Protecting
The Salish Sea
Keeping Our Seas Healthy Takes Vigilance and Proactive Action
More than a natural treasure, the Salish Sea is the lifeblood of coastal communities, economies, and cultural heritage. It’s a vibrant, complex ecosystem, home to over a hundred endangered species and countless communities that depend on its health. But the Salish Sea is under increasing pressure from vessel traffic, pollution, and industrial development.
Friends’ Approach
Whether we’re holding polluters accountable or strengthening environmental protections, our goal remains the same: long-term, science-based solutions for a thriving Salish Sea.
PROTECTING ENDANGERED ORCA
Friends acts with courage and steadfastness to address the threats facing Southern Resident killer whales—advancing partnerships in education, science, policy, and law to make the Salish Sea’s waters safer, cleaner, and quieter for the orcas and marine life who call them home. Learn more about Friends’ legal successes and recent legislation that protect Southern residents.
REDUCING SHIPPING POLLUTION
From harmful discharges to underwater noise, these impacts pose a threat to marine life and coastal health. Friends advances and advocates for stronger regulations, safer technologies, and the transition to low- and zero-emission fuels.
IMPROVING OIL SPILL PREVENTION & PREPAREDNESS
Oil spills are one of the most threatening ecological disasters to marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Our goal is to help prevent spills before they happen and ensure emergency responders are ready if they do. Deep Dive Into Our Research.
What’s New in Salish Sea Protection?
Building Blocks of Salish Sea Protection
COMMUNITY CENTERED CAMPAIGNS
Together, we defend clean, quiet, and healthy waters. Our policy expertise and data analysis amplify the voices of our community. Through public comments, testimony, coalition leadership, and organizing, we protect ecosystems and communities.
ACCOUNTABILITY
By engaging in permitting processes and rulemakings, we advocate for industry and agency accountability. We strengthen environmental protections and inform decision-makers by providing data and technical reviews for refineries, pipelines, and terminal proposals across the Salish Sea.
STRATEGIC LITIGATION
When needed, Friends defends nature through legal action—ensuring that impacts from new and expanding industries are fully reviewed and addressed. Learn more about some of our big wins for Salish Sea protection.
Friends Policy Insights and Expertise in Action
With support from members, grants, and partners, Friends advances policies and solutions that sustain a resilient Salish Sea.
Salish Sea Protection in Action
Between 2021 and 2025, Friends and partners advanced science-backed protections for the Salish Sea and the communities that depend on it.
662
public comments mobilized by Friends and partners urged stronger review of a fossil fuel terminal to protect the Salish Sea.
12.6
2,589
over-water oil transfers analyzed by Friends of the San Juans in 2023, expanding public access to data on oil movement and spill risks in the Salish Sea.
1,000
Join Friends for Community-Centered Action
Whether you live in the San Juan Islands, visit often, or help care for the Salish Sea from afar, your actions make a difference. Together, we can protect what makes this place extraordinary—shorelines, wildlife, and community.
