Overview
San Juan County’s 408 miles of shoreline are the most of any county in the nation, and its waters encompass more than 170 named islands and countless rocky reefs. Cold, nutrient-rich waters from the Pacific Ocean and strong tidal currents create ideal conditions for an incredible diversity of marine life, and the diving here is considered some of the finest in the world. The county is home to the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Laboratories, and to more than 18,000 full time or seasonal residents. Many Treaty Tribes have Usual and Accustomed fishing areas in the San Juans.
Representatives from San Juan County, Tribal governments, the Port of Friday Harbor, commercial and recreational fishing, the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs, environmental organizations, local businesses, and residents bring a diversity of perspectives and expertise to the San Juan MRC. San Juan MRC was first of the seven MRCs in the Northwest Straits, and serves as the citizen advisory group for salmon recovery work.