Ocean management

Ocean resources provide recreational opportunities, maintain cultural identities, and support a stunning array of wildlife. They support many different uses that benefit the economies of nearby communities as well as the entire state. Washingtonians depend on ocean resources, now and into the future.

It is important for Washington to protect, understand, and manage our ocean resources. We are working with partners across the state to solve critical issues facing these resources and coastal communities. We provide community assistance, collaborate on ocean management, lead and guide ocean planning and policy.

Maia Bellon, Director of the Department of Ecology

We oppose allowing offshore oil drilling on Washington's coast

Our Director, Maia Bellon, has submitted an official response opposing the U.S. Interior Department's proposal to allow offshore oil and natural gas leasing on Washington's outer continental shelf for the first time in 30 years. The draft plan indicates the federal government would allow companies to engage in oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities.

These proposed activities would put one of the world's most highly productive marine ecosystems at risk, especially from oil spills and hazardous chemical releases. Our Pacific Ocean coast is also at risk from catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis, inclement storm events, and hastening climate change.

The draft plan threatens our coastal communities and the thousands of residents who depend on having a healthy, productive coastal environment. Washington's coast encompasses significant tribal cultural, environmental, and economic treaty-protected resources. We have a paramount duty to protect tribal treaty rights.

Offshore leasing activities simply do not meet our state's vision for a sustainable, prosperous future. We cannot afford to put our coastal fishing and shellfish aquaculture, tourism and recreation, international maritime shipping, and military training activities at any further risk.

The Washington coast with a sandy beach, bluffs covered in evergreen trees, and sea stacks in the water

Sea stacks along the Washington coastline

Assisting coastal communities Guiding national ocean policy

We represent Washington State on the West Coast Regional Planning Body and participate on a sub-regional planning team that builds off of Washington’s ocean planning efforts and involves the coastal treaty tribes and federal agencies.

We work with regional partners to improve access to data through the West Coast Ocean Data Portal.

We participate in the West Coast Ocean Partnership. This state, tribal, and federal forum fosters dialog and collaboration to understand and collectively address ocean health issues. Activities build on existing efforts and work to inform policy, planning, and management.

We advise the federal government on a range of ocean policy priorities and activities, including implementation of the National Ocean Policy.

Marine spatial planning

Marine spatial planning is a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing human uses and activities in the marine environment. We're leading the process to develop a Marine Spatial Plan for Washington's Pacific Coast. This process aims to ensure a resilient and healthy coast that supports sustainable economic, recreational, and cultural opportunities for coastal communities, visitors, and future generations.

Partnering on state ocean management

The Governor's Office and state agencies work together, prioritize activities, and improve management of Washington’s ocean resources through an interagency forum called the State Ocean Caucus. We participate in identifying ocean management issues and improving communication among agencies with a role in regulating or managing ocean resources. This collaboration enables a coordinated state response to policy and planning issues.

The Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council serves as a forum for ocean policy, planning, and management issues on Washington’s Pacific Coast. With 26 members representing diverse interests and entities, the Advisory Council provides recommendations to the state on how best to manage these important resources and uses. We help the Governor’s office administer the council.

We participate on the Intergovernmental Policy Council — the first of its kind in the nation. The council provides a regional forum for tribal and state resource managers to exchange information, coordinate policies, and develop recommendations for managing the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

Contact information

Jennifer Hennessey
Senior Ocean Planner
Jennifer.Hennessey@ecy.wa.gov
360‐407‐6595