Shoreline Research
Since 2001, FRIENDS has fostered innovative public-private partnerships and completed extensive habitat inventory and mapping projects for San Juan County, Washington. County-wide nearshore habitat assessments were conducted using standard protocols for surf smelt and Pacific sand lance spawning beaches; Pacific herring spawning grounds; bull kelp beds and the deep water edge of eelgrass prairies.
Habitat assessment results have been distributed to over 175 local and regional coastal scientists, planners and managers, improving protection of some of our most important shoreline habitats.
Key partners include the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the University of Washington and the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee. |
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Forage Fish Spawning Habitat Assessment
County-wide inventory and mapping of surf smelt and pacific sand lance spawning habitats.
San Juan County Forage Fish Spawning Habitat Assessment Report
Forage Fish Habitat Map book
Friends of the San Juans Nearshore habitats map
For more information on forage fish, visit: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/forage/forage.htm
Exploratory Herring Spawn Surveys
County-wide inventory and mapping of known and reported Pacific herring spawning sites.
Exploratory Herring Spawn Surveys Report
For more information, visit: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/forage/herring.htm
Eelgrass Health
FRIENDS Science program is involved in three major eelgrass projects...
County-wide mapping of the deep water edge of eelgrass;
San Juan County Eelgrass Report and Maps
FRIENDS Nearshore Habitats Map
Annual trend monitoring in priority embayments including Westcott/Garrison, Blind and Fisherman Bays.
Annual Eelgrass Monitoring Maps
- Blind Bay
- Fisherman Bay
- Westcott Bay
Collaborative research to improve understanding of environmental conditions impacting eelgrass.
Restoration Assessment of Eelgrass Decline Report
More information - Eelgrass Health, Eelgrass Monitoring
Bull Kelp Distribution
County-wide assessment and mapping of bull kelp habitat.
WDNR Kelp Mapping Protocol Report
Friends of the San Juans Kelp Habitat White Paper
Friends of the San Juans Nearshore Habitats Map
For more information on bull kelp habitat and distribution click here |
