Abundant numbers of young salmon are using local beaches and shorelines for food and shelter, confirming that the San Juans play a critical role in the recovery of Puget Sound salmon.

Those were the findings of leading fishery experts who gathered at a Salmon Recovery Technical Workshop on Jan. 26 and 27 at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs.

Eighty scientists, state and federal government agency staff, stewardship group members, tribal representatives, local project sponsors and interested citizens gathered to hear presentations on recent research and projects related to salmon health.

The workshop was organized by Barbara Rosenkotter, San Juan County Salmon Recovery Coordinator.

“San Juan County is on the cutting edge of salmon recovery and I’m thrilled that many people came from all over the sound to hear about our recent project results. Great science is answering some important questions about salmon usage of the nearshore, specifically in the San Juans, and local scientists are leading much of the research,” Rosenkotter said.

For further information, contact Rosenkotter at 370-7593 or barbarar@sanjuanco.com.

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