WWU's SEA Discovery Center on the Poulsbo waterfront to re-open May 20

Western Washington University announces the reopening of its free public aquarium, SEA Discovery Center, located at 18473 Front St., Poulsbo. on Friday, May 20 after a two-year closure due to the pandemic. 

Holding over 6,000 gallons of water in a variety of aquarium exhibits, SEA Discovery Center provides an interactive and educational experience for all ages and featuring animals found in greater Puget Sound. Visitors to the free aquarium will see rock fish, freshwater trout, perch, and sea stars, sea anemones, sea cucumbers and more in the tide pool touch tank. Admission to SEA Discovery Center is free, donations are accepted, regular hours will be Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

“We’re excited to reopen SEA Discovery Center after being closed to the public for two years. We’re grateful to the community for their ongoing support, especially our partner marine centers who cared for our animals and are looking forward to welcoming back visitors to the aquarium,” said Western’s Holly Hill. 

During the closure, SEA and WWU worked with city and community partners to create a reopening plan to meet the needs of local communities, made updates to the physical building, and hired three new staff members: Bridget Anderson, director of operations and outreach; Kelly Bushnell, PhD, educational specialist; and Emily Bjornsgard, aquarium curator. 

In addition to welcoming back visitors this summer, and school groups in the fall, SEA is also inviting community members to join their volunteer program.   

“We welcome anyone who would like to learn more about marine life and support our mission. No experience necessary, just a love of the ocean. We consider volunteers ambassadors for SEA and we can’t operate without their support. We provide specialized training and volunteer-only experiences, anyone interested can contact us at SEA@wwu.edu,” said SEA’s director of outreach and operations, Bridget Anderson. 

For more information about the SEA Discovery Center, contact the center at (360) 650-4905 or SEA@wwu.edu.