Significant progress on the development of Washington's Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) has occurred over the past few months. With the State Legislature recently allocating additional funding to finalize this important work over the next biennium, numerous projects have also recently been completed that will be a significant help in efforts to better protect special places along the Washington coast for generations to come.
Surfrider's goal on MSP in Washington is to protect special places along the coast and ensure that any future development will deter negative impacts to the marine ecosystem and recreational activities through a comprehensive ocean plan. Surfrider Washington Coast Program Manager, Casey Dennehy, represents the voice of non-fishing recreational users in the development of Washington's ocean plan thru his seat on the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council (WCMAC).
Speaking of WCMAC, they will be having their next public meeting on September 23rd at the Port of Grays Harbor in Aberdeen. Details and agenda below. If you are interested in attending, this is a great opportunity to learn more about Washington's planning efforts, and provide public comment in support of strong protections. If you are interested in attending (or want to carpool if you live inland), contact WA Policy Manager Gus Gates.
Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council Meeting
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: Port of Grays Harbor Commissioners Chambers, 111 S. Wooding St. Aberdeen, WA
Agenda: 9 23 15 WCMAC Agenda Final Draft
The Marine Spatial Planning website (www.msp.wa.gov) has lots of new information! The News Blog feature regularly posts information about upcoming outreach and coastal events and meetings, recently completed reports and studies, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
If you would like to read the full reports for any completed project, visit the MSP projects page. Note: there are 4 different MSP project categories you can select: Mapping Activities, Ecosystem Assessment, Data Tools and Stakeholder Engagement.