SoundIQ
SoundIQ allows us to visually illustrate our projects on a map in the context of other important natural resource information. Embedded in the SoundIQ maps are links to the data and reports associated with Northwest Straits projects. Learn more about our work by visiting SoundIQ. Find more information and a link to SoundIQ below.
Project Details
Harbor Seal. Photo credit: Florian Graner
Kelp Plan
Vibrant kelp forests are vital to the health of Puget Sound and Salish Sea. The Kelp Plan provides a research and management framework for coordinated action. Learn more about the Kelp Plan, related resources, efforts, and ways to help below. Contact the Project Coordinator if you or your organization are interested in the Kelp Plan.
Project Details
Forage Fish
Pacific herring, sand lance, surf smelt, and other forage fish are key to the health of marine food webs throughout the Salish Sea. They are fuel for endangered seabirds, salmon and orca whales. They are bait for commercial and sport fisheries and a tasty treat to many people.
Project Details
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) works closely with partners like the Jefferson County MRC. Its efforts to strengthen local conservation practices through education and research closely align with the MRC’s mission to address marine issues in east Jefferson County. PTMSC staff have been active participants in the MRC since its early years, serving as members and regularly attending meetings.
Together PTMSC and Jefferson MRC:
Visit Port Townsend Marine Science Center at ptmsc.org.
The Northwest Straits Commission is a regional coordinating body comprised of people who care about the marine areas where they live, and who work together to protect and restore marine resources.
The Northwest Straits Commission carries out regional conservation projects and supports the work of seven Marine Resources Committees through funding, technical support, training and regional coordination.
Winter night tide pooling, Triopha catalinae also known as a sea clown nudibranch. (Caitlyn Blair).
Member Spotlight: Brienne Townsend
Become a Salish Sea Stewards volunteer and make a difference!
Registration is open through January 31, 2026. Find the registration link on the Skagit MRC website. Space is limited to 26.
2026 Salish Sea Stewards Training: Classes will be held Tuesdays, 1:00 pm-5;00 pm, February 10 - April 14, 2026. Most classes are held at Padilla Bay, with some field days.
Snohomish MRC continues its partnership with WSU Beach Watchers, offering quarterly beach walks throughout the year. These walks provide an opportunity for the community to explore the local shorelines and learn about marine ecosystems.
January 28, 2026 is the next Starlight Beach Walk at Edmonds’ Olympic Beach Park from 6:30pm to 8:00 pm. A free event for all ages.
San Juan MRC continues derelict vessel patrols despite intense wind, rain and storms. Kari Koski, San Juan County’s derelict vessel coordinator has been busy responding to incidents, following up with the owners of vessels of concern, and helping to move boats into Department of Natural Resource’s Vessel Turn-In Program. With the county boat out of commission, the MRC will conduct more shore-based surveys in the coming weeks.
Member Spotlight: Brienne Townsend
Brienne Townsend joined the Snohomish MRC during the pandemic in 2020, seeking a way to re-engage with the scientific community and bring data-driven insights back to her students. Brienne teaches Marine Science and IB Marine Biology at Edmonds-Woodw
Friday
January 30, 10:00 am - January 30, 3:00 pm
This meeting will be held in person at Padilla Bay Reserve.
Meeting materials will be available the week of the meeting.
10441 Bayview Edison Road, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273
Friday
February 27, 10:00 am - February 27, 12:00 pm
This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom.
Meeting materials will be available the week of the meeting.
Thursday - Friday
April 2, 10:00 am - April 3, 3:00 pm
More details about the 2026 NWSC Retreat will be available in the coming months.
Forty-three Conway Middle School eighth graders explored marine science during the Fall 2025 Kids on the Beach program Oct. 23 at Fidalgo Bay…
The Northwest Straits environmental leadership award honors individuals that leave a lasting impact on our work in a way that helps us advance our…
The 2025 MRC Conference brought the NW Straits community together in Skagit County where we gathered at La Conner’s Maple Hall on November 7–8.
The 2025–2030 NW Straits Commission's 2025–2030 Strategic Plan was developed through a phased, colla