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Our Work

The San Juan Islands: Precious. Finite. Worth protecting.

Friends of the San Juans protects and restores the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea for people and nature— since 1979. We champion clean water, forests, food, and healthy communities by using science, education, and advocacy. Our innovative programs help the region’s environment and economy thrive.

Healthy

Seas

Natural

Shorelines

Thriving on

the Land

Our Impact

1,800

islanders explored, restored, and learned at Friends events in 2017.

15,000

square feet of forage fish spawning beach restored in 2017.

400

people attended ``Salish Sea Stands Against Kinder Morgan`` rallies in this islands in 2017.

The Latest

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Friends of the San Juans

2 hours ago

We live and work within the beauty of the Salish Sea. We are grateful that the Nov. 15 oil spill in Anacortes was quickly stopped and contained and that the aggressive spill response was completed on Nov. 17. Our thanks to the Shell refinery, Ecology, USCG and all the oil spill first responders.

This oil spill, during an over-water transfer operation, reminds us that accidents happen. And this spill occurred in the Southern Residents Killer Whales (SRKW) designated critical habitat. J pod and L87 were in Puget Sound on Nov. 15 and on the west side of San Juan Island on Nov. 16 - in very close proximity to the spill. We are reminded that a major oil spill could cause the Southern Residents' extinction. We are following up with Ecology, the USCG and NOAA to ensure that the SRKW hazing protocols were initiated. We're also following up to find out why a barge was used for the transport of Alaskan crude oil, and if there are any additional oil transfer safety measures need to be advocated for.

What we have at stake is a way of life, our economy, healthy seas and natural shorelines. We all benefit from our intrinsic natural surroundings. We must all be diligent and proactive to protect what we love. This is the work that matters to the people who care. It is our commitment and our mission at Friends of the San Juans. Together with member support, and strategic partnerships, we will deliver on that promise -to advocate and protect the Salish Sea.

#protectwhatyoulove #strongertogether ... See MoreSee Less

Oil Spill Prevention Law Helps Contain Leak at Shell Puget Sound Refinery

www.ecowatch.com

Around 20 gallons spilled, of which five entered the water, and that oil was contained within an area that was boomed before the transfer began.

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Friends of the San Juans shared a photo.

3 days ago

A backyard reminder of the importance of our collective work to prevent oil spills and increase safe shipping.An Alaskan rail barge has crashed into Quadra Island in the Salish Sea, compromising its hull. Fortunately, no fuel is carried below decks on this type of barge but it serves as a huge reminder that accidents DO happen.
Articulated Tug Barges (ATB’s)
carrying over 10 million litres of fuel continue to transit the Inside Passage headed for Alaska and if this had been one of them, the Discovery Islands could be bathing in a fuel spill a third the size of Exxon Valdez.
We need to stop allowing ATB’s on the Inside Passage and instead, ship these products in tankers off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
#articulatedtugbarge #alaskamarinelines #salishsea #shipwreck #oilspill ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of the San Juans

4 days ago

November sunshine, motivated students and beautiful beaches- welcome sand lance spawning season! ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of the San Juans

7 days ago

Beautiful (as well as productive and fun!) morning on Shaw with volunteers conducting forage fish spawn habitat surveys ... See MoreSee Less

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“I want the beach to be able to be here for my grandchildren… for my nieces, nephews, and godchildren. That’s when we made the decision to contact Friends of the San Juans.”

Mariluz Villa, participating shoreline restoration project property owner

Photos by: Mark Gardner (SRKW Action Center), Mark Gardner (Thriving on the Land)