In this issue:
- Ocean Acidification Drawing Greater Attention
- Northwest Straits Initiative Funding
- New MRCs: A Stronger Voice on the Outer Coast
- Puget Sound Rockfish Advisory Group
- Member Spotlight: Jerry Masters, Snohomish MRC
- Welcome MRC Members
- Farewell and Welcome to Commissioners
- Northwest Straits Foundation Open House
- Derelict Fishing Gear Project Update
New Items
Ocean Acidification Drawing Greater Attention
The pressing issue of dramatic changes to seawater chemistry around the globe has elicited attention at many levels in recent weeks; in panel discussions at the U.N. Climate Change Conference, in the U.S. Capitol through a House resolution introduced by Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Ed Markey (D-MA), and with introduction of the CLEAR Act (http://cantwell.senate.gov/issues/CLEARAct.cfm) by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME). We will follow legislative action as Congress convenes for its second session.
According to Dr. Richard Feely, an internationally-acclaimed climate scientist and plenary speaker at the 11th annual MRC conference, ocean acidification and its impacts to marine life "has become one of the most critical and pressing issues facing the ocean research community and marine resource managers alike." Read more in the December 2009 issue of Oceanography, online at http://www.tos.org/oceanography/issues/current.html.
A useful new fact sheet on ocean acidification, co-authored by Dr. Feely, can be downloaded in pdf (2.04MB) click here.
Northwest Straits Initiative Funding Included in Final Spending Bill
U.S. Senator Patty Murray announced that the $1.6 million she secured in a 2010 spending bill for the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative has been included in the fiscal year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act. "The Northwest Straits Initiative is leading the nation in showing what an innovative, grassroots conservation effort can be," said Senator Patty Murray. "This funding will allow the nationally-recognized group to continue and expand upon their excellent work researching, restoring, and conserving our marine environment.” Click here to read the full press release.
New MRCs: A Stronger Voice on the Outer Coast
Thanks to support from the state legislature and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), three new MRCs recently formed on the outer coast. Exploration into a fourth, in Wahkiakum County, is ongoing. Housed under the WDFW Coastal MRC Program, these are modeled on, but independent of the Northwest Straits Initiative. Congratulations and a warm welcome to MRC coordinators Garrett Dalan, Mike Nordin and Rich Osborne; in Grays Harbor County, Pacific County, and the North Pacific Coast. Click here for more information.
Puget Sound Rockfish Advisory Group
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has established an ad-hoc committee to advise the agency on proposed changes to rules on sport fishing for rockfish, and to assist in the development of a final plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the conservation of rockfish in Puget Sound. Kit Rawson, Chair of the San Juan Marine Resources Committee, and Ginny Broadhurst, Director of the Commission, were both appointed to this committee. To see a complete list of members click here.
Marine Resources Committee Happenings
Member Spotlight: Jerry Masters, Snohomish MRC
To Jerry Masters, participating in the MRC is like traveling the world without leaving home: he’s able to expand his world and see his place within it from a different perspective. An online oceanography class at Bellevue Community College inspired him to look into local volunteer opportunities. Coincidentally, it was around the same time that an opening was announced for a representative of economic interests on the Snohomish MRC.
Raised on the Skagit River delta on a dairy farm, Jerry attended La Conner high school and headed to Stanford University with interests in art history and literature. Life took him on a different path, and after marriage and two kids he moved back to the Northwest, where he’s the general manager for a building supply company. During his time on the MRC, he’s come to better understand the importance of some of the products he sells which help reduce the impact construction has on local streams and Puget Sound. He is already looking toward the future and how his business can evolve and succeed as building practices become more sustainable.
Elected chair shortly after joining the Snohomish MRC, Jerry has now served two years. He describes the learning curve as being like “drinking from a fire hose”, but recognizes that it isn’t necessary to have all the answers in order to keep moving forward. Under his leadership, the MRC has taken on a lot of projects, and he’s particularly enthusiastic about the work the MRC is doing at Kayak Point County Park. The MRC has been the catalyst in bringing together volunteer groups, county departments and other partners toward making sustainable improvements to the shoreline. The interagency connections make this a great example of the strength of a citizen group such as the MRC.
Some of Jerry’s best memories involve the simple enjoyment of living near Puget Sound – as a kid catching kings on the Skagit, or with his own kids enjoying a basket of Ivar’s fish and chips while watching the sunset at Mukilteo’s Lighthouse Park. He’s hopeful that the MRC will continue to “tell the story” so that decision-makers make Puget Sound a high priority.
Welcome MRC members
It is with great pleasure that we welcome a host of terrific newcomers to the MRCs. Each holds interests in their community and coastal issues, and is committed to helping protect the Northwest Straits. We look forward to working with you!
