Very Colorful Time of Year

10/27/2023

As the leaves change color and fall from their branches, and as the weather above turns cold, windy, rainy and stormy, so too do the seasons shift towards winter below the surface. Storms and rains infuse fresh water with salt water. Kelp and eel grass beds retreat and all but disappear. Some species may go deeper to avoid the increasing levels of fresh water, while others may fall prey to those who remain. Just prior to our impending winter season can be the very best time of year to explore the cold, green depths of Pacific Northwest waters. Visibility may easily exceed 50 feet. Many species are at or near full size and maturity. Unfortunately, as the waters temps decline and the days grow shorter, far below the surface life sustaining light does not penetrate the depths. It's a fascinating time of year for Puget Sound, the Salish Sea, and all of its amazing underwater wildlife.