Northwest Straits Initiative - Organizational Structure
The 13-member 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 integrates and facilitates action throughout the Northwest Straits region and provides resources and technical support for county-based Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) in Clallam, Island, Jefferson, San Juan, Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties-an area that makes up over 60% of Puget Sound's total shoreline.
Each MRC is created by county ordinance and MRC members are appointed by the County Commission or Council. MRCs are represented by members of the scientific community, local and tribal governments, and economic, recreational and conservation interests. MRC members design and carry out marine restoration and protection projects, provide stewardship information to local residents and work in coordination with their local elected officials.
