipping is compatible with the protection ...click image for more... (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

The Sanctuary serves as an important living classroom for students. Hands-on field investigation exposes young people to the ...click image for more... (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Human presence on the Olympic Coast predates historical record and attests to the subtle understandings of the marine environment. (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Fishing is an allowable use of sanctuary resources. As with other uses, however, the balance between protection and exploitation of marine...click image for more... (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Four coastal tribes-the Makah, Quileute, Hoh and Quinault-depend upon the sanctuary as protection of marine resources upon ...click image for more... (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

1853 Survey of the Olympic Coast by Lt James Alden. (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Juan de Fuca was the name of a Greek ships' pilot who reported visiting what is now known as the the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the 1590s. ...click image for more... (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is the graveyard for over 150 documented shipwrecks. Human error, treacherous ...click image for more... (photo: Olympic Coast NMS)