What's that purple stuff you and the kids always see at the edge of the water when you go to the beach? Is it okay to touch those gooey little creatures you always find in tidepools? And where's the best place along the coast to see bat stars?
This book can tell you.
The 274 most common animals and plants to be seen along the saltwater shores of the Pacific Northwest are described here-the ones that stay put and that cover great distances; the ones that hide and that love a party; the ones that look like rocks or feathers or blobs of jelly. Illustrating each entry is a full-colour photo of the species in its natural habitat, so that even the novice can identify it confidently - without disturbing it.
There are special sections on great Pacific Northwest viewing sites for intertidal life, ways to understand tides and choose the best times to look for beach wildlife, intertidal habitats ranging from sandy beaches to aging wharves to rocky, wave-swept shores, and ecologically friendly observation methods.
Packed with expert information but wonderfully accessible to any interested layperson, this book is perfect for a family or a school group, a Saturday beachwalker or a naturalists' club. The species described here include sponges, clams, snails, crabs, sea stars, sea anemones, jellies, fishes, seaweeds and others. This informative guide was written to be both accurate and easy to understand. Details for each plant or animal include; description, habitat, range, additional notes and more.
Many intertidal sites found in the Pacific Northwest are also featured in this guide. Additional information found here include tidal actions, intertidal habitats, and environmentally friendly beachcombing.

J. Duane Sept is a biologist, freelance writer and professional photographer. His biological work has included research on various wildlife species and service as a park naturalist. His award-winning photographs have been published internationally, in displays and in books, magazines and other publications, for clients that include BBC Wildlife, Parks Canada, Natural Canada, National Wildlife Federation and World Wildlife Fund.

Today Duane brings wealth of information to the public as an author, in much the same way he has inspired thousands of visitors to Canada's parks. His published books include The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest (Harbour Publishing), Common Birds of British Columbia (Calypso Publishing) and Wild Berries of the Northwest: Alaska, Western Canada and the Northwestern United States (Calypso Publishing).

J. Duane Sept's profile page

Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest: Revised Edition