Who is the Marine Resources Committee

The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative was authorized by Congress in 1998. The Initiative established a 13-member Northwest Straits Commission and Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) in seven western Washington counties. The MRCs’ main purpose is to guide local communities, using up-to-date information and scientific expertise, to achieve the important goals of resource conservation and habitat protection within the Northwest Straits. The mission of the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee is revitalizing and preserving Whatcom County marine resources for future generations.

There are five citizen-based marine interest groups represented in the Whatcom County MRC. These include: Conservation and Environmental Interest, Economic Interest, Recreational Interest, Relevant Scientific Expertise, and Citizen-at-Large. In addition, the MRC has representation from elected officials, local tribes, and local government staff.

The Marine Resources Committee also encourages active participation from non-committee members. We currently have several community members that regularly attend the monthly meetings and participate in the project subcommittees.

Join the Marine Resources Committee today! 

As of January 2007 there are 3 vacancies on the committee: Two Economic Interest positions and One Citizen-At-Large position.  Applications are available at the Whatcom County Website.  Click on "download an application" or if you have questions "instructons on how to apply".  Scroll down the page to view all existing Committees and Boards within Whatcom County.

 

Committee Members

CONSERVATION/ENVIRONMENTAL INTEREST

Wendy Steffensen

“I work for RE Sources as the North Sound Baykeeper. The mission of the Baykeeper is to act as an advocate and educator for marine water quality for Northern Puget Sound.

Prior to working for RE Sources, I worked in the fields of toxicology and water quality and also did volunteer work on behalf of marine waters, habitats, and communities. Working for RE Sources has enabled me to use my scientific training and background in service to the environment.

Joining the MRC and representing conservation interests ensures that conservation interests are considered in discussions about our marine resources and helps keep the lines of communication open between the various stakeholder groups. It is important that we work together when we can and be open in our discussions of our resources. The MRC is an invaluable forum for promoting discussion.”

Andrea OlahAndrea Olah

"I am very interested in local marine issues, particularly shoreline conservation, and the MRC plays a leading role in Whatcom County marine issues. I was introduced to the marine ecosystem while growing up and now I hope to share the marine life with future generations. I became more interested in Whatcom marine issues when I pursued a master's degree in marine ecology. I feel that by participating in the MRC and contributing my time and knowledge, I can help make a difference."

 

 

Ken Carrasco - Community Outreach Subcommittee

 

 

ECONOMIC INTEREST

 

Buck Meloy - NWSC Representative

Buck Meloy"As a commercial fisherman, I was attracted to the Whatcom County Marine Resource Committee because I felt that area people who are dependent on our marine resources for their livelihoods need a voice in the management and custodianship of those resources. And though the MRC is not a management body, its input can help focus managers on important needs. Urbanization, pollution, shoreline alteration, habitat loss, and poor forestry and agricultural practices have impacted many of our marine resources, yet others have surprising strength. For example, salmon fishing in Puget Sound alone provided over $6,000,000 to fishing families last year, which also contributed to the health of many shore-side businesses. MRC members come from all walks of life. Seeing consensus develop among them is a rewarding and enriching experience, one that provides hope that our efforts will indeed help build a better future."

 

RELEVANT SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE

Chris FairbanksChris Fairbanks - Vice-Chair

“I was fortunate to grow up near the shore of Bellingham Bay and to spend many days playing on the beaches throughout the county. For this, I have paid at least a pound of flesh to the barnacle-covered rocks. As I grew, I became more interested in the marine waters for both recreation and livelihood. Sailing, scuba diving, and commercial fishing have been a big part of my life and I have gain much from these experiences. Over the years the county has grown and this growth has not been without environmental costs. We have seen declines in the stocks of salmon and forage fish on which they feed as well as rockfish, abalone and their habitats. I see the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee as a balanced advocate for the county’s marine resources that includes environmental as well as cultural and economic interests. I am very pleased to make a contribution as a marine biologist to this group, which has accepted the mission of revitalizing and preserving our marine resources for future generations.”

 

Mark Herrenkohl - NWSC Alternate

 

RECREATIONAL INTEREST

Gerald LarsonGerald Larsen - Shellfish Subcommittee Chair

“I grew up in an extended Whatcom County family where fish and fishing were an important part of life. Family story telling, recreational fishing and working as a skiffman on a purse seine boat in the 50's has given me a good understanding of Whatcom waters. I volunteered for the MRC because I've seen land and shoreline development impact Whatcom waters and I wanted help correct where ever possible.”

