Port Townsend Marine Science Center

10/16/2026

Mark your calendars for our next Future of Oceans lecture! 🐋

“Return of the Giants of the Salish Sea: The Status of Gray and Humpback Whales”
Sunday, November 15
3 pm
Wheeler Theater

The Salish Sea is home to many species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) including year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The "giants," or larger baleen whales, that frequent the Salish Sea not only inspire wonder, they can also tell us a lot about the health of our local marine ecosystem. Join us for a lecture on these giants with John Calambokidis, founder of the Cascadia Research Collective. Hear updates on large whale populations as well as the latest results from photo-ID and tag deployments.

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.

10/15/2026

They're here! Grunt Sculpin
(Rhamphocottus richardsonii)

These quirky little fish have a hop in their step. While not strong swimmers, they excel at rock climbing. Modified fin rays grip the rocks, allowing them to climb vertical walls or withstand strong currents. Look for them tucked into a nook or the empty shells of giant barnacles.

We are excited to have them in their new tanks! Check our exhibit hours on our website to see when you can come check them out in their new home.

10/14/2026

Celebrate the wild, wacky, and sometimes even spooky side of marine science with us! 🐙🎃

Join the Port Townsend Marine Science Center for Marine Halloween! Happening October 26 - November 2 during our open Exhibit hours at Fort Worden State Park. Explore all ages activities, crafts, and spooky marine facts sure to make your hair stand on end.

October 26 - November 2
Thursday - Monday
11 AM - 4 PM

PTMSC Exhibit and Aquarium
Fort Worden State Park
502 Harbor Defense Way

Entry with Admission

We hope to see you there...if you dare! 👻

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!

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