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

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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).

  • 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

  • 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.