Friends of the San Juans is taking legal action to protect the Salish Sea, holding decision-makers accountable and defending critical environmental protections for marine life, shorelines, and communities that depend on a healthy ecosystem.
The creatures that call these islands home need your help! If you enjoyed a stroll on the beach after the last set of king tides, you might have noticed an influx of debris and trash. During extreme high tide events, plastic waste and styrofoam float to the surface and are carried up further onto the…
The sinking of the fishing vessel Aleutian Isle and resulting oil spill near San Juan Island revealed critical gaps in oil spill response capacity. Friends of the San Juans outlines key lessons learned and actions needed to better protect the Salish Sea from future spills.
The West Sound Beach project restored 150 feet of pocket beach on Orcas Island by removing a creosote bulkhead, over 530 tons of rock and fill, and replanting 1,600 native trees and shrubs. The restoration enhanced forage fish spawning, juvenile salmon habitat, and reconnected sediment, beach, and riparian areas for a healthier coastal ecosystem.
Friends of the San Juans is working to restore Turn Point Marsh and adjacent beach habitat on San Juan Island, improving shoreline resilience, enhancing habitat for fish and wildlife, and supporting the long-term health of coastal ecosystems.
The Thatcher Bay project on Blakely Island removed a historic log handling facility and associated debris to restore 200 feet of intertidal and subtidal habitat. The restoration enhanced forage fish spawning, juvenile salmon habitat, and coastal ecosystem health while maintaining minimal access for forest stewardship.
On Shaw Island’s Blind Bay, the Smuggler’s Cove Road project enhanced a known forage fish spawning beach by removing unnatural rocks, reducing road impacts, and adding sand and gravel. The project improved habitat conditions, raised awareness of healthy beach ecosystems, and supported marine food webs.
The Shoal Bay restoration removed a derelict tide gate and excess fill to restore a five-acre lagoon on Lopez Island. The project improved water quality, fish passage, and habitat for juvenile salmon, forage fish, and local shellfish, with volunteers helping to replant marsh and dune vegetation.
The Salmon Point restoration on Lopez Island removed shoreline barriers and restored beach habitat, improving spawning areas for forage fish and supporting salmon and local wildlife.
Consisting of 500 feet of a documented forage fish spawning site, this beach will be restored through removal of an unnecessary bulkhead as well as a cleanup of intertidal debris. Set to be completed in Fall 2024. Friends of the San Juans removed a 55-cubic-yard berm that blocked flushing of the Neck Point coastal marsh…
