Nearshore habitat surveys in the Northwest Straits

Nearshore habitat protection is a primary objective of the Northwest Straits Initiative, and the focus of citizen science and educational outreach by our Marine Resources Committees (MRC) in seven counties. The MRCs have a long track record of eelgrass surveying and protection. A new project launching in 2014 will support the protection and recovery of canopy-forming kelp in areas where there has not yet been a systematic effort to survey and map local populations. Our initial emphasis will be to work with MRC volunteers in Jefferson, Island, and Snohomish counties to develop a beach and/ or small boat-based survey protocol for bull kelp, the predominant floating species in Puget Sound. Kelp is critical habitat, warranting protection via Critical Area Ordinances, Shoreline Master Plan updates, and new NOAA Fisheries provisions for endangered rockfish – processes in which MRCs are engaged. The Northwest Straits Initiative is premised on local marine stewardship by trained volunteers, who lend an array of expertise and perspectives. Projects are inexpensive and highly collaborative – vital characteristics for success. We work with academic, tribal, government agency, and non-profit partners to ensure that accurate information is made available for marine resources protection and restoration efforts