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Protecting and restoring marine resources in Puget Sound

Island County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is an advisory body to county government established in 1999 and comprised of many community volunteers who represent diverse interests and industries, with the common goal to protect and restore marine resources in the Puget Sound area through scientific monitoring, restoration projects, and community education.

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Photo credit: Rich Yukubousky

Cornet Bay & Hoypus Point Stewardship Day - May 27

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Cornet Bay & Hoypus Point Stewardship Days
Summer 2026

Join the Northwest Straits Foundation and Island County Marine Resources Committee in the ongoing stewardship of Cornet Bay & Hoypus Point! Once a month we will spend the morning nurturing the site and native plants with activities such as weeding, watering, and spreading compost and mulch.

Wednesday May 27th, 2026: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tuesday June 30th, 2026: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wednesday July 22nd, 2026: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Tuesday September 1st, 2026: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Cornet Bay & Hoypus Point Restoration sites are located at: 160 Cornet Bay Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Register here!
A group photo of the Island County Marine Resources Committee

MRC 2025 Annual Report

Read about some of what the Marine Resources Committee has been up to in the last year!

2024-2025 Annual Report
Waves crash along rocks and shoreline wall Kelly Zupich - Bulkhead

Shoreline Armoring Survey & Permit Analysis

Our MRC conducted a shoreline survey of how many bulkheads are currently on our shorelines in Island County. The last survey conducted was completed in 2016. Learn more about the survey and the results here. 

7-17-24 Shoreline Armoring Survey and Permit Analysis
A home surrounded by water and debris Elsa Schwartz - King Tide Flooding

Climate Resiliency White Paper

Take a few minutes to read our White Paper which provides local recommendations for Climate Change and Sea Level Rise.

White Paper
Students exploring the ocean along a dock Atlantis Steam Robotics Club at the Coupeville Wharf

2021-2024 Strategic Plan

Please take a moment to read through our newly updated Strategic Plan. We dedicated time over the last year to define the values and vision of our committee. Along, with exploring where our energy is best spent to help protect our local marine resources.

Vision: To sustain and enhance a healthy, resilient marine environment where individuals are engaged and strive to support life for all inhabitants of Island County.

Values: The MRC values collaboration, inclusivity, and community-driven projects which are scientifically based, meaningful, and generate lasting results.

2021-2024 Strategic Plan
Eelgrass floats along the sea floor Jan Kocian - Eelgrass

Check Out Our Eelgrass StoryMap!

Back in 2007, a concerned resident noticed that the eelgrass beds near her home were disappearing. She decided to take action and soon community scientists embarked on a ten-year research project to learn about the health and distribution of eelgrass beds in Island County, Washington.

Our StoryMap covers what eelgrass is and its role in our ecosystem, the research that this community science team conducted, the Island County Marine Resources Committee, and ways that you can help protect this critical habitat. It features stunning photography and relatable science in an immersive platform.

View the Eelgrass StoryMap