The Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is an advisory group to the Board of County Commissioners. MRC members are citizen volunteers committed to protecting and restoring marine habitats in our ecologically rich corner of the world.

Monthly Meeting - Aug 2019
:
View all Events
Speaker panel at Forum. Photo by Cheryl Lowe

Shellfish Aquaculture Education Forum

Over 80 people attended the MRC's Shellfish Aquaculture Educational Forum on June 28th and learned about ecological, cultural and regulatory aspects of growing clams, oysters, mussels and geoducks. Our goals were to increase public understanding of shellfish aquaculture issues, management and impacts by providing a variety of perspectives.  Presenters talked about research, regulations, tribal perspectives, environmental questions and how some of these species are grown.  It was a good start, with much more to learn. Attendees asked some really good questions. The MRC is planning to write up a summary report to share with the County Commissioners, the Northwest Straits Commission and the public (posted on our website later this summer).

Catch More Crab--Reduce Derelict Gear!

We kicked off the crabbing season with two free crabber education programs in late June. Almost 60 people attended these programs, learning from experts like DFW expert Rich Childers and MRC member Troy McKelvey about crab life history, regulations and about how to rig their crab pots so they won't be lost. Missed the class? Learn more and enter a raffle to win prizes at the Northwest Straits Foundation Derelict Gear webpage. 

MRC members are now making plans to be at a few the boat ramps and stocking info rack cards at retail outlets and in new crab pots.  Thanks so much to Jackie Gardner for coordinating this effort!