Progress Establishing Coastal Marine Resource Committees: 2009 Report to the Legislature

MRCs are county-based, volunteer committees that carry out local projects and activities and advise the county on issues pertaining to marine resources. MRCs are composed of representatives from the scientific community, local and tribal governments, local citizens, and economic, recreational and conservation interests. Through their activities and monthly meetings, MRCs coordinate diverse partners, support resourceful, action-oriented solutions, and provide a platform for education and outreach on local issues. MRCs promote effective regional collaboration and citizen involvement in marine resource protection, management, and restoration.

As directed by the Washington State Legislature, WDFW coordinates and supports MRCs in the five coastal counties through the Coastal MRC Program. Program staff provide grants to MRCs for MRC activities and projects, account for MRC activity and deliverables, ensure that MRC activity compliments regional priorities, and promote coordination and strategic partnerships among MRCs, agencies, tribes, non-governmental organizations, and other local groups. The following accomplishments highlight coastal MRC activity over the past year:

• Establishment of MRCs in Jefferson, Clallam, Pacific, and Grays Harbor Counties by County resolution
• Initiation of water quality monitoring efforts in Pacific and Grays Harbor Counties Organization of a well-attended community workshop on marine spatial planning, an emerging process for comprehensive ocean resource management
• Enhancement of marine science education for grade school children at three north coast school districts through field trips to the Fiero Marine Life Science Center
• Increased direct connection of local residents to state agencies through MRC partnerships with, and representation on, the State Ocean Caucus
• Raised general awareness of marine and estuarine issues through MRC-sponsored newspaper publications and local radio interviews, presence at local festivals, and other outreach and communication activities

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.