Recent News

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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

  • Ella Ashford Palmyra Atoll

    Sea Dragons Now: Ella Ashford

    This blog post series highlights alumni of the Sea Dragons, a student-run underwater robotics team who worked with the Jefferson MRC from 2022-2024. The alumni share their reflections, advice, and the impact of hands-on marine conservation. 

  • 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. With help from six Samish Department of Natural Resources staff and 25 volunteers, students conducted five beach seines and forage fish surveys, catching numerous fish and three hooded nudibranchs.

  • 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. 

    2025 NORTHWEST STRAITS ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AWARD - DR. PAUL DINNEL

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

    2025 MRC Conference Recap

    Pictured L-R: Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen, Lucas Hart NW Straits Director, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Steve Edwards. (Jessica Owens).

  • 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, collaborative process led by Strategies NW.

  • Whatcom Vessel Turn-In Partners (DNR)

    Whatcom County Protects Local Waters by Recycling 29 Vessels

    Bellingham, WASH. – Abandoned and derelict vessels in Whatcom County can pose an immediate threat to public health and the environment.

  • A vessel about to be deconstructed at La Conner Maritime Service during the Skagit County vessel turn-in event. (Jessica Owens photo)

    Broad partnership keeps 49 vessels from being abandoned or derelict in Skagit County

    La Conner, WASH. – Abandoned and derelict vessels in Skagit County can pose an immediate threat to public health and the environment. Thanks to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Vessel Turn in Program (VTIP), local boat owners turned in 49 vessels to be safely recycled.

  • San Juan MRC turn in event

    A boat is a dream on the water

    Originally published in Community Voices, Salish Current. April 4, 2024. 

  • Windjammer removal. Photo: Jason Thompson Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

    2023 Northwest Straits Derelict Vessel Removal & Prevention Accomplishments Report

    info

    “Derelict” frequently refers to vessels that are dilapidated with an identifiable owner, while “abandoned” vessels are those where the owner is unknown or has surrendered rights of ownership. - noaa.gov