Protection Island (Washington) facts for kids
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Strait of Juan de Fuca |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | Washington |
| County | Jefferson |
Protection Island is a special island located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It's just north of Discovery Bay in northeastern Jefferson County, Washington, United States. The island is about 1.5 square kilometers (379 acres) in size. It is a very important place for animals.
This island is a federally protected National Wildlife Refuge. This means the United States government works to keep the island safe for all its creatures. To protect the wildlife, boats are not allowed within 200 yards (about 183 meters) of the island's shores. This rule helps keep the animals healthy and safe from disturbances. Only one person not connected to the government lives on the island. His name is Marty Bluewater. He has special permission to use his cabin there for his whole life. There is also a caretaker, a volunteer hired by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, who looks after the island and its many inhabitants.
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Protection Island: A Wildlife Haven
Protection Island is famous for its many birds. It is one of the few places south of British Columbia where so many birds come to nest. You can find large groups of tufted puffins, rhinoceros auklets, and gulls here. The island is also on a "flyway." This is like a highway in the sky for many birds that travel long distances.
Amazing Animals of the Island
Many other animals are often seen near Protection Island. These include seals (both harbor and elephant seals), sea lions, and even orcas. Other large ocean animals called cetaceans also visit the waters around the island.
Visiting the Island
You can take boat trips from nearby Port Townsend, Washington. These trips are for "ecotourism." This means you can view the amazing wildlife from the water in a way that protects nature. It's a great way to see the animals without disturbing them.
Island History
Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to discover Protection Island. In 1790, they named it Isla de Carrasco. This was in honor of Juan Carrasco. Later, in 1792, George Vancouver gave the island its current name, Protection Island.
Images for kids
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Satellite image
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Birds nesting on Protection Island
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The refuge is home to 17,000 pairs of nesting rhinoceros auklets
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Gull nest on the refuge
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A tufted puffin swims in the refuge
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