About Us
Poulsbo’s marine science center is a unique facility. We don’t believe in “do not touch”. Our Tidepool touch tank allows you to interact with most of the animals you will find on your next Puget Sound beach walk. You can get “up close and personal” with several species of sea star, anemone, urchin, crab, shrimp, even a sea cucumber and other surprises!
Experience the exhibits of over 100 species of marine plants and animals found in the Puget Sound that will instill love and respect for the environment. The centers combination of touch tank, theater, and uniquely designed aquaria provide a remarkable experience to understand the importance of our inland waterways.
The Poulsbo Marine Science Center is supported and operated by the Poulsbo Marine Science Center Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our main focus is to, “Promote lifelong learning and appreciation for the marine environment and underwater 
technology by enhancing science education with hands on learning and conservation.” We welcome visitors of all ages to learn more about the waters that surround us. Staffed by trained volunteers, visitors of all ages will learn more about the diverse range of life in the Puget Sound from experiencing our touch tanks, viewing the many live animal saltwater displays, and enjoying movies in our small theater donated by local underwater videographers.
The Way We Were….
In the 1980s, local teacher Clayton Ham brought the then-Seattle-based Marine Science Society to Poulsbo; it was housed at Liberty Bay Marina. In 1990, it moved to its present location in the new building built with a City Bond Issue. However, in 2005, after 15 yrs. of successful operation, a lack of a firm financial footing forced the Center’s closure.
Who Are We Today?
The new Center is supported by the newly formed Marine Science Center Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Bill Austin, Bruce Harlow, and a dedicated team of new supporters, almost all volunteers, created today’s Center. Our main focus will be on educating children through various programs, and reaching into our regional schools. Visitors of all ages will learn more about the waters that surround us. We’re slowly finishing the exhibits and collecting animals, and looking for necessary funding.
Board of Directors:
President: RADM Bruce Harlow, USN (Ret)
Vice President, William Austin
Treasurer, Mr. Donald Lawrence
General Council, Mr. Roger Sherrard
Board Members: Mr. Tom Hall, Mr. John Herm. Mr. John MacDonald, Dr. Michelle McClure, Mr. Robert Purser
Executive Director, Ms. Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes
Aquarium Director, Mr. Patrick Mus USN (Ret.)
Aquarium Assistant, Halie Wirth
Education Director, Mr. Bruce Claiborne
Volunteer Coordinator Michele Hutchison
Exhibit interpretation & Publicity Coordinator, Mrs. Nancy Sefton
Structure and Financing:
Board members and others are busy finding ongoing financial support from many sources, including the State of Washington, where we fortunately have strong support from our local elected representatives. Also, we are renting out the second floor of our building; we’ll retain the income from that.
Currently there are seven important people you should know.
Patrick Mus, Aquarium Director: His charge is the aquarium as a whole, which includes outreach, fund raising, graphic design, maintenance of the saltwater and fresh water systems, collection for the displayed species, animal husbandry, diving operations, exhibit design and construction.
Bruce Claiborne, Education Director: Bruce is charged with carrying out the Marine Center’s outreach to the fourteen Olympic Peninsula school districts belonging to the Science Education Alliance. This program brings third through sixth grade students to the Poulsbo Marine Science Center for a unique classroom and floating lab experience. Bruce’s background includes thirty-five years a science educator and over four decades of scuba diving, boating, and fishing in northwest waters.
Rick Spencer, Dave Hayley, Tyne Tennyson, and Collin Ray are people that I rely on to help out not only as stand ins but for their engineering expertise which contributes greatly on the functioning , design of new exhibits, and upkeep of the filtration systems of the center. This along with diving support and collection of the critters at the center.
All of our volunteers play an equally important roll in the day to day operations and education of our many visitors. These efforts are the fruits that you the visitors come to enjoy. So next time no matter where, say thanks to the VOLUNTEERS.
Thanks Pat