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.
Kelp surveyors. Credit: Ron Beier
Our amazing bull kelp volunteers conduct boat-based surveys as well as aerial photography of kelp beds around Island County to observe changes throughout the growing season, and compare results from year to year.
Read all about this year's findings in the 2020 report. You can also learn more about the project and check out videos of the variety of creatures observed within kelp beds on our project page!
From kelp surveys to crabber outreach, restoration planning to vegetation planting, art contests to Zoom meetings, our work has taken us onto the beach, under the water, and to our community!
Despite the changes that 2020 has brought, we've been able to adapt and continue to work on projects that protect and restore our marine species and environment. Read more about our projects and accomplishments in our 2020 summary sheet or full annual report!
Our partner Sound Water Stewards has published a highly-anticipated update to the book "Getting to the Water's Edge."
This guide to the Island County shoreline includes information about 69 beaches on Camano and Whidbey Islands, trail systems, stewardship best practices, local flora and fauna, and much more! Learn more about the book and grab your own copy here!