About Northwest straits commission
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the marine environment in the Pacific Northwest. The commission was established in 1998 by an act of Congress, and it is made up of representatives from seven counties in Washington State.
The mission of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission is to protect and restore the marine resources of the region through collaborative efforts with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders. The commission works to promote sustainable fishing practices, reduce pollution, and protect critical habitats for fish and wildlife.
One of the key initiatives of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission is its Marine Resource Committees (MRCs). These committees are made up of local citizens who are passionate about marine conservation. They work closely with their communities to identify issues affecting their local watersheds and develop solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
The MRCs also play an important role in educating their communities about marine conservation issues. They organize public events such as beach cleanups, educational workshops, and community forums where people can learn more about how they can help protect our oceans.
In addition to its work with MRCs, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission also conducts research on a variety of topics related to marine conservation. This includes studies on fish populations, water quality monitoring, habitat restoration projects, and more.
One example of a successful project undertaken by the commission was its work on derelict fishing gear removal. Abandoned nets and traps can continue trapping fish for years after they have been lost or discarded by fishermen. This not only harms fish populations but also poses a risk to other wildlife such as sea birds that become entangled in them.
To address this issue, the commission launched a program called "Derelict Fishing Gear Removal" which has been highly successful at removing abandoned gear from Puget Sound watersheds. Since 2002 over 5 million pounds of derelict fishing gear have been removed from the region's waters.
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission is also involved in policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. The commission works to ensure that policies related to marine conservation are based on sound science and are in the best interest of both people and the environment.
Overall, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission is a vital organization that plays an important role in protecting and preserving our oceans. Its collaborative approach to marine conservation has been highly effective at engaging local communities and achieving measurable results. If you're interested in getting involved with marine conservation efforts in Washington State, be sure to check out one of their seven county MRCs!
nwstraits.org
