Where in the World is the Salish Sea?

"I was recently reading your Pacific Northwest counterpart, 48° North," writes Steve Denney of the Pittsburg-based Yorktown 39 Break Time, "and was shocked to see that the name ‘Puget Sound’ is out — it’s now referred to as the ‘Salish Sea.’ Is this a joke I don’t get?

"As a former resident of Island County, I revelled in local history. The Pig Wars are just one of many wonderful tales of the area. The history of the San Juans and Gulf Islands is colorful, chock full of tales, and remembers visits from old salts such as Captain Bligh. My sons still live on Whidbey Island so I feel an attachment. I’d love a straight answer."

Fear not, Steve. Puget Sound is still Puget Sound. The Strait of Juan de Fuca hasn’t been renamed. Even Georgia Straight has retained its moniker. ‘Salish Sea’ is simply the all-encompassing name for the bodies of water in and around Desolation Sound, the Strait of Georgia, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound. Having sailed extensively in the region, we think a general name for the area — besides ‘Pacific Northwest’, which covers a much broader range — isn’t a bad idea. Whether or not it catches on is another story.