The Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council (WCMAC) will hold their next meeting this Wednesday (12/9) at the Port of Grays Harbor to further develop the state's marine spatial plan. Significant progress has been made over the past year and the advisory council is getting into the meat of the planning process with a draft plan and maps expected for public review in the near future. Now is a good time to plug in if you are interested in helping to shape the future of Washington's nearshore waters.
Recreational hotspots are one of many data layers that are being utilized into shaping recommendations for what additional new uses might be compatible along Washington's coast.
When: Wednesday, December 9th, 9:30am–3:30pm
Where: Port of Grays Harbor Commissioners Chambers, 111 S. Wooding St. Aberdeen, WA
View Full Agenda: 12 9 15 WCMAC Agenda Draft
Surfrider Foundation and recreational ocean users are represented on WCMAC by Casey Dennehy, WA Coastal Program Manager. If you are interested in getting involved in the marine spatial planning process, feel free to contact him, or WA Policy Manager Gus Gates.
In addition to further development of the marine spatial plan, there will also be a presentation from Kim Patten of WSU on the background, status, and future options for addressing burrowing shrimp in Willapa Bay. This has been a hot topic in the media in the past, we have posted more on the issue here to help inform interested citizens. If you are interested in learning more, this would be a good chance to do so.
WA Coastal Program Manager Casey Dennehy looks at a Ghost Shrimp that have been causing big challenges to shellfish growing.