Progress Establishing Coastal Marine Resource Committees: 2008 Report to the Legislature

In the 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions, the Washington State Legislature endorsed the Marine Resource Committee (MRC) approach to local marine resource management and stewardship in the five southern Puget Sound counties and five coastal counties. A new program was created within the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to provide support for the development, administration, and coordination of coastal MRCs and MRC-sponsored projects that benefit coastal marine resources.

Coastal counties and their citizens are currently exploring this opportunity to create a non-regulatory mechanism for communities to discuss and develop solutions for issues facing coastal resources and communities. Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, and Pacific Counties are working in partnership with WDFW, coastal tribes, governmental agencies, marine industry and businesses, non-governmental organizations, and local citizens to understand and explore the MRC approach. Grays Harbor County, first to take steps towards forming an MRC, has established a formal planning process, launched a website, and produced a report on the application of the MRC model developed in north Puget Sound to the coast of Washington.

Those involved in coastal MRC activities have identified countless opportunities to implement much-needed marine resource projects and build vital communication networks and partnerships among coastal residents. They have also identified several challenges such as great travel distances, rural and small communities, and an already crowded landscape of resource management programs and authorities. Residents, governments, and organizations have used these challenges to develop new and creative solutions and a unique approach appropriate for the coast. Implementation of these developments will require continued Coastal MRC Program funding at or above the current level.

Guided by the Washington Ocean Action Plan, MRC activity will improve scientific knowledge, public understanding, protection and restoration, and management of marine habitats and species and compliment ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance coastal and ocean resources.