Scene in Edmonds 150 attend Environmental Education event at Waterfront Center
Approximately 150 attendees gathered at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on October 9 to learn about harbor porpoises from Dr. Cindy Elliser, associate director of the Salish Sea Institute. The event was organized by Annie Crawley and featured a presentation from a 14-year-old student who studied bottlenose dolphins in Florida. Dr. Elliser discussed the harbor porpoise's characteristics, noting they are the second smallest cetaceans, measuring 5 to 5.
5 feet in length and weighing around 150 pounds. Despite being one of the most common marine mammals in the Salish Sea, they are often overlooked due to their elusive behavior. Her groundbreaking research in Burrows Pass has revealed that these porpoises and their calves return to the same waters year after year, some for over a decade. This information is vital for conservation efforts as it challenges the perception of their population dynamics. The event aimed to educate the public about marine life and foster a greater appreciation for the local ecosystem.
Understanding the behavior of harbor porpoises is essential for their protection in the Salish Sea.