Washington: Islands of the Salish Sea
We conduct conservation-based research and community outreach in collaboration with government agencies and local communities to advance conservation of threatened seabirds and island ecosystems and to better understand the role of urban green spaces as refuges for biodiversity.
History of the site
The Salish Sea, an inland sea whose waters are shared by Washington State and British Columbia, contains a rich collection of ecologically and culturally significant islands. Oikonos has been conducting long-term research on islands of the Salish Sea, principally Protection Island and Smith Island, since 2006, with a particular focus on the ecology and conservation of seabirds of the region. We have long-term collaborative relationships with the US Fish and Wildlife Service Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the land managers and stewards of both Protection and Smith islands, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center.
Context
Historically, Tufted Puffins nested on 14 islands in the Salish Sea. Today, their only remaining breeding populations are on Protection and Smith islands. Understanding these populations is fundamental to attempt to prevent the species from disappearing completely from the Salish Sea. In addition, we have a long-term study of the breeding and diet of Rhinoceros Auklets, a species that we are using as an indicator of marine conditions in Washington. Our work on these islands also directly informs management and conservation planning by the Refuge.
Plans and future of the site
Given the full permanent protection afforded these two islands, our work focuses on maintaining long-term population monitoring programs for Tufted Puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets and developing and implementing informed, impactful conservation actions for Tufted Puffins.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge and honor the claims of usual and accustomed use of Protection Island and its surrounding waters by the Jamestown S’Sklallam, Lower Elwha Klallam and Port Gamble S’Sklallam tribes.
Other Initiatives
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Islands of the Salish Sea
We conduct conservation-based research and community outreach in collaboration with government agencies and local communities to advance conservation of threatened seabirds and island ecosystems and to better understand the role of urban green spaces as refuges for biodiversity.
Other Species
Humboldt Penguin
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Wedge-tailed Shearwater
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Tufted Puffin
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Wilson’s Phalarope
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Cassin’s Auklet
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Rhinoceros Auklet
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Masafuera Rayadito
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Juan Fernández Firecrown
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Black-footed Albatross
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Pink-footed Shearwater
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