Island MRC
- Sarah Haynes, Environmental Scientist and Educator
- Steve Mitchell, Environmental Consultant and Commercial Fisherman
- Linda Rhodes, Environmental Toxicologist, NOAA
- Stan Walsh, Skagit River System Cooperative
- Frances Wood, Naturalist and Co-Coordinator, Pigeon Guillemot Research Project
- Todd Zackey, Coastal Geographer, Tulalip Tribes
Skagit MRC
- Kurt Buchanan, Biologist, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
- Rebecca Spurling, Environmental Engineer, Tesoro
Northwest Straits Commission Highlights
The Commission Says Farewell to Tony Petrillo
We wish a heartfelt goodbye to Tony Petrillo, who has effectively and consistently represented the interests and ideas of Jefferson MRC on the Commission for the past two years. Tony will remain on the MRC, where he lends valuable expertise on the marine engineering aspect of restoration projects, and is quick to volunteer in the trenches – engaging in complex shoreline master planning and other policy discussions, helping with eelgrass mapping and buoy installation, and manning the MRC booth at public events. He is also a valuable member of the Commission's Technical Committee, providing input and advice on research projects, proposals and grant-making. We'll miss seeing you every month Tony, be sure to visit!
…and Welcomes Shannon Davis
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A warm welcome to Shannon Davis, newly-elected to the Jefferson seat on the Commission and particularly well prepared for it. Shannon's involvement in the Northwest Straits Initiative began with graduate studies of the San Juan MRC as a case study in resource management. She subsequently served as its lead staff, during which she played an important role in establishing the San Juan County Marine Stewardship Area. In 2007, Shannon and her husband moved to Port Townsend, where she was quickly elected to the Jefferson MRC. Thanks to virtual technology, Shannon maintains her job as Development Director for Friends of the San Juans, while engaging in local issues on the peninsula and raising an adorable toddler.
Northwest Straits Foundation News
Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Project 30% complete!
The Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Project, made possible through federal economic stimulus funds, finished its second quarter of operations at the end of December. The project is one-third complete, and on schedule to achieve the goal of removing 90% of derelict fishing nets from Puget Sound by December 2010. As of December 31, 266 of 750 removal days were completed, resulting in 890 derelict nets removed, and more than 94 acres of marine habitat restored. These nets contained over 53,000 animals, including five dead marine mammals, many drowned marine birds, and thousands of invertebrates.
In addition to net removal work, this project involves a complete overhaul of the statewide derelict fishing gear database and reporting system. Consultants and project contractors are redesigning the database to allow for easier querying of the data and public accessibility. The reporting system is now available through www.derelictgear.org. These improvements will allow ready access for the public and researchers interested in the impacts of derelict gear on marine species. The improved reporting system is being promoted throughout the commercial fishing community and to others likely to encounter derelict gear, such as recreational divers.
The required quarterly jobs report for the project was submitted last week, documenting the employment of 30 full and part-time people for a total of 18 FTE (full time equivalent) positions. These include boat pilots, divers, deckhands, trash haulers, biologists, and information technology specialists.
Northwest Straits Foundation Office Open House a Success
More than fifty people attended the Northwest Straits Foundation office open house last Friday, January 8, at the historic Herald Building in downtown Bellingham. The crowd included Bellingham mayor Dan Pike, former state Senator Harriet Spanel, Northwest Straits Foundation board members Robert Cecile, Scott McCreery and Duane Fagergren, MRC members, funders, contractors, and many local supporters. Thanks especially to those who travelled from afar to attend (even Shelton - thanks Duane!) The Foundation office opened in September, housing the derelict gear program and other programs, and is located at 1155 N. State Street, telephone (360) 733-1725.
Bulletin Board
Northwest Straits Commission Annual Retreat
Northwest Straits Commissioners and alternates, mark your calendars! The annual Northwest Straits Commission retreat is on February 25-26 at the Captain Whidbey Inn. This event helps shape the direction of the Initiative – input from all MRCs is important. An ad-hoc committee is preparing the agenda, and an invitation will be sent out soon with further details. In addition to the important planning work, the retreat offers a great opportunity to get to know your fellow Commission members in an informal setting.
Lead Staff and Chair Meeting Scheduled
The semi-annual lead staff and chair meeting will be held on February 5 at Padilla Bay. Here's where you'll collaborate on the real nuts and bolts of running an MRC and learn more about what's happening in other counties.
Recent Publications
Derelict fishing nets in Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits: Patterns and threats to marine fauna, by Thomas P. Good, Jeffrey A. June, Michael A. Etnier, Ginny Broadhurst. Marine Pollution Bulletin, January 2010. Read more...
Assessing marine debris in deep seafloor habitats off California, by Diana L. Watters, Mary M. Yoklavich, Milton S. Love, Donna M. Schroeder. Marine Pollution Bulletin, January 2010. Read more...
Marine species mortality in derelict fishing nets in Puget Sound, WA and the cost/benefits of derelict net removal, by Kirsten V.K. Gilardi, Daphne Carlson-Bremer, Jeffrey A. June, Kyle Antonelis, Ginny Broadhurst, Tom Cowan. December 2009. Read more...
Upcoming Events
January 23, 2010 - Ways of Whales workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm, Coupeville. Click here for more information.
2010 - HAZWOPER training outreach program eight-hour refresher course by the Northwest Spill Response Community. Click here for dates, locations and more information.
January 30, 2010 - HAZWOPER Certification, Port Angeles 8:00am-5:00pm. Read more...
February 6, 2010 - 15th Annual Sound Waters University, Coupeville. Click here for more information.
February 6, 2010 - Evening screening of the film A Sea Change at the Coupeville United Methodist Church at 7pm.