The Samish Indian Nation through its Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has cleaned up 1,095,534 pounds of marine debris from the shoreline and waters of Skagit County, Island County, Whatcom County, and the San Juan Islands. Each pound represents the removal of manmade toxins and objects, including creosote-treated wood, waterborne plastics, tires, derelict boats, and more.

“Our culture is directly tied to the environment around us, and preserving the land and water of the Salish Sea honors our ancestors and future generations alike,” said Tom Wooten, Chairman of the Samish Indian Nation. “The work the Samish DNR is doing preserves our cultural identity. Without the water and life within it, we have nothing.”

Since 2004, the removal of debris from Puget Sound has been a significant focus of WADNR’s Restoration Program. The effort began in the North Sound and has since expanded to areas around Puget Sound. The marine cleanup work was done in partnership with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WADNR), Washington Conservation Corps, Veterans Conservation Corps, and EarthCorps. Samish DNR began a partnership with WADNR in 2014 to help clean the Salish Sea, contributing both the use of landing crafts and crew hours yearly.

“Samish DNR focuses on preserving, protecting, and restoring natural resources important to Samish Tribal Citizens for now and future generations,” said Matt Castle, Manager of Samish Department of Natural Resources. “The Samish DNR remains committed to the ongoing removal of debris from Samish Traditional Territory to ensure the Samish people and neighboring communities will be able to utilize the natural resources of the Salish Sea for years to come.”

“While the world around the Samish people has changed dramatically over millennia, one thing has stayed the same: our commitment to preserving and protecting our land and waters, making it better for millennia to come,” said Wooten.

Samish DNR, the Washington Conservation Corps, and WADNR will resume cleanup this June through August, utilizing the MyCoast app to log all marine debris gathered. The public is invited to download the app and share any sightings of marine debris, and any information gathered will be shared with the Samish and Washington State DNRs. The project is ongoing and will continue annually, funding permitting.

For more information, visit www.samishtribe.nsn.us/departments/environment.