San Juan Islands

Two boaters accused of illegally approaching endangered Southern Resident killer whales in rented boats were fined for violating regulations that protect the whales. State and federal regulations require recreational boats to stay at least 300 yards to the sides of orcas and 400 yards in front and behind them.

The Town of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island says a fire that burned through a block of businesses last week was intentionally set. Four businesses -- Herb’s Tavern, Crows Nest Coffee Shoppe, Crystal Seas Kayaks and the Windermere Real Estate -- were destroyed. No injuries were reported.

There’s good news – and some concerning news – about the endangered southern resident killer whales that were missing from the Salish Sea.All three…

It’s peak season for whale watching in the Salish Sea. But the iconic southern resident killer whales that for decades spent their summers here have been…

Experts and enthusiasts agree, whether on water or on land: it’s difficult to describe the feeling people get in the presence of orcas.“I wish you could…

Hot, dry weather is partly to blame for a wildfire in an unexpected place. At San Juan Island National Historical Park, hot metal debris from a historic…

Two recently designated national monuments in Washington state are among those vulnerable under an executive order from President Donald Trump. Locals in…

When funds are tight, it might be tempting for government to try to raise taxes or fees. But what if you could just inspire people to opt in and pay extra…

This week, scientists are scouring shoreline habitat near Westcott Bay on San Juan Island, hunting for green crabs. The Washington Sea Grant Crab Team,…

An incredibly rare Northwest butterfly has been listed as a species that qualifies it for federal protection. It’s small, and at first glance, it's mostly…