The U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission, which supports county-based marine resources committees (MRC) in restoring marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region of Puget Sound.
“The Commission’s bottom-up approach has ensured that local communities have the resources and expertise they need to keep marine habitats healthy and recover endangered and threatened species, including southern resident killer whales and salmon,” U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D-Washington) said in a release. “This bill provides the necessary funding so that the Commission can continue its work to restore the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region and support local jobs.”
In remarks delivered on the House floor, Larsen noted the Northwest Straits is home to 16,000 jobs between Washington’s commercial and recreational fishing sectors.
The commission supports seven MRCs through funding and training while advising local officials on habitat restoration.
“I am continually amazed how well the Northwest Straits Commission and MRCs build lasting partnerships and bring people together to steward marine resources in our region,” Northwest Straits Commission Director Lucas Hart said in a statement. “Using a bottom-up approach, the initiative encourages people and communities to take positive action, often as volunteers, to conserve our waters and shorelines. Last year, we worked with over 70 partners and generated nearly 10,000 volunteer hours to advance numerous regional and local projects. Reauthorization of the initiative will help continue these critical partnerships and the volunteer engagement that benefits all who rely on marine resources."
The bill reauthorizes the commission for another seven years. The House passed the legislation in a 374-49 vote.
A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate last year, and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the legislation in September 2025. However, no action has been taken on that bill since.
