A major oil spill in our region would be devastating. So much is at risk—environmental, economic, and cultural resources, the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, and more. 

In 2025, nearly 12,000 large ocean-going vessels transited through the Salish Sea’s narrow, rocky, and heavily trafficked shipping lanes. This number is projected to increase in 2026 by more than 2,200, primarily because of surging Canadian crude oil exports through the region. As vessel traffic increases, so does the risk of accidents and oil spills.

As a shallow, inland sea that is home to culturally significant and endangered species, we are working to protect this special place from increasing oil spill risks.

Even spills from fishing boats, like the 2022 sinking of the Aleutian Isle that occurred near San Juan Island, have impacts.

Transferring oil to and/or from vessels over the water presents another oil spill risk. Friends is advocating for stronger oil spill prevention and mitigation requirements for oil transfer operations. You can check out our interactive tools to learn more about oil transfer operations in Washington State.