The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest

Patrick Colgan is the former executive director of the Canadian Museum
of Nature.

This handy reference provides information on 274 of the most common
animals and plants found along the shores of the Northwest Coast.

Sept, a B.C. naturalist, introduces his guide with a good overview of
tidal habitats and issues of harvesting, including health and
conservation. Species of animals and plants are then covered in brief
texts and illustrated with luscious color photographs. A very useful
feature of the guide is the section listing the best beachcombing sites
in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.

Sept deals mainly with organisms (no mammals and only eight fish), and
presents only a few species on each page—a layout that makes the
information accessible and the guide easy to use. Those planning to
visit Northwest Coast seashores or wanting to learn more about
intertidal life will find this commendable resource very informative.