Overview
The northernmost county in the Northwest Straits, Whatcom County has 118 miles of shoreline that include Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor and Chuckanut Bay, Bellingham's historic industrial and urban waterfront and Lummi Island. A population of more than 235,000 includes the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe. Timber, fishing and agriculture remain important to the county’s economy.
Whatcom MRCs’ purpose is to guide local communities, using up-to-date information and scientific expertise, to achieve the important goals of resource conservation and habitat protection. Their mission is to revitalize and preserve Whatcom County marine resources for future generations. The MRC includes representation from Conservation and Environmental Interests, Economic Interests, Recreational Interests, Relevant Scientific Expertise, and Citizens At-Large. In addition, the MRC has representation from elected officials, local tribes, and local government staff.