Puget Sound is rich in cultural and ecological heritage. It is also in need of continued care. As the non-profit partner in the Northwest Straits Initiative, we do this by increasing the capacity of local communities to protect marine resources, removing lost and abandoned fishing gear that poses a hazard to people and marine wildlife and restoring local beaches and bluffs.
Help protect our marine environment.
Get Involved
We work alongside citizen volunteers to collect meaningful scientific data to better understand the health of our shorelines and the physical and biological responses to the shoreline restoration efforts.
What we do
We play a vital role in the Northwest Straits Initiative; leveraging funding for, and collaboration in, conservation and restoration projects that are important to our communities.
Our Impact Annually
We foster collaboration and participation to restore and protect marine resources of the Northwest Straits.
Acres of marine habitat restored
Volunteer hours
Derelict fishing nets removed
Community Engagement
Volunteers are our most valuable resource! Muddy boots, expert knowledge and boundless curiosity are intrinsic to the strong citizen science and marine stewardship that define the Northwest Straits Initiative. We love what we do, and anyone can participate.
Derelict Gear Program
By removing lost and abandoned crab pots, fishing nets, and other gear, our Derelict Fishing Gear program has helped restore more than 820 acres of precious marine environment, saving nearly 470,000 entangled animals annually.
Shore Friendly – Shoreline Landowner Program
Approximately 27% of our region’s shoreline is modified with armor. Reducing shoreline armoring is vital to restoring the health of the Northwest Strait’s ecosystem.
Beach & Nearshore Restoration
We’re improving nearshore habitat for salmon, bull trout, and forage fish, upgrading public access, and increasing the beach’s resilience to climate change.
Engaging Conservation Leaders
Northwest Straits Initiative
Every Contribution
Makes a Difference
Help protect and restore our local marine environment.
Contact
Northwest Straits Foundation
1155 N State St Ste 402
Bellingham WA 98225
(360) 733-1725
info@nwstraitsfoundation.org