Chapter 2.112
MARINE RESOURCE COMMITTEE
Sections:
2.112.010 Established.
There is hereby established the Whatcom County marine resource committee as provided for under the northwest straits commission. (Res. 99-047 Exh. A; Res. 99-023 Exh. A).
2.112.020 Purpose.
The Whatcom County marine resource committee will address local marine issues and recommend remedial action to local authorities. The committee will build local awareness of issues, and gather support for remedies consistent with the benchmarks for performance as established in the August 20, 1998 report to the convenors by the Murray-Metcalf northwest straits citizens advisory commission. (Res. 99-047 Exh. A; Res. 99-023 Exh. A).
2.112.030 Members.
The Whatcom County marine resource committee shall be comprised of 19 members. The committee shall have representation from the following sectors: three members with relevant scientific expertise; three members to be elected officials (one each from the county, Blaine, and Bellingham); three members with an economic interest (provided that commercial fishing is represented); two members with recreational interests (provided that sport fishers are represented); three members with conservation and environmental interests; and three members who shall be constructive and knowledgeable citizens. In addition, each recognized tribe shall be offered a seat on the committee, with the representative to be appointed by the respective tribal authority. (Res. 99-047 Exh. A; Res. 99-023 Exh. A).
2.112.040 Ex officio members.
Ex officio members shall be appointed from planning and/or public works staff of the county, Blaine, and Bellingham. The committee may appoint additional ex officio members as necessary. (Res. 99-047 Exh. A; Res. 99-023 Exh. A).
2.112.050 Chair.
The chair of the committee shall be selected by a majority of the committee members. Committee members, by consensus, shall select a representative to serve on the northwest straits commission. (Res. 99-047 Exh. A; Res. 99-023 Exh. A).
2.112.060 Mission.
A. Encourage county-wide participation in the Whatcom County marine resource committee.
B. Identify local candidate sites and urge their inclusion at the appropriate level, consistent with a scientifically based regional system of marine protected areas (MPAs).
C. Help ensure a net gain in highly ecologically productive near-shore, inter-tidal, and estuarine habitat within the county, as well as no significant loss of existing, high-value habitat.
D. Work with state (the Puget Sound action team and resource agencies) tribes, and local authorities (especially planning departments) to help map, assess, and protect near-shore habitat and prevent harm from upland activities through local and state ordinances and shoreline plans.
E. Help ensure a net reduction in the closure of county shellfish harvest areas due to contamination.
F. Contribute to measurable increases in salmon recovery (including numbers of fish of brood stock size and age, average fish size, and abundance of prey species), as well as sufficient amounts and quality of protected habitat.
G. Contribute to measurable increases in bottom fish recovery, such as rockfish (including numbers of fish of brood stock size and age, average fish size, and abundance of prey species), as well as sufficient amounts and quality of protected habitat.
H. Contribute to increase in other key marine indicator species (including those identified in the 1997 West report on Puget Sound marine resources).
I. Use and contribute to a scientific data pool on marine resources (for example, through the Puget Sound ambient monitoring program – PSAMP), including a scientific baseline, common protocols, unified GIS, and sharing of ecosystem assessments and research. (Res. 99-047 Exh. B; Res. 99-023 Exh. B).
2.112.070 Tasks.
A. Help assess marine resources and problems in concert with governmental agencies, tribes, and other entities.
B. Help identify local implications, needs, and strategies associated with the recovery of Puget Sound salmon under the Federal Endangered Species Act in concert with governmental agencies, tribes, and other entities.
C. Work with the Puget Sound ambient monitoring program and other programs to enhance the scientific baseline and monitoring of the marine environment in the northwest straits.
D. Identify and prioritize current actions and the need for additional measures.
E. Work closely with county leadership to implement local marine conservation and restoration initiatives.
F. Coordinate with the northwest straits commission on marine ecosystem objectives.
G. Provide reports at least semi-annually to the northwest straits commission that describe the status of projects and activities.
H. Reach out to the public and other key constituencies on such issues as the link between healthy marine habitat and healthy resources and how MPAs can play an important role in habitat and resource protection.
I. Assist in establishing a working relationship with the government and citizens of British Columbia to enact similar actions within marine areas that fall under their jurisdiction. (Res. 99-047 Exh. B; Res. 99-023 Exh. B).