OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington's inland marine waters officially have a new name -- the Salish Sea.

U.S. Board on Geographic Names Executive Secretary Lou Yost says the board approved the name Thursday. That means Salish Sea can now be added to maps and other materials. Washington state's Board of Geographic Names approved the name late last month.

The Salish Sea includes Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Georgia Strait and the connected waters. That area often is referred to as Puget Sound, but technically that name only refers to the waters south of Whidbey Island.

Canadian officials also have proposed using Salish Sea for much of the marine waters between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland.

I think I will still call it the Puget Sound and not worry about the Salish Sea.

Larry ---sagefisher---