2023 Impact Report
This report highlights the significant contributions of Marine Resources Committees (MRCs), partners, Commission and MRC staff, and volunteers in 2023. You’ll find the achievements, regional project successes, and impacts in Conservation & Restoration, Education & Outreach, Monitoring & Research, and Advisory outlined in this report. In celebrating our 25th anniversary, the report also emphasizes our ongoing commitment to progress.
The work of the Northwest Straits Commission, the MRCs, and the Northwest Straits Foundation all focus on the same goal--to restore and protect our marine waters. Each component of the Initiative has unique skills and organizational characteristics that allow for strong collective action. The sum of our work is greater than its individual parts.
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 »March 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
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Jan Holmes Award
Island MRCScott Chase was recently named 2024 Jan Holmes Coastal Volunteer of the Year! Scott is a dedicated Island MRC volunteer, who inspires residents to protect the coastal environments of Camano and Whidbey Islands, and beyond.
Scott’s volunteer engagements, thoughtful participation, and generosity will leave a lasting impact on Island County.
Congratulations to Scott and kudos for his dedicated work to make the Salish Sea a better place!
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Starlight Beach Walk
SnohomishSnohomish MRC continues to host quarterly beach cleanups in partnership with WSU Beach Watchers.
Also, in partnership with the Beach Waters, a well-attended Starlight Beach Walk was held on the evening of February 6 at the Edmonds Marina Beach.
Over 160 attendees of all ages joined to explore the wonders of the nearshore creatures and environment!
Sea-star gazers explore low tide nightlife on the Edmonds’ Olympic Beach
Everett Herald | February 8, 2024 -
Harmful Algal Blooms
Whatcom MRCWhatcom MRC volunteers have logged 2,000+ hours to date, collecting data and analyzing 620+ phytoplankton samples in Drayton Harbor.
They sample every two weeks November-February and weekly March-October to monitor harmful algal bloom species. Phytoplankton monitoring offers early warnings for harmful algal blooms and biotoxins.
This information is provided to management agencies and scientists to effectively manage shellfish closures to protect public health.
Member Spotlight: Barbara Bennett
Island MRCBarbara Bennett has loved the ocean for years. As a recreational scuba diver since the 1970’s and ocean kayaker since the 1980’s, she’s had the opportunity to observe marine life and habitat in many prime locations around the world. Through her explorations she became aware of the pressures on marine ecosystems and decided she was not content to stand by as marine resources declined. In 2008, she took an early retirement to enter the UW School of Marine Affairs and after completing her MMA, became Program Coordinator for WSU Island County Beach Watchers where she served for 5 years. She observed the work of the Northwest Straits Commission and the Island County Marine Resources Committee for 5 years and in 2016, was appointed to the Island MRC where she represents the MRC on the Island County Local Integrating Organization and works with other members on educational outreach and kelp research. I her words, “The tangible results of this work to date are impressive and I look forward to participating in the Commission's next generation of pro-active, solution-focused initiatives to conserve and restore the remarkable marine resources of Puget Sound and the greater Salish Sea.”
Continue Reading »Upcoming Events
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Mar 29
March 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
March 29
10 AM-12 PMZoom link here.
Agenda and Meeting Materials here.
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Apr 26
April 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
April 26
10 AM-12 PMZoom link here.
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May 31
May 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
May 31
10 AM-3 PMCamano Island Library - 848 N Sunrise Blvd Camano Island, WA 98282-8770