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The Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists (SSAMN) grew from the collaboration of a group of dedicated naturalists in Friday Harbor, Washington, starting in 2007. The transboundary Association officially launched on November 7, 2008.

Our Vision

Visitors and residents of the Salish Sea have quality educational experiences that motivate them to active stewardship.

Our Mission

SSAMN promotes education and stewardship of the Salish Sea ecosystem through a network of professional naturalists.

Members are professional or aspiring marine naturalists from both the United States and Canada that work in the Salish Sea. To become a full member, you must have taken The Whale Museum’s marine naturalist training course or an equivalent (such as Beach Watchers or University of Victoria’s Naturalist course), or have worked for one season as a naturalist or volunteer naturalist in the region. To become an associate member, you have yet to complete the full membership requirements but otherwise enjoy full membership benefits. Members are expected to complete 10 hours of community service and 10 hours of continuing education every year. Opportunities for both (action alerts, naturalist “gear ups” and “gear downs”, lectures) will be provided by SSAMN and its members.

Members pay an initial $35 fee to join SSAMN, then $20 annually to maintain membership. New members receive an official SSAMN binder with up-to-date information on the local ecosystem. All members have access to the online forum to share information and network. To become a member, please contact Cindy Hansen (cindy@whalemuseum.org).