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The Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge, situated at the mouth of Discovery Bay in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is the nesting site for 72 percent of Puget Sound's seabirds.
Nesting species include 17,000 pairs of rhinoceros auklets, glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, double-crested cormorants and black oystercatchers.
The refuge also provides habitat for harbor seals and bald eagles.
Although the island is closed to the public, visitors may view wildlife from boats. Visitors must stay at least 200 yards from shore to avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Commercial boat tours available at nearby marinas.
The 48-acre Zella M. Schultz Seabird Sanctuary on the west end of the island is owned by the Washington State Department of Wildlife, but managed as part of the refuge.
Outdoor Activities |