Education and Outreach
The Northwest Straits Initiative promotes stewardship and understanding of Northwest Straits marine resources. Some of this work is done regionally, other programs are accomplished on a county-by-county basis by the Marine Resources Committees.
Examples include:
Shore Stewards Program
The Northwest Straits Initiative provides substantial support for the Shore Stewards Program, which provides waterfront and stream-side property owners with information and resources to create healthier waters and shores for birds, fish and wildlife. Members learn 10 habitat-friendly guidelines and voluntarily apply as many as possible when caring for beaches, bluffs, gardens and homes. Learn more at www.shorestewards.org.
Recreational Crabber Outreach
As a result of the research conducted by the Northwest Straits Initiative on derelict fishing gear in Puget Sound, we have estimated that over 12,000 pots are lost each year in the region. Only about twenty percent of crab pots are properly equipped with escape cord, and pots are frequently found in vessel traffic lanes. The Northwest Straits Initiative provides supports outreach to recreational crabbers to reduce the number of pots lost and increase the use of escape cord in case pots are lost. Learn more at www.escapecord.org.
WSU Beach Watchers
The Northwest Straits Initiative provides substantial support to maintain the Beach Watcher Program, administered by Washington State University in six counties. WSU Beach Watchers receive 100 hours of university-caliber training from local experts on topics related to Puget Sound, including coastal processes, marine organism identification, climate change and much more. In return, Beach Watchers agree to volunteer at least 100 hours over two years. Learn more at www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu.
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.