Reauthorizes the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, allocating \$10 million annually from 2026-2031 to protect and restore the Puget Sound's marine environment through local efforts, scientific projects, and collaboration.
Patty Murray
Senator
WA
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 reauthorizes and amends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to continue supporting the protection and restoration of the Northwest Straits region in Puget Sound, Washington. It updates the commission's membership and duties, emphasizes collaboration with Tribal governments, and authorizes \$10,000,000 annually from 2026-2031 to support the initiative's goals of ecosystem health and sustainable resource use. The Act directs the commission to focus on science-based projects, community involvement, and data-driven decision-making to address environmental challenges in the region.
Puget Sound Protection Initiative Reauthorized with $10M Annual Funding Through 2031
This legislation, the "Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025," renews the federal commitment to protecting and restoring the marine environment in Washington's Puget Sound. It amends the original Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act, authorizing $10,000,000 per year from fiscal year 2026 through 2031 (and necessary funding thereafter) to continue supporting local, science-based conservation efforts in the region.
More Seats at the Conservation Table
A key update involves the structure of the Northwest Straits Commission, the body guiding the initiative. Its membership is set at 14, explicitly including representatives nominated by local Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) from seven counties, a representative for Tribal governments appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, and a state representative appointed by Washington's Governor. This aims to ensure broader input, formally incorporating Tribal perspectives and aligning with state efforts like the Puget Sound Partnership. The Commission's core job remains supporting the local MRCs, advising on monitoring, collecting data, developing restoration recommendations, and fostering collaboration among federal, state, local, and Tribal governments, while respecting treaty rights.
Funding the Front Lines of Restoration
The authorized $10 million annual funding, channeled through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides the financial backbone for the Commission's work and the projects undertaken by the local MRCs. Think of this as direct support for on-the-ground activities like restoring kelp forests or shellfish beds, improving water quality near specific communities, or monitoring wildlife populations. To track effectiveness, the Commission must submit an annual report to Congress and NOAA, detailing progress on specific benchmarks like habitat restoration acreage, marine resource protection measures, water quality improvements, data collection efforts, and public outreach activities. This ensures accountability for the taxpayer dollars invested in the Sound's health.