Revitalizing and Preserving
Whatcom County Marine Resources
for Future Generations
The Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) was established by the County Council in 1999 to protect and enhance the local marine environment and contribute to the protection of the marine environment of the Northwest Straits. The Whatcom MRC is one of seven MRCs established in the Northwest Straits region as part of the federal Nothwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative.
Toxics in Puget Sound - Jim West from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will speak at the next MRC meeting about toxic contaminants in Puget Sound, how they enter the food chain, and how they accumulate in fish. Jim will also present information on toxics in Bellingham Bay and Cherry Point. You are invited to attend this free event on February 7, 2008 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at 322 N. Commercial St. in Bellingham, Washington. Press Release
Coastal Hazards of Sea Level Rise - Jim Johannessen (Coastal Geologic Services) and John Rybczyk (Western Washington University) will present the potential hazards of sea level rise caused by climate change. This presentation will focus on the local shorelines of Whatcom County and will identify possible hazard areas. Potential problems include storm surge, impact to buildings and infrastructure, and shrinking of the nearshore marine habitat. Join the MRC on October 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Bellingham Senior Center, located at 315 Halleck Street. Press Release
Sea Level Rise presentation by Douglas J. Canning of Climate Impacts Group at University of Washington. Canning's presentation will address the potential consequences of sea level rise including: inundation and flooding, coastal erosion, sea water intrusion, and habitat disturbance. His work utilizes models to predict the effects of sea level rise at various heights or scenarios and at different locations throughout Puget Sound. Canning will also address the role of sea level rise in coastal management policies. A panel discussion will follow the presentation. Join the MRC in this free event on May 3rd at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Street, bottom floor conference room, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Controlling Aquatic Invasive Species in Puget Sound At the next MRC meeting on April 5, Pam Meacham from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will talk about recent efforts to control the invasive tunicate Styela Clava locally and throughout Puget Sound. As primitive sac-like marine animals often living in colonies, tunicates are especially difficult to remove once established. Join the MRC in learning about marine invasive species and removal efforts at 322 N. Commercial Street, second floor conference room from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Patterns of the Lower Nooksack presentation by Greenways Program Coordinator, Tim Wahl takes place at the next MRC meeting February 1, 2007, 7:00 pm on the second floor of the Civic Center 332 N. Commerical St. in Bellingham. This presentation will include a visual and narrative review of changes in the Lower Nooksack based on historical accounts and surveys from the 1800's.
Fish and Wildlife in the New Waterfront On May 23, 2006, the MRC will host a presentation about habitat preservation and restoration on Bellingham’s waterfront. The presentation will highlight the needs of salmon and other fish, and provide information on areas that can be preserved and restored to provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat. Press Release, MRC Recommendations
Whatcom County Clam Surveys — Clam surveys have been conducted in six Whatcom County areas during the summers of 2004, 2005, and 2006. The survey results show some of the similarities and differences in species densities and diversity between tideland areas.
Marine News and Events — Stay up-to-date with local marine news and events.
Marine Data — Explore specific stretches of shoreline in Whatcom County or specific marine resources found locally using this new map series.
Marine Life Fact Sheets — Learn more about plants and animals that you find is and around the marine waters of Whatcom County
