Our Commitment to
Restoring the Future
At the Northwest Straits Foundation, we’re Restoring the Future. One beach, one acre, one project at a time for a healthy and vibrant Salish Sea.
We work with a multitude of partners including tribes, nonprofit organizations, federal and state agencies, the Northwest Straits Commission and seven Marine Resources Committees (MRC) representing Clallam, Island, Jefferson, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.
The Northwest Straits Foundation leads marine restoration projects in those counties. We mobilize local support and volunteers, work with the MRCs, and fundraise to support our work. Our Foundation provides project planning and management, technical and scientific guidance, and field support.
We serve a diverse population based upon the rural reach of our work, from socially and economically diverse rural communities to tribal coastal areas, and urban cities such as Bellingham and Everett.
Our marine restoration work serves everyone because the marine environment is a public resource. Thanks for joining us to Restore the Future!
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
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.
Story Map
Every Contribution
Makes a Difference
Help protect and restore our local marine environment.
Contact
Northwest Straits Foundation
1155 N State St Ste 400
Bellingham WA 98225
(360) 733-1725
info@nwstraitsfoundation.org