Squalicum Harbor, photo by Maya Hunger
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State of the Bay Symposium Brings Together Diverse Group

On January 22, the Whatcom MRC and Whatcom Watersheds Information Network co-hosted the Bellingham Bay State of the Bay Symposium. This all-day event brought together researchers, managers, tribes, elected officials and interested citizens to understand the physical, chemical, and biological status of Bellingham Bay. More than 200 people participated in the event. Speakers, posters, and videos covered a wide range of topics including the latest research results, new research needs, and methods for connecting science with decision making. Opportunities to enhance communication and coordination with resource managers and were also explored.

The Northwest Straits Commission is a regional coordinating body comprised of people who care about the marine areas where they live, and who work together to protect and restore marine resources.

The Northwest Straits Commission carries out regional conservation projects and supports the work of seven Marine Resources Committees through funding, technical support, training and regional coordination.

More About Us and the Northwest Straits Region »

Northwest Straits Commission Retreat

March 12-March 13

Padilla Bay Reserve

  • Member Spotlight: Rachel Benbrook

  • Coastal Volunteer of the Year Goes to...

    Island MRC

    Congratulations to long-time Island MRC member, Ken Urstad, recipient of the Jan Holmes Coastal Volunteer of the Year Award. Co-sponsored by the Island MRC and WSU Island County Extension, the award is presented annually to one individual engaged in service, science or outreach relating to the marine environment and whose work contributes to understanding or protection of Island County's coastal resources. Ken contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours to WSU Beach Watchers and was a member of the Island County MRC for nine years. In addition to volunteering his time, Urstad lent the use of his boat for eelgrass surveys, maintained seining equipment and was one of the founding members of Jan Holmes' eelgrass team, amongst numerous other activities.

  • Marine Debris Program in the News

    The Northwest Straits Commission's Marine Debris Program was recently highlighted in a Skagit Valley Herald article. Program Assistant, Paul Argites, detailed the work and accomplishments of WCC's Veteran Conservation Corps crews, including the removal of nearly 15 tons of material from Puget Sound's shorelines.

    Click here to view a story map about the Marine Debris Program.

  • Clallam MRC Seeking Motivated Interns

    Clallam MRC

    The Clallam MRC is seeking a few great interns to help with marine debris removal, Olympia oyster restoration, oil spill preparedness projects, as well as public outreach on marine resources issues. See Clallam MRC web site for more information and how to apply.

    Last year's intern, Emily Larson, was recently named Feiro Marine Life Center's 2015 Science Student of the Year. Among her many activities, Emily  planned community beach cleanup events and educated the public about marine debris on behalf of the Clallam MRC.

Member Spotlight: Rachel Benbrook

Whatcom MRC

Rachel has been working on Puget Sound recovery for over a decade in the Northwest Straits region, conducting field research, educating residents of all ages about the environment, coordinating citizen science projects, and restoring nearshore habitat.

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Upcoming Events

  • Mar

    05

    Salish Sea Stewards Volunteer Training

    Thursday-Thursday
    March 05-April 30
    3 pm-6 pm

    Register to join the Salish Sea Stewards training to receive 40 hours of FREE classroom and field based instruction by local and regional experts about Salish Sea ecosystems. Application available at www.skagitmrc.org.

    Classes are every Thursday from March 5 – April 30, 3-6 PM at Padilla Bay Reserve.

    Padilla Bay Reserve

  • Mar

    07

    Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Workshops

    Saturday
    March 07

    Free oil spill preparedness and response workshops designed  for elected officials, emergency managers, and other public officials are being presented in Northwest Straits counties.

    Saturday, March 7, 2015 – Friday Harbor Labs, San Juan County MRC

    Preregistration is required by contacting Heidi Lehman

  • Mar

    07

    Shoreline Landowner Workshops

    Saturday-Saturday
    March 07-April 18

    Shoreline landowners inNorthwest Straits communities are invited to attend a FREE workshop on shoreline erosion management. Click here to learn more.

    March 7, 2015 - Jefferson County, Pt. Hadlock Library
    March 14, 2015 - Skagit County, Fidalgo Bay Resort
    March 21, 2015 - Whatcom County, TBD
    March 28, 2015 - Snohomish County, TBD
    April 18, 2015 - Island County, TBD
    TBD - San Juan County
    TBD - Clallam County