Senator Patty Murray wears a blanket presented by Tribal leaders Tom Wootan (Chairman, Samish Indian Nation) and Althea Wilson (Policy Researcher, Intergovernmental Affairs, Lummi Nation) during her visit to the Northwest Commission at Padilla Bay Reserve in June 2024. Photo: Office of Senator Patty Murray.
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Senators Murray and Cantwell, and Representatives Larsen and Randall Reintroduce NW Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act

We’re excited to share that legislation to reauthorize the NW Straits Initiative was reintroduced in this 119th session of Congress and has passed out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation— a crucial first step toward becoming law.

This effort builds upon the momentum from previous years to promote marine resource stewardship using a bottom-up approach through Marine Resources Committees. It also preserve’s the Initiative’s unique structure, which provides resources and technical support through the NW Straits Commission. This model helps to amplify local priorities while coordinating with Tribal, federal, state, and local government partners.  

Special thanks to Senator Murray and Representative Larsen for their longtime leadership, and to Senator Cantwell, and Representative Randall for their continued support.

Learn more:

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 »

May 2025 NW Straits Commission Meeting

May 30

  • Restoring native Olympia oysters

    Jefferson MRC’s team of 17 Olympia oyster volunteers along with WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and WA Dept of Natural Resources recently made a big impact on oyster restoration at their Discovery Bay restoration site. Together, they distributed 1,500 bags containing 400,000 clean Pacific oyster shells in Discovery Bay, contributing to ongoing efforts to restore Olympia oysters in the area.

    Olympia oysters are the only oysters native to Washington and they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our local ecosystems.

    At other recovery sites where oysters have yet to spread larvae, Puget Sound Restoration Fund grows oyster seed at its conservation hatchery.

    MRCs, Tribes, WDFW, and other partners then work together to plant the next generation of oysters, continuing the restoration efforts.

    Learn more about  Olympia oyster restoration at Jefferson MRC.

  • Victor Garcia appointed to Fish and Wildlife Commission

    Victor Garcia, a new volunteer with the 2025 Salish Sea Stewards, has been appointed by the Governor to a six-year term on the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission. In this role, he will help guide the statewide fish and wildlife regulations, conservation programs, and property acquisitions.

    Among many other community science projects that he’s diving into Victor is a dynamic volunteer and has already been active with the Skagit MRC forage fish survey team.

    Victor, a recently retired biology teacher from Anacortes High School, is known for his deep curiosity and passion for nature. An avid outdoorsman, gardener, and scientist, he has long inspired local youth to engage in citizen science and habitat restoration. Through his collaborations with Tribal organizations and local groups such as the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and Skagit Beach Watchers, Victor has fostered a strong community spirit rooted in environmental stewardship and hands-on learning.

    “I really believe in the mission,” he says of his MRC volunteer work. “Habitat and restoration are key to healthy ecosystems. Volunteering is a way to contribute to the science, give back to the resource—and have fun doing it!”

  • Anchor Out of Eelgrass for Safety and Salmon

    As you plan for your next boating trip, remember that where you drop anchor matters. Anchoring in eelgrass can damage marine habitats that salmon and other wildlife depend on. Let's ensure our favorite spots remain havens for boaters and marine life by anchoring out of eelgrass at a depth of at least 25 feet of water at low tide!

    Visit  AnchorOut.org to learn more.

Member Spotlight: Natasha Cuomo

Snohomish MRC

Natasha Cuomo was inspired to help restore and protect the environment after moving here from Macedonia and seeing the wealth of marine resources in the Pacific Northwest. She is a restoration ecologist representing the Tulalip Tribes on the Snohomish MRC. Her specialty is in restoring salmon habitat, especially Chinook and coho in estuaries and rivers.

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Upcoming Events

  • May

    30

    May 2025 NW Straits Commission Meeting

    Friday
    May 30
    10 AM-3 PM

    This meeting will be in person in Clallam County at the Dungeness River Nature Center 1943 W Hendrickson Rd, Sequim, WA 98382-3063 

  • Jun

    27

    June 2025 NW Straits Commission Meeting

    Friday
    June 27
    10 AM-12 PM

    This meeting will be virtual over Zoom: Zoom link

  • Jul

    25

    July 2025 NW Straits Commission Meeting

    Friday
    July 25
    10 AM-3 PM

    This meeting will be in person in Whatcom County. Stay tuned for official location.