Thank you, Nan McKay!

The Northwest Straits community extends its heartfelt gratitude to Nan McKay, Governor’s Appointee to the Northwest Straits Commission, for her invaluable contributions to the Northwest Straits Initiative. Nan served on the Commission for over 10 years and brought extensive experience including nonprofit leadership, public policy, and environmental sustainability to the Initiative. She served as Senior Advisor for 501 Commons Service Corps, consultant to nonprofits and governments, and manager of the Environmental Sustainability Program for The Russell Family Foundation. Nan also worked with Washington State agencies, including serving as Executive Director of the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority. Her career included working with the Washington State associations of cities and county and the League of Oregon Cities. She also served (and continues to serve) on various public and nonprofit boards. As a Governor’s appointee to the Commission, Nan served terms as chair of both the Commission and External Relations Committee. Her leadership advanced federal reauthorization efforts and helped increase the resources available to Marine Resources Committees for important locally driven marine conservation. Nan’s expertise and commitment to the Initiative have made a lasting impact. Her contributions will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of working with her.

Forage fish survey monitoring

Island MRC continues its year-round forage fish egg monitoring at key sites, including Hoypus Point, Cornet Bay, Sunlight Shores, Maple Grove, Glendale, Keystone Preserve, Cavalero, and Seahorse Siesta. Monitoring efforts take place at both restoration and index sites to assess restoration success and track long-term spawning trends.

This season, a new crew of volunteers joined the team, and completed their first official survey of the season at Cavalero Beach. The addition of Cavalero Beach expands the MRC’s monitoring coverage on Camano Island within Port Susan.

Data collected plays an important role in contributing to WDFW's long-term monitoring database and are utilized to update the Forage Fish Spawning Map. Learn more about Island MRC’s forage fish monitoring.

Forage fish monitoring is done at both index and restoration sites in partnership with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and NW Straits Foundation.

Pigeon guillemots

Clallam MRC’s Pigeon guillemot monitoring season concluded in mid-September and data entry has now been completed, showing that nesting extended later into the season than usual. Quality assurance and quality control is still in progress.

 The MRC collaborates with the Salish Sea Guillemot Network and the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, involving about 40 citizen scientists each season to monitor Pigeon guillemots, which are key indicators of nearshore habitat health. This long-term monitoring project is highlighted by strong partnerships, dedicated team members, and a large volunteer base, making it a standout effort for the Clallam MRC.

Learn more about Pigeon guillemots