Ocean management

Washington's 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. Washington residents depend on ocean resources, now and into the future.

It is important for Washington to protect, understand, and manage these 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, and lead and guide ocean planning and policy.

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Learn about Washington's Coastal Zone Management Program Enforceable Policies

Ocean Resources Management Act

The Ocean Resources Management Act’s (ORMA) jurisdiction extends from Cape Flattery in Clallam County south to Pacific County at Cape Disappointment, and seaward from the mean higher high tide line to the state boundary. Special attention is given to the Columbia River, Grays Harbor, and Willapa Bay estuaries.

ORMA describes policies and establishes guidelines for state and local authorities when reviewing projects affecting Washington's coastal waters. ORMA’s policy is to protect Washington's valuable and fragile coastal waters, seabed, and shorelines while, at the same time, recognizing that ocean- and marine-based industries and activities such as fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and marine transportation are important for Washington's future.

ORMA provides criteria for uses and activities that:

Require federal, state, or local government permits or other approvals, and
Will adversely impact renewable resources, marine life, fishing, aquaculture, recreation, navigation, air or water quality, or other existing ocean or coastal uses.

The Ocean Management Guidelines at WAC 173-26-360 and in Chapter 43.143 RCW provide further guidance and information for general ocean uses, as well as those relating to specific ocean uses such as oil and gas development, transportation, and mining.

Federal consistency

Federal consistency is required for proposed activities undertaken by a federal agency or those activities requiring a federal license or permit with foreseeable effects to Washington’s coastal resources and uses through the federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act and Washington’s Coastal Zone Management Program. The federal consistency requirement applies to federal actions, including leases or other authorizations, with reasonably foreseeable direct and indirect effects on any coastal use or resource of Washington’s coastal zone, and can be applied to waters beyond the state boundary.

We are currently working on guidance to assist applicants in demonstrating consistency with ORMA and the Ocean Management Guidelines. Until then, for more information about the applicability of ORMA to a proposed activity or how to prepare an ORMA Consistency Analysis, please email Casey Dennehy or call 360-688-0142.

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

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

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

Casey Dennehy
Marine Policy Associate
casey.dennehy@ecy.wa.gov
360‐688-0142