Legislation Reintroduced to Reauthorize the Northwest Straits Initiative
On June 18, 2024, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) reintroduced legislation Senate Bill 4579 and House Bill 8783 to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Initiative, originally launched in 1998 by Senator Murray and U.S. Representative Jack Metcalf (R-WA-02).
Although the initial authorization expired in 2004, an external review led by Bill Ruckelshaus praised the Initiative's community-driven marine conservation efforts and recommended its reauthorization with increased federal funding. Senator Murray has secured annual federal funding since then.
The reauthorization will formalize the Initiative as a federal program, highlighting the importance of local marine conservation. This milestone underscores the dedication of Marine Resources Committees, the Northwest Straits Commission and Foundation, volunteers, Tribes, agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry partners committed to protecting the marine species and habitats of the Northwest Straits region. This reauthorization will reinforce our collective efforts to safeguard the marine biodiversity and ecosystems that are vital to the health and sustainability of the Northwest Straits.
Learn more at Looking Ahead.
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.
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More About Us and the Northwest Straits Region »July 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Port Townsend Yacht Club, 2503 Washington Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
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Olympia oyster restoration
Clallam MRC recently completed the next phase of their work at their 2024 Olympia oyster restoration site in Sequim Bay, a collaborative effort between Clallam MRC and the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe.
In early May, the MRC conducted a comprehensive survey of the Olympia oyster population to understand the size and number of oysters in the habitat. This data is crucial for assessing the progress of our restoration efforts and planning future initiatives.
In late May with the dedicated assistance of a Washington Conservation Corps crew, the MRC successfully spread 47 tons of Pacific oyster shell across the habitat. The shell, distributed in over 3,000 bags placed by barge earlier in the year, provides essential surfaces for young Olympia oysters to settle and grow.
The team of MRC staff and volunteers persevered through both rain and shine to ensure the success of this project. They are hopeful that their efforts will lead to a thriving population of young oysters in 2024, contributing to the health and biodiversity of Sequim Bay.
Thank you to everyone involved in this restoration work. We look forward to seeing more of the positive outcomes of this project in the coming year!
Learn more about Olympia oyster restoration
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Friday Harbor Open House
San Juan MRC recently participated in the annual open house at Friday Harbor Labs in late May. This event provided an opportunity for MRC members and staff to engage with the public and discuss the vital work they do and its connection to the marine science conducted at the labs.
The open house was big success. The MRC enjoyed a beautiful afternoon interacting with the community, sharing stories about their efforts, and answering questions from curious attendees. They also took the opportunity to distribute whale warning flags and stickers, raising awareness about marine conservation efforts.
With the summer outreach season just beginning, we're excited to announce that the San Juan MRC is finalizing the schedule for upcoming dock talks. These talks will provide further opportunities for community engagement and education about our marine environment. Stay tuned for more details, and we look forward to seeing you at future events!
Learn more about Education and Outreach
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Kids on the Beach
Skagit MRC created the Kids on the Beach program in 2018, combining classroom learning with fieldwork, fostering a deeper connection to the environment. The program is now administered by staff from Padilla Bay Reserve, where its success has influenced other educational initiatives, highlighting its significant role in marine science education.
This spring, 250 students from three local schools (Concrete10-11th graders, Everson Elementary 4th graders, and Allen Elementary 5thgraders) engaged in the Kids on the Beach program, a hands-on science initiative at Bayview State Park. Under the guidance of volunteers from Skagit MRC, WSU Beach Watchers, Salish Sea Stewards, AmeriCorps and staff from Padilla Bay Reserve and the NW Straits Commission, students are guided in their data collection and other learning activities, exploring biodiversity and intertidal life.
Learn more about Kids on the Beach
Kids reach into the mud with beach science program
Skagit Valley Herald | May 23, 2024
Member Spotlight: Tim Cochnauer
Clallam MRC“For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed the water and wide array of activities that the water provides,” says Tim Cochnauer, Clallam MRC member. “My first love is fishing (catch and release), but I am an avid boater, a certified SCUBA participant, a snorkeler, and a general all-around observer.”
Continue Reading »Upcoming Events
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Jul 26
July 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
July 26
10 AM-3 PMPort Townsend Yacht Club, 2503 Washington Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
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Aug 23
August 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
August 23
10 AM-12 PMVirtual on Zoom
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Sep 27
September 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
September 27
10 AM-3 PMStevens Center at Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - 10441 Bayview Edison Rd, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273