VICTORY! Marine Spatial Planning, Ocean Acidification funded by the Washington State Legislature. WCMAC Established under Governor’s Office

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)

After a long and trying session, Washington lawmakers approved $3.7 million for coastal and marine spatial planning on Washington's Pacific Coast in their final budget on June 27th.

Marine spatial planning will help protect priority ecological and recreational areas on Washington's coast through a process that brings together stakeholders and managers and captures vital information on ocean uses and resources in order to minimize user conflicts.

Ocean Acidification and the WCMAC

On May 21, 2013, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation to create the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council (WCMAC) under the executive office of the governor. This council convenes stakeholders and managers to address issues facing marine waters and shorelines along Washington’s Pacific coast and will be a lead advisor to the State on marine spatial planning. Surfrider Foundation’s Casey Dennehy serves on this body as the representative for ocean and coastal recreational users. The bill also established a new Washington marine resources advisory body to pursue actions on Ocean Acidification in partnership with the University of Washington.

Huge thanks to ocean champions in the legislature and to Washington chapters who campaigned for this critical funding to provide long-term protection of our coast during this legislative session.