Recent News

Media Inquiries

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

Recent News

  • Port Townsend Waterfront. (Jefferson MRC).

    Protecting Eelgrass Meadows at Port Townsend

    This article originally appeared in the Waggoner Guide September 2026 newsletter and is shared here with their permission.

  • Volunteer appreciation celebration at Bowman Bay with members of Skagit MRC and Salish Sea Alliance, honoring volunteers who’ve supported MRC work for over a decade. The tub in front holds the beach seining gear managed by Paul Dinnel, a Skagit MRC member who’s been part of the beach seining effort since day one! (Lisa Kaufman).

    Salish Sea Alliance

    Congratulations to the newly named Salish Sea Alliance, formerly known as the NW Straits Foundation. Founded in 2001, the NW Straits Foundation has led and supported important work throughout the Northwest Straits region.
  • Washington Conservation Corps crew trapping European green crab. Cai Yan Leong

    European Green Crabs in Padilla Bay

    Written by guest contributors from Washington Conservation Corps (WCC): Cai Yan Leong, Jul

  • Cap Sante Marina. Port of Anacortes

    Protecting Eelgrass at Seafarers' Park, Anacortes

    This article originally appeared in the Waggoner Guide July 2026 newsletter and is shared here with their permission.

     

  • 2026 WCC crew. (Allie Simpson).

    Behind the scenes WCC crews lend a hand

    To set thousands of traps and remove hundreds of invasive European green crabs each year takes a dedicated team.

  • Nathaniel Ashford

    Sea Dragons Now: Nathaniel Ashford

    This blog post series highlights alumni of the Sea Dragons, a student-run underwater robotics team and their work with the Jefferson MRC, sharing reflections, advice, and the impact of hands-on marine conservation. 

  • Screenshot of House votes

    Exciting Progress on Northwest Straits Reauthorization

    We are excited to share that on June 3, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the House version of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2860) with strong bipartisan support: 374 yeas and 49 nays. 

  • Eastsound Beach Photo: Jess Newley, Friends of the San Juans

    Protecting Eelgrass Meadows in East Sound, Orcas Island

    This article originally appeared in the Waggoner Guide June, 2026 newsletter and is shared here with their permission.

  • Floating kelp. Brooke Weigle.

    April 16th is Bull Kelp Day!

    A time to celebrate and support all 22 species of kelp in our marine forests! 

    In 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson named April 16th Bull Kelp Day.

  • Riley Forth at Ocean Conference

    Sea Dragons Now: Riley Forth

    This blog post series highlights alumni of the Sea Dragons, a student-run underwater robotics team and their work with the Jefferson MRC, sharing reflections, advice, and the impact of hands-on marine conservation.