What's New
See the KOMO News story on Derelict Fishing Gear here. See a list of derelict fishing gear reports here.
The next Northwest Straits Commission meeting will be May 30th in Port Townsend. Details
To view the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative's 2007 Annual Report, click here (3.75mb pdf). Contact us if you'd like a printed copy.
Act now to support the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative. Clink the link below to donate.
Featured Projects
Volunteer Diver Report Triggers Removal of Net in Hood Canal
On April 16th, the Northwest Straits Initiative removed another derelict gill net from the cold, deep waters of Hood Canal, this time in Dewatto Bay. The operation was particularly noteworthy because the net was found draped over multiple colonies of cloud sponges, one of Puget Sound’s rarest and longest lived animals. The success of the operation was due in large part to information provided by dedicated volunteer divers Janna Nichols, Pete Naylor, Steve Rubin, Keith Clements, and Rob Holman. These divers are now coordinating with the Initiative to monitor the site following the net removal to document habitat recovery. For the full story, in the Reef Environmental Foundation’s newsletter,
click here.
MRC Member Spotlight: Polly Fischer
Polly Fischer is one of the true characters of the Northwest Straits Initiative and a long time member of the Skagit Marine Resources Committee where she has served seven years representing the sport fishing community.
Along with bringing her breadth of experience and knowledge to the Commission, Polly has also spread the word about the Northwest Straits Initiative and made new connections north of the border.
In February 2008, Polly represented the Skagit MRC and the Northwest Straits Commission at a meeting of Canada’s Sport Fishing Advisory Board. Migratory fish don’t pay attention to political or jurisdictional boundaries and policy in British Columbia affects the ecosystem and quality of life here in the Northwest Straits region. Having Polly at the table for these trans-boundary discussions benefits the greater region as well as sport fishermen here in Washington state.
Polly is paving the way for great trans-boundary dialog between Canada and Washington State and opening up new possibilities for future collaborations.
As a long time sport fishing enthusiast, Polly is a member of Puget Sound Anglers-Fidalgo Chapter, the Wildcat Steelhead Club, and the Fidalgo Fly Fishers. With her first hand knowledge of Skagit River Fishing, in 2007 Polly was appointed to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Anadromous and Marine Resources Sport Fishing Advisory Group. The Advisory Group provides guidance to WDFW on setting fishing seasons that achieve conservation and harvest goals. When she is not out fishing Polly enjoys gymnastics, fencing, folk dancing, boxing, and auto racing.
Who We Are
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, authorized by Congress, is nationally recognized as an innovation that brings sound science and an ecosystem perspective together with citizen energy and entrepreneurship.
Volunteers from seven county-based Marine Resources Committees select restoration and conservation projects that meet performance benchmarks, attract diverse partners, and engage large numbers of community members in the process.
The Northwest Straits Commission coordinates these efforts and conducts regional projects. The Commission also brings together scientists and marine managers to help improve everyone's efforts to save Puget Sound.