Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025
Last recorded step: House, Jun 4, 2026.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative to protect and restore marine habitats in Washington state.
What it does
This bill proposes to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative and its Advisory Commission for a period of seven years. The initiative focuses on protecting and restoring marine habitats and species within the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound in Washington state. Under the bill, the commission would continue to provide technical support for local marine resources committees, develop scientific recommendations for ecosystem restoration, and host public forums for policy discussions.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission and local marine resources committees by reauthorizing their operations and technical support for seven years. The initiative impacts the Northwest Straits region of Washington state, specifically the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the southern end of Snohomish County. Additionally, the legislation involves stakeholders interested in the protection and restoration of regional marine waters, habitats, and species through public policy forums.
Key provisions
- Reauthorization of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative. Extends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative and its Advisory Commission for a period of seven years.
- Support for Marine Resources Committees. Directs the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission to provide technical support and resources to marine resources committees within the region.
- Restoration and Protection Recommendations. Requires the commission to develop recommendations for the restoration and protection of marine waters, habitats, and species based on scientific data.
- Public Policy Forum. Designates the commission as a public forum for informal discussions regarding the marine ecosystem policy of the Northwest Straits region.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 2860, Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025· As reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on January 12, 2026
Effective dates
The bill reauthorizes the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative and its Northwest Straits Advisory Commission for a period of seven years.
Relationship to existing law
This bill revises and extends the authorization for the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative and the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission for a period of seven years.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to protect and restore marine waters, habitats, and species within the Northwest Straits region of Washington state by reauthorizing the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative and its Advisory Commission for seven years. It seeks to provide technical support for marine resources committees and establish a forum for developing scientific recommendations and policy discussions regarding the regional marine ecosystem.