Ron Akeson - Co-Chair & Bottomfish Subcommittee Chair

“ I have always enjoyed the ocean and just being around it. I love the animals, particularly the invertebrates, which is witnessed by my degree in Marine Biology. I currently derive my living from the ocean (I own a dive shop in Bellingham) and have always felt that the seas are sustainable only if we allow them to be. I joined the MRC to try and do my part as a steward in order to make sure we have healthy marine resources to pass on to future generations.”

CITIZEN AT-LARGE

Bob CecileBob Cecile - Co -Chair & Data Subcommittee Chair

“ I moved to the Pacific NW to have access to the marine environment. I enjoy the full range of boating and fishing opportunities on our beautiful waters. When I heard about the opportunity to actively participate in protecting and enhancing the near-shore environment, I applied for an opening on the MRC. I have learned a lot since joining the group, and feel especially pleased when I am able to discuss issues with neighbors and friends to help them understand ways to have less impact on our marine waters.”

 

 

TRIBES


Alan Chapman- Lummi Nation

Nooksack Tribe- Bob Kelly

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Dan McShane- Whatcom County Council

Barbara Ryan- Bellingham City Council

"As a member of the Bellingham City Council, I have spent many, many hours dealing with onshore issues of drinking water protection, stormwater runoff, street standards, building standards, and other land use issues designed to protect streams, lakes and bays. Most of the time, however, we are less in touch with the salt water than we are with our drinking water reservoir, for example. I am interested in making sure the policies we set are having some positive impact on the ultimate destination of most of our urban runoff."

LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF (Ex-Officio)

Clare Fogelsong- City of Bellingham Public Works

"The City of Bellingham has over 11.5 miles of marine shoreline. The convergence of many activities in the Marine nearshore makes it an especially important component of the Cityscape and raises issues regarding urban impacts to that environment. The Marine Resources Committee is a forum for discussing, educating and acting on marine nearshore issues, including those of specific interest to the City. Priorities for the City include water quality, salmon habitat, and Aquatic Nuisance Species. The City is working on several fronts to address water quality problems associated with stormwater runoff, industrial pollution and recreational uses. We are also working to improve habitat for salmon in the marine environment and to prevent infestations of Aquatic Nuisance Species. The Marine Resources Committee is an important local forum for our efforts."

Mike StonerMike Stoner- Port of Bellingham

"It's was my great good fortune to be born into a Washington family that loved messing about in boats and romping along rocky beaches in the San Juans. Fifty years of great memories. Lazy summer days, exciting spinnaker runs, Orca sightings, monstrous tide rips, fresh oysters, fog, sparkling phosphorescence, howling winter storms, and many safe harbors. As the Director of Environmental Programs at the Port of Bellingham, I get plenty of opportunity to work on complicated environmental issues. But my positions on the MRC and the Northwest Straits Commission have been especially gratifying. It's inspiring to work with such a creative group of people on such an important cause. Our local marine waters are a treasure worthy of our best efforts."

Erika Stroebel- Whatcom County Public Works

“The Marine Resources Committee has provided Whatcom County with an opportunity to look at marine resource issues in a comprehensive fashion. Prior to this effort, the County’s marine programs and projects primarily have focused on single issues or areas. The comprehensive approach helps identify priorities that will bring the most community value, develop partnerships with existing programs, and avoid duplicating efforts.

The marine shorelines of Whatcom County are an incredibly valuable in terms of aesthetic and ecological qualities, recreational and commercial opportunities, and scientific research. The Marine Resources Committee has been able to develop a greater community awareness and appreciation for the marine environment. Community awareness and involvement are essential for successful marineprotection and restoration.”

Atina Casas- Whatcom County Public Works

Project Subcommittees

Community Outreach Subcommittee

  • Chair ~
    Members ~ Mark Herrenkohl, Wendy Steffensen, Chris Fairbanks, Ken Carrasco

Shellfish Subcommittee

  • Chair ~ Gerald Larson
    Members ~ Bob Cecile, Andrea Olah, Erika Stroebel (Whatcom County)

Bottomfish Subcommittee

  • Chair ~ Ron Akeson
    Members ~ Chris Fairbanks, Gerald Larson, Andrea Olah, Ken Carrasco

Data Subcommittee

  • Chair ~ Bob Cecile
  • Members ~ Andrea Olah, Erika Stroebel (Whatcom County)