Fact Sheets and Other Information
Fact Sheets
Click here for a summary of the Northwest Straits Initiative's legislative history.
Click here to learn more about the role and function of Marine Resources Committees.
Click here to see a list of the highlights for the Northwest Straits Initiative in 2009.
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 approximately 60% of Puget Sound's total shoreline.
Each Marine Resources Committee 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.
Media Coverage Archives
The link below is a bibliography of known articles about the Northwest Straits Initiative, including the Marine Resources Committees and Northwest Straits Commission.
If you are interested in reading a specific article, please contact Connie Price at 360-428-1064.
Articles about the Northwest Straits Initiative and projects (pdf file).
Articles about the Derelict fishing gear project (pdf file).
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.