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WAC 220-16-870: "Richey Viewpoint Marine Preserve" is defined as those tidelands owned by the City of Seattle and the water column above those tidelands down to 4.5 feet below MLLW at Richey Viewpoint city park, bounded on the southeast by a line projected due west from 122° 24' 49.0" W, 47° 34' 20.2" N, and bounded on the northwest by a line projected southwest from 122° 25’ 8.8" W, 47° 34' 30.0" N. Effective since 5/1/2005.
(Note: this is the same map as used for the Emma Schmitz MP)
 
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Links to other imagery about this site
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| Recreational Restrictions / Openings |
| Species |
Status |
Comments, notes... |
| Salmon |
Limited |
Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. |
| Trout |
Limited |
Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. |
| Bottomfish |
Limited |
Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. |
| Shellfish |
Closed |
Note: inadvertent takes by hook and line must be returned to the same location. |
| Forage Fish |
Limited |
Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. |
| Unclassified |
Closed |
Note: inadvertent takes by hook and line must be returned to the same location. |
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| Commercial Restrictions / Openings |
| Species |
Status |
Comments, notes... |
| Salmon |
Limited |
Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. |
| Bottomfish |
Limited |
Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. |
| Shellfish |
Closed |
Note: inadvertent takes by hook and line must be returned to the same location. |
| Forage Fish |
Limited |
Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. |
| Unclassified |
Closed |
Note: inadvertent takes by hook and line must be returned to the same location. |
Geographic Statistics
| Area Type |
Acres |
Hectares |
| Intertidal |
11.58 |
4.68 |
| Subtidal |
None |
None |
| Total |
11.58 |
4.68 |
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Richey Viewpoint Marine Preserve is composed primarily of sand, gravel and cobble with scattered boulders. Uplifted bedrock and extensive clay benches occur on the northwestern section. The backshore is formed by a continuous seawall. A line of large boulders extend from the seawall into the subtidal at the southeastern park boundary, while a defunct drainpipe angles west over the beach in the eastern half. The upland in the northwestern half is dominated by a sewage treatment facility that discharges offshore during wet weather conditions near the lighthouse.
The beach supports a wide variety of invertebrate species plus a moderate growth of seaweeds. The lower intertidal hosts eelgrass beds that extend into the subtidal supporting additional invertebrates, residential and migratory waterfowl and numerous fishes, including juvenile salmon. Adult salmon may also be present just offshore. The low-subtidal also provides substrate for seasonal kelp beds, providing habitat for dozens of species of fishes. Harbor seals, California sea lions and orca whales have been observed in offshore areas.
The Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist program provides extensive beach interpretation in the late spring and summer. In addition, Seattle Aquarium Citizen Science staff and volunteers conduct periodic ecological surveys at the site for long-term monitoring and science education opportunities.
Educating the public about the boundaries of these closed areas as well as their purpose will be crucial to success. The Seattle Aquarium Beach Stewards program will be important in addressing this.
Due to the popularity of these areas, impacts from increased non-consumptive use are a potential concern (trampling, etc.).
Continued or increasing use for education, watchable wildlife users, and non-consumptive uses.
Maintenance or increase in numbers and diversity of intertidal organisms.
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