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Recreation in the
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Over three and a half million people visit the Olympic Peninsula each year.
Travelers to this relatively remote section of the Pacific Northwest hope to take advantage of a
wide range of recreational activities and opportunities. Whether you are arriving by plane, ferry,
motor-home or car, please take a moment to get the latest detailed information by visiting the
Olympic Coast Discovery Center (OCDC).
The location of the OCDC is ideal: just a 100 yard walk from the ferry terminal in downtown Port
Angeles. Visitors needing help in planning their visit to the Sanctuary are encouraged to
stop by to talk with one of the well-informed volunteer docents.
Boating in the Sanctuary
The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS) has some of the cleanest coastal ocean waters
in the world. You can help keep the Sanctuary clean by following Coast Guard regulations for
sewage discharge from your vessel. Recreational boaters should use approved sanitation devices and
shore pump-out facilities.
Regulations prohibit the dumping or discharge of materials into Sanctuary waters. Make sure to
keep all waste products from entering the water while cleaning your hull or applying bottom paint
to your vessel.
Marine wildlife such as birds, mammals and fish are particularly sensitive to even the smallest
amounts of toxic compounds in petroleum products, oil and fuel. You can do your part to protect
wildlife by preventing bilge oil discharge and fuel spills. Report any spills that you see to the
U.S. Coast Guard (1-800-424-8802) and the OCNMS Resource Emergency line (1-206-457-6622, extension
13).
You can also protect marine wildlife by picking up plastic that you see floating at sea. Many
birds, fish, turtles and mammals get entangled in plastic items or even mistake them for food.
Trash that ends up overboard can jeopardize fisherman and boater safety when debris fouls
propellers or causes outboard motors to overheat. Make it boat policy that NO trash is discarded
overboard. Please share your concern and encourage others to help reduce the impacts of marine
debris by disposing of trash in appropriate receptacles.
Wildlife Viewing
Harassment of marine mammals or seabirds is prohibited. Watch wildlife from a distance of at least
100 yards... getting too close may make the animal abandon its haul-out or nest site, or result in
a
failed breeding attempt by the parent. If you are in a boat, please watch your speed by driving
slowly near sensitive habitats such as offshore islands, seastacks, islets and small coves. Avoid
boating through kelp forests - one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world - and be
careful around other vessels such as kayaks, dive boats or surfers.
Kayaking and Surfing in the Sanctuary
Active water sports include sea kayaking and surfing. Cold water and local wave and current
conditions pose great hazards, so skill, experience and good judgment are necessary.
The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary protects thick forests of kelp, home to a wide variety
of animals such as seabirds, sea otters and seals. As you paddle through the kelp forest, please
remember that many of these animals are easily frightened. Keeping far enough away so as not to
impact the animals need to rest, feed or breed is part of a good environmental ethic and will
ensure that those that follow you have a unique wildlife encounter as well.
Abandoned seal?
If you come across what appears to be an abandoned seal, the best thing to do is leave it alone.
Do not approach it, as this animal is likely a pup resting while "mom" is out searching for food.
To report a stranded marine mammal notify the nearest State Park or National Park Ranger Station or
call Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (360) 457-6622, extension 13.
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