A Steller sea lion skull rests on the beach, partially hidden among ferns and coastal grasses, a silent reminder of the life that once thrived in the nearby waters. Steller sea lions are the largest members of the eared seal family, capable of diving deep to hunt fish, squid, and other marine prey, and they play an important role as apex predators in coastal ecosystems. The skull’s presence in the intertidal fringe highlights the natural cycle of marine life, where remains are gradually broken down by scavengers, microbes, and the elements, returning nutrients to the shoreline and supporting plants and other wildlife. Observing such remnants offers a glimpse into the complex interactions between marine and terrestrial systems in places like Glacier Bay, where every layer of the landscape—from tide pools to forests—is connected through cycles of life and decay. Photographer: Sean Neilson