This reauthorization updates the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act. It defines the Northwest Straits region and sets the Commission’s purpose, membership, duties, reporting, and funding. The Commission is made up of 14 members from local county marine resources committees, Tribal representatives, and State appointees. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere appoints a NOAA liaison to the Commission. The Commission may enter cooperative agreements, accept donations, and must prepare an annual public report. The Commission has no authority to issue regulations.
If you live in or work on marine issues in the region, the Commission will support local marine resources committees with technical help, data collection, and project recommendations. It aims to design projects based on science and local priorities, to expand partnerships with Tribal governments, to promote stewardship, and to share findings through an annual public report. The Commission meets at least quarterly and can partner with nonprofit groups for assistance.
The reauthorization authorizes $10,000,000 for each fiscal year 2026 through 2031. For fiscal year 2032 and later, it authorizes such sums as may be necessary. The Under Secretary may provide funds and assistance to the Commission and may do so through a contract with the Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve unless the Governor of Washington objects. The Commission may also accept gifts, devises, and bequests.
The reauthorization’s findings describe the Northwest Straits as a unique resource with high environmental and economic value. It notes past declines in environmental health and current threats such as sea level rise and ocean acidification. The findings say the Initiative taps strong citizen stewardship, supports NOAA’s marine goals, and has previously partnered on projects like kelp conservation, ocean literacy, Veterans Conservation Corps internships, and marine debris removal.
No publicly available information.