Port Townsend Marine Science Center

10/08/2026

We will have some new residents in our exhibit very soon! They’re moving in from across the street, and we are very excited to have them.

Our aquarium staff and volunteers spent time this week filling the grunt sculpin’s new home with saltwater, connecting to the current system with some new plumbing, and adding rocks to help them feel right at home in their new custom tanks. Now, our grunt sculpins are getting ready for their big move from their old aquarium into their new home!

The move is an exciting step as we continue settling into our new aquarium space, and we can’t wait for you to see them. Keep an eye out for these new residents as they get comfortable in their new surroundings!

10/07/2026

Missed Ed Parnell’s lecture on bull kelp?

We’ll have a recording ready soon, but in the meantime, dive into the iconic kelp forests of our coastal oceans with host Nan Evans and Ed Parnell on Nature Now.

Listen on kptz.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

KPTZ 91.9 FM is Port Townsend's community radio station — local news, music, and call-in shows made by and for the community. Listen live online.

10/06/2026

Tomorrow!

Join local photographer Mike Kalichman for two guided bird photography walks in Port Townsend, one in the morning at North Beach, and another in the afternoon at Fort Worden State Park.

All skill levels are welcome. Learn from others, share your techniques, and enjoy the experience of watching and photographing birds in the field.

Register here: https://ptmsc.org/series/birding-through-the-lens-guided-bird-photography-walks/

Photo by Mike Kalichman.

10/02/2026

“Marine Heat Waves and the Ecology of Southern California Kelp Forests” is coming up this weekend! Come learn about these iconic underwater ecosystems with Ed Parnell.

Sunday, October 4
3pm
Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden State Park

Our lecture series, The Future of Oceans, draws on the commitment of professional researchers and educators across all academic spectrums to help define and inspire the health of our oceans.

To see upcoming lectures for 2026-2027 and catch up on any past lectures that you missed, visit our Lectures page: https://ptmsc.org/lectures/

Thanks to the Darrow Family for their ongoing support.

Photo from Puget Sound Restoration Fund.

09/29/2026

Join us for our upcoming Annual Stewardship Breakfast and welcome Dr. Florian Graner, Executive Director of Sound Water Stewards of Island County, as our keynote speaker.

Wednesday, October 14, at 9:00 a.m.
The Commons at Fort Worden Historical State Park

A marine biologist, award-winning wildlife cinematographer and environmental advocate, Dr. Graner holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology specializing in marine mammals and has logged more than 3,450 professional dives.
Since September 2025, he has served as Executive Director of Sound Water Stewards of Island County, leading community science and conservation efforts throughout the Salish Sea.

Dr. Graner and his underwater video production company, SeaLife Productions, produced “Octopus Learning Project,” which documents the 2019 return of Eleanora, PTMSC’s giant Pacific octopus, to the wild. In the footage, Graner—wearing scuba gear—releases Eleanora into her new nesting spot.

Your support makes the work of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center possible and helps us continue to empower conservation for a thriving Salish Sea. We hope you’ll join us for this special morning of celebration, inspiration and stewardship.

Reserve a seat at https://bit.ly/PTMSC_Breakfast_2026

09/28/2026

Read with us! 📚 This month’s title is “Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses” by David Scheel.

Sporting color changing chromatophores and three hearts, octopus are nothing short of unique. What niches are they inhabiting? How are they responding to changes in their environment? How do they avoid becoming prey? David Scheel has studied octopus for twenty-five years, bringing them to light, in all their glory.

Join the discussion!
When: Sunday, October 11 at 2 PM
Where: Mezzanine Aldrich’s (2nd floor), 940 Lawrence St, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Food & Drinks: Grab a treat and a drink from Aldrich’s, then make your way upstairs.

Please RSVP and find a full book list here: https://ptmsc.org/dive-into-a-book/

Access titles in a way that is best suited for your personal comprehension and needs. Audio and E-books are welcome!

#ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ

09/26/2026

We asked our staff and volunteers what they love about our new exhibit at Fort Worden State Park, and here is what they said!

Our store manager Elizabeth Lyon loves the Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO) that was handcrafted by a good friend of PTMSC. Local artist Patt Roche carefully felted each te****le, as well as anatomical details such as the siphon and papillae. Elizabeth says the realistic depiction catches the eye and is a unique and creative addition to our invertebrate display. Now this magnificent mollusc has a place in our exhibit every day of the year!

Come visit our Exhibit Thursday through Monday, 11 AM - 4 PM at Fort Worden State Park. Our volunteers and staff are excited to share the new space with you! Admission and other info here: https://ptmsc.org/museum_giftshop/

09/25/2026

✨Species spotlight✨

Shiner perch are a common and important part of the Salish Sea ecosystem. They often travel in schools through shallow coastal waters, where they feed on small animals like plankton and tiny crustaceans. In turn, they become an important food source for larger fish, birds, and other marine animals.

Learn more about shiner perch on the PTMSC blog (link in bio).

09/25/2026

Join us for the first Future of Oceans lecture of the season!

“Marine Heat Waves and the Ecology of Southern California Kelp Forests”
Sunday, October 4
3pm
Wheeler Theater

Marine heat waves which occur during El Niños and the shoreward encroachment of northeast Pacific warm water masses adversely affect the growth, reproduction, and survival of giant kelp throughout its range resulting in a cascade of effects throughout these iconic forests. Ed Parnell will highlight why heat waves are deleterious to kelp forests and how the structure of kelp forests is changing off southern California.

Our lecture series, The Future of Oceans, draws on the commitment of professional researchers and educators across all academic spectrums to help define and inspire the health of our oceans.

To see upcoming lectures for 2026-2027 and catch up on any past lectures that you missed, visit our Lectures page: https://ptmsc.org/lectures/

Thanks to the Darrow Family for their ongoing support.

Photo credit: NOAA