Cornet Bay Nearshore Restoration

The Story of Cornet Bay

Located on the northern end of Whidbey Island in scenic Deception Pass State Park, Cornet Bay offers protected, shallow waters and freshwater inputs adjoining the high-energy currents flowing through Deception Pass. These naturally protected waters historically acted as a pocket estuary for salmon fry migrants and other small fish. The uniquely calm waters have also led to its use as one of the busiest boat launches and marine parks in Washington State for decades. The nearshore was compromised by the use of creosote, fill, and shoreline armoring that have impacted eelgrass meadows, forage fish spawning habitat, salmonid habitat, and sediment accretion zones due to interruptions of drift cell processes and access to the shoreline. 

Starting in 2009, Washington State Parks and Island County MRC commissioned Herrera Environmental Consultants to conduct a feasibility study of the Cornet Bay shoreline. This kicked off a multi-phase restoration project aimed at restoring 1,600 linear feet of shoreline and two acres of beach. The initial phase of the project removed creosoted bulkheads and fill stretching the length of the shoreline. The beach was also re-graded to match the natural contour and significant riparian plantings have been installed. This work restored the natural beach structure and enhanced forage fish spawning habitat. Phase 2 removed fill and restored riparian habitat at the southern extent of the park. Finally, Phase 3 restored the northern extent of the park at Hoypus Point, the site of the historic ferry terminal that pre-dated the development of the Deception Pass bridge. Click HERE for details on Hoypus Point. 

Along with SSA staff, Island County Beach Watchers and Sound Water Stewards monitored this site for nearshore fish use and forage fish spawning from 2010 through 2022. These volunteers also helped us conduct post-project monitoring to evaluate the changes in habitat resulting from the restoration. After five years of forage fish surveys post-restoration, volunteers discovered forage fish eggs within the restored area of the project! 

COLLABORATORS: The restoration project at Cornet Bay is only possible thanks to collaboration between the SSA, Washington State Parks (Deception Pass State Park), Island County Marine Resources Committee, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, and dedicated volunteers.  

Phase 1 design was developed by the Skagit Conservation District with Washington State Parks. Construction was completed in 2012 by Matia Construction. Phase 2 design was completed in 2015 by Coast & Harbor Engineering and construction was completed by Strider Construction. 

BEFORE                                                  AFTER         

Picnic Area          ‎

Zone 4 South        ‎

Get Involved

The Salish Sea Alliance continues to steward the Cornet Bay restoration projects, watering, weeding, and planting as needed to help native vegetation thrive. These efforts strengthen critical connections between nearshore and backshore habitats and create meaningful opportunities for community members to protect native ecosystems during our volunteer stewardship days. Visit our EVENTS PAGE to learn how you can get involved!

Relevant Resources 

Cornet Bay Habitat Restoration Feasibility Assessment: CORNET BAY HABITAT RESTORATION FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT 

FUNDING: Project funding and support has been provided by the Puget Sound Partnership’s Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration Fund, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Northwest Straits Commission, US EPA, Whidbey Island Conservation District, and the Alcoa Foundation.