Forage fish monitoring

Island MRC volunteers monitor for forage fish eggs year-round at index sites selected by the MRC in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. They also contribute to the monitoring at restoration sites in partnership with the NW Straits Foundation.

Monitoring for forage fish eggs on the beach helps resource managers better understand where and when fish are spawning and helps document the results of restoration efforts.

The MRC's index site data helps to inform additional protections in the Hydraulic Protection Approval process (HPA)
through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The HPA process informs construction projects that are happening in or near marine or fresh water to help assure the work is conducted in a manner that safeguards fish and their aquatic habitats.

The team is also exploring the option of relocating sites to other beaches after forage fish eggs are found to expand our understanding of forage fish spawning.

Learn more about forage fish monitoring.

Ediz Hook native plant restoration

Ediz Hook native plant restoration
Clallam MRC is partnering on restoration efforts at Ediz Hook with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe representing a significant commitment to revitalizing the shoreline ecosystem of Ediz Hook. Historically, much of this area underwent industrial development starting in the 1900s, leading to substantial alteration and loss of natural habitat.

Recent restoration activities focused on replanting native vegetation on a 3-acre section of the restored area. In late March the Clallam MRC and the Tribe held an event with the Clallam Conservation District.

Over the two-day event 59 volunteers planted 3,000 plants and sowed 5 pounds of seed! They hope to see the new vegetation become a healthy self-sustaining plant community that will benefit birds, fish, wildlife, and pollinators.

Learn more about native plant restoration at Ediz Hook.

Kelp monitoring in Skagit County

Skagit MRC’s kelp monitoring program will conduct kelp bed surveys at three sites during the summer growing season from June to September: Biz Point, Coffin Rocks, and Shannon Point. The MRC is focused on locating new kelp beds to monitor to increase the understanding of kelp in Skagit County, including one bed near Lone Tree Point, which has been noted to persist throughout the year. Collaborating with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC), the MRC is evaluating how to include this site into their kelp monitoring program.

The MRC is also investigating another kelp bed near Swinomish clam gardens and Kiket Island, with support from Swinomish staff and a local property owner providing access for launching.

Learn more about Bull kelp kayak surveys.