About the Commission
The Northwest Straits Commission provides guidance and offers resources to the marine resources committees (MRCs), with the goal of mobilizing science to focus on key priorities and coordinating regional priorities for the ecosystem. As with the MRCs, the Commission uses the Performance Benchmarks developed by the citizens' commission as measurable goals.
The Northwest Straits Commission is composed of five gubernatorial appointees, one Secretary of the Interior appointee, and a representative from each of the seven counties in the Northwest Straits region. The Commission serves as a "board of directors" for the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative. Its members represent each of the Marine Resources Committees, tribes, the Puget Sound Partnership and additional appointments by the Governor.
The Commission's principal work is to:
- Provide focus on the overall health of the Northwest Straits marine ecosystem.
- Develop and propose scientifically sound recommendations to existing governmental authorities.
- Direct and coordinate scientific, technical and financial support to the marine resources committees.
Click here to view the Northwest Straits Initiative Strategic Plan.
Click here to see some reports from the Northwest Straits Commission.
Click here to see information on previous Northwest Straits meetings.
Click here to see annual reports of the Northwest Straits Initiative.
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, authorized by Congress, is nationally recognized as an innovative approach to bring sound science and an ecosystem perspective together with citizen energy and entrepreneurship.