San Juan MRC is expanding its on‑the‑water and in‑the‑air patrol work to better understand what’s happening in county marine waters. While on the water, volunteers and staff check known vessels of concern, follow up on specific boats, count vessels, document mooring buoys, and monitor general activity across the islands.  

Aerial surveys add another layer of information by counting vessels across the county to identify hotspots and see where they overlap with sensitive habitats, including eelgrass beds. Flights also help spot derelict vessels and support follow‑up checks on vessels of concern. During both water and air patrols, crews keep an eye out for marine debris.  

“The MRC is trying to learn more about what is really happening in the marine waters of San Juan County,” said Christina Koons, the committee’s representative to the Commission.  

The MRC utilizes the MyCoast app to submit local reports that help locate marine debris for removal in partnership with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Learn more about San Juan MRC’s eelgrass habitat protection and vessel monitoring.

Island & Skagit MRCs are kicking off crabbing season with a team effort to tackle, locate, and remove derelict crab pots. Seasonal surveys are already underway and the crew will finalize their pot‑removal targets expected before the first traps hit the water.

Their project partner NWSF recently completed remotely operated vehicle (ROV) training and successfully pulled their first pot, releasing 10 alive crabs. Dive operations start this month and will shift to Tuesdays and Wednesdays after July 1 to avoid recreational crabbing days.

Pete Haase, Skagit MRC member noted, “Around 170 pots were identified by side-scan sonar.”