Governor looking for marine advisory council candidates

By Jennifer Hennessey, ocean policy associate, Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program

Gov. Jay Inslee is accepting applications for membership on the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council.

New law establishes council, names Ecology as supporting agency

New state law, Engrossed Senate Bill 5603, establishes the marine advisory council at the Governor’s office and assigns Ecology to support the council.

The advisory council will advise the Governor’s office, state and local agencies, and the Washington legislature on ocean policy and management issues along Washington’s Pacific Coast.

Applications due Aug. 21

Applications are due Wednesday Aug. 21 and are available online. The Governor will review applications and appoint members to the advisory council.

Advisory group represents broad range of interests

The advisory council includes gubernatorial appointments for representatives of various stakeholder interests, including:

• Citizens
• Commercial fishing
• Conservation
• Economic development
• Energy
• Education
• Ports
• Recreation
• Recreational fishing
• Science
• Shellfish aquaculture
• Shipping

Each coastal Marine Resource Committee will also select one representative to serve on the advisory council – and state agencies and the Governor’s office also will name representatives.

Expectations

Applicants are expected to participate in a collaborative process. The advisory council will meet a least twice year – and four times during the upcoming year. There is no compensation for serving on the council.

For more information

If you have questions about the council, contact me by email or call me at 360-407-6595.

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