The BEST of 2025 in photos!
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on a year full of meaningful work, from European green crab trapping to community outreach and stewardship and all the work in between. We are so grateful to our dedicated volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this work possible. Every effort, big and small, contributes to the health of our Salish Sea. Take a look at the BEST of 2025 in photos!
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.
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More About Us and the Northwest Straits Region »December 2025 NW Straits Commission Meeting
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2025 MRC Conference
The 2025 MRC Conference brought the NW Straits community together in Skagit County where we gathered at La Conner’s Maple Hall on November 7–8. MRC members from all seven counties joined local leaders, project partners, Tribal members, and NW Straits Commissioners and staff for two days of learning and inspiration.
We were honored to have Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Steve Edwards, Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen, Senator Liz Lovelett, and Representative Debra Lekanoff join us for remarks. Their voices, along with the creative vision of our keynote speaker, artist, and author Josie Iselin, encouraged us to anchor our work in collaboration, meaningful relationships, and the collective care of our marine environment.
THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s gathering, including base funding from NOAA to support the event, Skagit County for providing the venue; KSVR Radio for audio technology and support, and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for the delicious salmon. We’re deeply grateful to all who participated and helped create a meaningful exchange of knowledge, culture, and care for the Salish Sea.
Be sure to visit the 2025 MRC Conference webpage for more event photos, Creative Currents: Digital Art Show, Environmental Leadership Award details, and additional conference resources!
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2025 Environmental Leadership Award
Congratulations, Dr. Paul Dinnel, recipient of the 2025 Environmental Leadership Award, whose dedication, scientific rigor, and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on the health and resilience of Puget Sound.
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Help protect and restore the Salish Sea: Salish Sea Stewards 2026 training
Become a Salish Sea Stewards volunteer and make a difference!
Registration open: December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026. Find the registration link on the Skagit MRC website. Space is limited to 26.2026 Salish Sea Stewards Training: Classes will be held Tuesdays, 1:00 pm-5;00 pm, February 10 - April 14, 2026. Most classes are held at Padilla Bay, with some field days.
Member Spotlight: Brienne Townsend
Snohomish MRCSince joining the Snohomish MRC in 2020, during the pandemic, Brienne Townsend sought a way to re-engage with the scientific community and bring data-driven insights back to her students. With over 15 years of experience teaching marine biology and a background from Friday Harbor Labs, Brienne has been able to apply her knowledge of marine ecosystems to her MRC work.
Continue Reading »Upcoming Events
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Dec 12
December 2025 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
December 12
10 AM-12 PMThis meeting will be held virtually over Zoom: Zoom Link