Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill renews and updates a program that protects the marine waters of Washington’s Northwest Straits, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound down to southern Snohomish County. It responds to problems like declining water quality, loss of habitat and species, and climate change effects such as ocean acidification and sea level rise, by supporting local, science‑based projects and public involvement.

A 14‑member advisory commission, with county, Tribal, and state representatives, guides the work. It helps county marine resources committees, collects data, recommends restoration actions, and serves as a public forum—but it cannot issue regulations. A NOAA liaison coordinates efforts. The commission can accept donations and must publish a yearly public report tracking progress on habitats, wildlife, water quality, data sharing, and outreach, including to under‑resourced communities. Partnerships can include ocean education, kelp habitat work, veterans’ internships, and marine debris cleanup.

• Who is affected: Communities in the Northwest Straits region; county marine resources committees; Tribal governments; and people and jobs that rely on healthy marine waters.
• What changes: Continues the regional conservation program; sets membership and duties for the advisory commission; strengthens coordination with NOAA and Tribes; highlights education, kelp monitoring, veterans’ internships, and debris removal as partnership examples.
• Funding: Authorizes $10 million per year from 2026 through 2031, and then “such sums as necessary” after 2032; NOAA may provide support, including through the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, unless the Washington Governor objects.
• Where: The Northwest Straits region—from the Canadian border through Puget Sound to southern Snohomish County.