What's New at Northwest Straits
Northwest Straits Newletter - Click here for the current edition.
Request for Proposals: Pacific Sand Lance Research - A request for proposals is now open to obtain new information on sub-tidal life history of Pacific sand lance in the Northwest Straits region. Click here to read the full Request for Proposals, which includes information on how to submit a proposal. Additional information for the RFP is available in Addendum 1 and Addendum 2.
Comments on the Proposed Regulations to Protect Killer Whales - The Northwest Straits Commission has submitted a comment letter to NOAA on the proposed regulations to protect killer whales from vessel effects in inland waters. Click here to read the letter.
Puget Sound Rockfish Advisory Group - The WA Department of Fish & 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.
Northwest Straits Conservation 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.
US House of Representatives passes Northwest Straits Reauthorization bill -The House of Representatives passed the NW Straits Initiative Reauthorization Act (HR 1672), legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, by voice vote December 7. Click here to read the full press release.
Fall Conference Success - Click here to see topics and presentations from the event.
DerelictGear.org Website - Click here to go to more information about our derelict fishing gear program. Click here to join our Facebook page.
MRC Report on NOAA Vessel Rule to Protect Orca Whales - In response to community concerns about a federal proposal to restrict marine vessel traffic in the San Juan Islands, an action intended to protect the Southern resident orca population, the San Juan County MRC submitted recommendations to the County Council on how to proceed. We appreciate the time and effort given to this issue by the MRC, and commend them for helping the island community weigh in during a somewhat contentious process. Click here to download the MRC report.
Information is at http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Whales-Dolphins-Porpoise/Killer-Whales/ESA-Status/Orca-Vessel-Regs.cfm