Come Join us on the Skagit County Marine Resources Committee

The Skagit County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is seeking community-minded individuals who care about healthy shorelines, local marine life, and the overall health of the Salish Sea and want to get more involved in our environment by pursuing membership in our organization.  Input and participation from local involvement in our community is an important aspect of this work. Please join us in protecting the marine resources that make our community special.

About the MRC

We are a group of volunteers appointed by our County Commissioners, authorized by the U.S. Congress as part of the Northwest Straits Initiative in 1998.  Our goal is to protect and improve the marine environment of the waters of our County.  We depend on grass roots local effort to achieve our goals.

Skagit MRC members volunteer in providing a meaningful role in protecting our marine environment, helping guide local decision-making, supporting hands-on restoration efforts, and working alongside partners committed to conservation, science, and community engagement in Skagit County. 

How to Apply

1. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend at least one MRC meeting prior to applying.
2. To apply, complete the Skagit County Boards and Committees online application here. Look for the small blue "Apply" button in the top right corner.
3. Applicants will provide a brief introduction to the MRC members and answer questions as needed at one of our monthly meetings.
4. The MRC makes the recommendation to appoint new MRC members to the Board of County Commissioners via a Resolution Amendment.

Eligibility and Commitment Expectations     

• Applicants must live or work in Skagit County.
• Term limits are up to four years with opportunity to extend if desired.
• MRC members are expected to participate in monthly committee meetings (virtual via Teams) 2nd Thursday each month, from 9:00am to 11:00am. In-person meetings occur 2 times per year or as needed.
• Additional involvement may include: participating in, or leading subcommittees, project planning, preparing and reviewing reports, supporting outreach and education events, attending annual conferences, and, of course, scientific field work!
• For more information about the commitment expectations of MRC members, please refer to the Skagit MRC Bylaws here.

Who we’re looking for

We encourage applicants from across Skagit County to bring your passion and enthusiasm to support our local ecosystems!  Experience or knowledge in areas such as marine science, conservation, habitat restoration, boating, fishing, shellfish, education, policy, planning, business /economics, tourism, communications, or community engagement is helpful but not necessary.

What Members Do

• Participate in science-based research and boots on the ground projects.
• Help propose, plan, prioritize, and implement marine conservation and restoration projects.
• Help shape local marine conservation recommendations and make a tangible impact on local conservation efforts.
• Assist with education and outreach efforts.
• Network with scientists, agencies, tribes, community leaders, conservation organizations, and other county MRCs across the Northwest Straits region for a greater collective impact.   

Current MRC Projects 

• Salish Sea Stewards Volunteer Training Program
• Kids on the Beach
• Pinto Abalone Restoration
• Native Oyster Restoration
• Derelict Crab Pot Removal
• Crabber Outreach
• Bowman Bay Shoreline Restoration
• Forage Fish Surveys
• Intertidal Monitoring
• Bull Kelp Surveys by Kayak
• Outreach and Education