Recent News

Media Inquiries

The Northwest Straits Initiative has a variety of experts, researchers and local community stewards who can discuss a wide range of topics with the media. Please check our contact page for more information. 

Recent News

  • Conway Middle School eighth graders participating in Kids on the Beach Program. Photos: Annie England

    Fall 2025 Kids on the Beach

    Forty-three Conway Middle School eighth graders explored marine science during the Fall 2025 Kids on the Beach program Oct. 23 at Fidalgo Bay Resort.

  • Environmental leadership award graphic

    2025 Environmental Leadership Award

    The Northwest Straits environmental leadership award honors individuals that leave a lasting impact on our work in a way that helps us advance our goals of community driven marine conservation. 

  • kagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen, NW Straits Director Lucas Hart, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Steve Edwards.

    2025 MRC Conference Recap

    The 2025 MRC Conference brought the NW Straits community together in Skagit County where we gathered at La Conner’s Maple Hall on November 7–8.

  • Samish Bay. Photo: Sarah Lyon

    Explore nearshore data with the updated SoundIQ!

    We’ve launched the updated SoundIQ!  This interactive, map-based tool lets users explore and download spatial data on nearshore species and habitats, such as kelp and eelgrass beds, across the Northwest Straits region.

  • Kayakers from a drone view. Phot: Tyler Cowdrey DNR

    2025-2030 Strategic Plan

    The 2025–2030 NW Straits Commission's 2025–2030 Strategic Plan was developed through a phased, colla