The low tide days of summer are approaching, so for a preview of life underwater we visited the Deep Bay Marine Research Station, recently profiled by Island Nature.
Plumose Anemone (Metridium farcimen)
Several touch tanks near the research area hold a variety of sea creatures for close viewing & study, an opportunity to see many species that live below the low tide. This delicate plumose anemone was firmly attached to the shell of a live geoduck.
Pink-tipped Anemone (Anthopleura elegantissima)
The beautiful pink-tipped anemone has rather sticky tentacles, a bit like velcro.
Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensi)
The spines of sea urchins are not rigidly affixed – when pushed, they move at the ball & socket joint at the shell. I had never previously noticed the numerous threads among the spines, only apparent on the live animals.
Leather Star (Dermasterias imbricata)
A variety of sea stars have their own tank separate from the other fauna as they are all voracious predators.
Painted Anemone (Urticina grebelnyi)
Two aquaria on the main level hold creatures of both sandy & rocky bottom ecosystems. The textured body columns of these giant Painted Anemones in the rocky aquarium looked like woven or knitted fabric!
Rockfish
This rockfish peering out from its lair was one of the few creatures that were not quite so alien in appearance.
nature student 
You have some lovely photos here, nice blog 🙂