Submitted by Friends of the San Juans

Join Friends of the San Juans in thanking 20 soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 569th Engineering Dive Detachment who have been removing derelict fishing nets off of the west side of San Juan Island since July 7.

Friends of the San Juans will be presenting the “Fin Award” to members of the US Army 569th Engineering Dive Detachment to honor those working to protect the Southern resident orcas and our marine waters. The thank-you gathering will be July 25, at 4:30 p.m. at the San Juan Island Brewing Co. in Friday Harbor, Washington. All are welcome to share their appreciation.

Thousands of marine animals — from mammals to invertebrates — die each year after becoming entangled in lost fishing gear.

“There were 236 derelict nets reported in over 100 feet of saltwater mostly off the west side of San Juan Island before these soldiers came to the island. Because of the Army Deepwater Derelict Net Removal Project, this number has been significantly reduced. We want to thank these soldiers for providing their expertise to help keep our waters safe for wildlife and boaters,” stated Stephanie Buffum, Friends of the San Juans Executive Director.

This is a project between the U.S. Army’s Deep Divers, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and Natural Resources Consultants.