Volunteer Pete Haase filtering forage fish eggs from a beach sample in Fidalgo Bay using the "blue bowl vortex". Photo: Leah Robison
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Finding forage fish!

Throughout 2021, dedicated MRC volunteers working on documenting forage fish spawning areas collected and filtered an incredible 464 beach samples. This effort adds to WA Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) long-term monitoring database. Kate Olson from WDFW provided a summary of the 2021 forage fish sampling data to MRC volunteers during a recent check-in meeting.

Both sand lance and surf smelt eggs were collected at long-term monitoring sites in Clallam, Jefferson, and Island counties by MRC volunteers. Skagit and Whatcom county volunteers found surf smelt spawning, and volunteers in Snohomish County documented sand lance spawning.

Click here to view out the results from the forage fish surveys on WDFW’s interactive web map.

 

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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July 2022 Commission meeting

July 29

  • Member Spotlight: Judy Surber

  • Jefferson MRC seeks derelict crab pots

    Jefferson MRC

    Jefferson MRC is working with the Sea Dragons, a student team that does underwater robotics, to survey for derelict crab pots in the area. This short video from MRC member and project lead Jeff Taylor shows a day on the water with them as they test out the towed side scan sonar at Adelma Beach. This survey effort is part of a test project that the MRC is doing to see if they can use a low cost ROV to remove lost gear in Discovery Bay.

  • Welcome Nathan

    Northwest Straits

    Hi, everyone! I'm Nathan Woods, the new Program Coordinator for the NW Straits Commission. It's an honor to be part of such an important organization and I look forward to helping out in any way I can. I worked for over a decade coordinating events and doing hands-on work with volunteers as Operations Manager at Pigs Peace Sanctuary. I hope my experience there will make me a valuable member of the NW Straits team.

    In 2019 I obtained a BA in Environmental Policy from Western Washington University after also studying environmental science extensively. I have always been passionate about protecting and restoring the environment. Being part of the NW Straits Commission is a dream come true for me and I am excited to get to know you all!

  • Congrats Salish Sea Stewards Grads

    Skagit MRC

    With 40 hours of training under their belts, the 24 graduates of the 2022 Salish Sea Stewards class are equipped and eager to volunteer. They join a group of truly dedicated folks doing amazing work in our community to protect and restore our shorelines. Welcome and congratulations!

    Learn more about the Salish Sea Stewards here.

Member Spotlight: Judy Surber

Jefferson MRC

For over 15 years, Judy Surber has served on the Jefferson MRC, bringing a wealth of knowledge on land-use planning and monitoring. Judy was asked to join the MRC when the need for a liaison between the City of Port Townsend and the MRC arose in 2001. Since then she’s spent several years as chair, using her valuable skills in facilitating public process and building consensus.

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Upcoming Events

  • Jul

    29

    July 2022 Commission meeting

    Friday
    July 29
    10am

    Check back for agenda and meeting materials. 

  • Aug

    26

    August 2022 Commission meeting

    Friday
    August 26
    10am

    Check back for agenda and meeting materials. 

  • Sep

    30

    September 2022 Commission meeting

    Friday
    September 30
    10am

    Check back for agenda and meeting materials.