Northwest Straits Initiative

06/09/2026

This June for Orca Action Month, it’s a great time to remind our community that boaters are required to keep a distance of at least 1,000 meters away from Southern Resident Killer Whales.

Check out this informative short video created by 2025 San Juan MRC Intern Sonora Tate to learn more details and what you can take action!

Washington State increased the distance regulations for vessels fro...

06/08/2026

We had a great time at Birch Bay’s Day at the Beach!

NW Straits Commission staff teamed up with WSU Extension on a green crab molt search outreach booth, where we helped kids and adults learn how to identify European green crabs and tell them apart from our native species.

The Whatcom MRC hosted an intertidal exploration table at the shoreline, where folks could examine live tide pool species up close and learn how these remarkable organisms survive and thrive in dynamic coastal habitats. If you missed it, Whatcom MRC will be hosting the intertidal exploration table again at the What's the Point Event on Sunday, June 14th from 10-1pm.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

06/08/2026

ICYMI - Our June newsletter is available online:

MRC highlights include:
* Searching for Seaweed (Jefferson), Forage fish (Clallam & Island), Crabber Outreach (Skagit), Outreach & engagement (San Juan)
* Kelp kayak season kickoff
* NOAA partnership feature
* and more!

Read the June edition >> https://bit.ly/June2026NWStraits

06/04/2026

05/27/2026

Join our Anchor Out of Eelgrass Volunteer Training on

Tuesday June 2, 2:30pm – 4:00pm

For an overview of Voluntary No Anchor Zones and vessel monitoring volunteer training on how you can help protect eelgrass!

NW Straits Commission will be hosting a virtual training session where we will cover:

* History and background of the Voluntary No Anchor Zone project
* How volunteer collected vessel monitoring data is being used
* Training on how you can collect vessel monitoring data using our survey form on KoboToolbox

Anchors can cause physical damage to eelgrass beds by leaving large scour marks degrading eelgrass habitat. Voluntary No Anchor Zones are designed to limit the direct physical damage caused by anchor scour to support a more resilient eelgrass meadow. But we need your help surveying where boats are and aren’t anchoring to help us understand how we can better protect eelgrass in the Salish Sea!

Find the zoom link on our events page https://nwstraits.org/upcoming-events

05/27/2026

Whatcom MRC Internship - Summer 2026!

Whatcom MRC is offering two internship opportunities to support education and outreach activities within Wildcat Cove during the 2026 summer season (June-August), with a focus on low-tide periods when eelgrass is most vulnerable to disturbance. Interns will interact with boat launch users, educating folks about the importance of eelgrass habitats and encouraging best practices to reduce damage to the eelgrass beds in Wildcat Cove. These positions require a variable work schedule aligned with low tide windows that vary from month to month and may include weekend and holiday work.

Application closing date 6/1/2026>> https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/whatcomcounty?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs&jobId=5355305&jobName=marine-resources-committee-intern&tab=1

05/27/2026

Birch Bay Day at the Beach will be 10AM to 1PM on May 30th at Birch Bay State Park! Whatcom MRC will be tabling alongside partners. Learn more at: www.whatcomcd.org/event-details/day-at-the-beach-2026

This Saturday is Day at the Beach! Join Whatcom Conservation District, Birch Bay Watershed Aquatic Resources Management District, Friends of Birch Bay State Park - BP Heron Center, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, Whatcom Marine Resources Committee, The Salish Sea School & Discovery Center, RE Sources, NSEA - Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Washington State Parks, and Whatcom County Library System for a day of fun at a -1.6 low tide! Naturalist-led walks, refreshments, kids activities, and interactive booths will be set up from 10AM to 1PM on May 30th at Birch Bay State Park. We hope to see you there! Learn more at: www.whatcomcd.org/event-details/day-at-the-beach-2026

05/22/2026

NW Straits Commission contracts Washington Conservation Corps to assist with European green crab trapping, recently the crew traded in their muddy boots for time in the lab at Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center! They teamed up with researchers testing an innovative technique for restoring eelgrass, gluing eelgrass seeds to native cockles! Once released at a restoration site, the cockles naturally bury themselves in the sand, planting the seeds as they go.

WCC member Chris Seymour shared, “Today provided an opportunity to experience a new style of eelgrass restoration strategy. I learned about the challenges of eelgrass restoration, the scientific side of this project, and why cockles are a great vessel to get the seeds in the mud. A huge thank you to all the organizations that made today possible!”

This collaborative project brings together Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center, Padilla Bay National Estuarine Reserve, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, San Juan Islands Conservation District, SAVE Environmental, Chuckanut Shellfish, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks, Northwest Straits Foundation, and is funded by the SeaDoc Society.

Photos: Hannah Paolucci (WCC)

05/21/2026

Thank you, Amelia!

Amelia Kalagher joined Clallam Marine Resources Committee team in February 2024 as an Administrative Specialist, bringing dedication, positive energy, and a genuine passion for marine stewardship. Prior to joining the Clallam MRC staff, Amelia was a Program Assistant with Jefferson MRC. A graduate of Western Washington University’s Salish Sea Region program in Port Angeles, she contributed a strong foundation in marine ecology and a deep love for our local waters. Thank you, Amelia, for everything you’ve done for the MRC and our community. The NW Straits community wishes you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your career, you’ll be missed!