News & Updates

Getting things Straight in the Northwest Straits

2026 brought an exciting milestone for our region; as the U.S.

Protecting Eelgrass Meadows at Port Townsend

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

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.

European Green Crabs in Padilla Bay

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

Protecting Eelgrass at Seafarers' Park, Anacortes

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

 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.