Taking Nominations!
Take a few minutes to nominate a volunteer who is making a difference for the marine environment.
Island County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is an advisory body to county government established in 1999 and comprised of many community volunteers who represent diverse interests and industries, with the common goal to protect and restore marine resources in the Puget Sound area through scientific monitoring, restoration projects, and community education.
MRC Meeting
: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86385411117?pwd=TE5ZUWRRT2VJODJ0SjhIYU5jeDJiUT09
Bull kelp monitoring photo by Don Engblom
MRC 2022 Annual Report
Read about some of what the Marine Resources Committee has been up to in the last year!
Atlantis Steam Robotics Club at the Coupeville Wharf
2021-2024 Strategic Plan
Please take a moment to read through our newly updated Strategic Plan. We dedicated time over the last year to define the values and vision of our committee. Along, with exploring where our energy is best spent to help protect our local marine resources.
Vision: To sustain and enhance a healthy, resilient marine environment where individuals are engaged and strive to support life for all inhabitants of Island County.
Values: The MRC values collaboration, inclusivity, and community-driven projects which are scientifically based, meaningful, and generate lasting results.
Photo: Jan Kocian
Check Out Our Eelgrass Storymap!
Back in 2007, a concerned resident noticed that the eelgrass beds near her home were disappearing. She decided to take action, and soon community scientists embarked on a ten-year research project to learn about the health and distribution of eelgrass beds in Island County, Washington.
This Storymap covers what eelgrass is and its role in our ecosystem, the research that this community science team conducted, the Island County Marine Resources Committee, and ways that you can help protect this critical habitat. It features stunning photography and relatable science in an immersive platform.
Plastics on the Beach. Credit: Northwest Straits Commission
The Whole Family Can Make a Difference On Our Shorelines!
Join us in cleaning up our beaches and learning about the trash that we find on them.
We've put together a fun activity that can be done with the whole family! Check out our Trash Clean-Up Graph, head to your nearest beach and see what trash you discover. Then graph your findings on the chart, properly dispose of the trash, and share your results with us!
Photo: Hugh Shipman
The 2021 Needs Assessment Summary is Live!
As a result of months of hard work conducting interviews and synthesizing data, the 2021 MRC Needs Assessment Overview is available for distribution! This concise document will inform the MRC's decisions for years to come. Check it out here:
2021 Needs Assessment Overview
For more supporting documentation, visit the 2021 Needs Assessment Project page.