From ghost nets and ship wrecks to mussels and crabs, much of what makes Whidbey Island so interesting and ecologically diverse happens near the shore. On Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, the Island County/WSU Beach Watchers will offer a host of classes on this near shore environment in their Sound Waters program at Coupeville Middle School.

The all-day program, which runs from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will begin with a talk by Charles “Si” Simenstad on the importance of Island County’s shores in relation to endangered salmon. A senior research scientist at UW School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, Simenstad has studied estuarine and coastal marine ecological communities throughout Puget Sound, the Washington coast, and Alaska for more than 28 years. After his keynote presentation “Salmon ‘Bed and Breakfasts’ on Puget Sound’s Near Shore,” participants will break into smaller classes to learn about everything from shoreline regulations and native plants to crabs and bottomfish. In all, 29 classes will be offered.

Participants can register for one class from each session.

Morning classes include Geology near the shore; Grass from the shallows to the deep; World of bottomfish and crab; Native plants of Whidbey; Sex on the beach; Slugs; Surf’s up; Secret life of the shallows; When fresh water meets the sea; Birds of the near shore. Afternoon 1 sessons include Anciet wonders in marine protected areas; Drawing the line on brine; Introduction to sustainable living; Mammals of Puget Sound; Oil spills; The mystery of Puget Sound tides; Secret life of the shallows; Water-wise landscapes; Whidbey’s maritime heritage; Birds of the near shore. Afternoon 2 sessions include Dealing with relentless rain and Whidbey’s cement-like soil; ghost nets of Puget Sound; Mammals of Puget Sound; Mussel bound; Slugs; Invaders are here; Untangling shoreline regulations; Where has all the marine life gone?; Whidbey’s maritime heritage.

Coordinated by WSU Beach Watchers and Island County Marine Resources Committee, Sound Waters is an annual program. It is intended to provide the general public with a “one day university,” promoting greater understanding and respect for our natural resources. Between classes and during the lunch break, attendees will also be able to view an assortment of displays that focus on the ecology of Island County and the surrounding waters.

Registration deadline is Jan. 28, but the program has been increasingly popular over the years so early registration is encouraged. Classes are limited in size and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Cost for the whole day is only $15 per person. Box lunches will be provided for those who include an additional $6; no extras will be available.

For more information, or to obtain a list of classes and a registration form, call the Beach Watchers at 679-7327, or go to www.island.wsu.edu. Registration may also be done on-line.