Shoreline management

Washington has about 28,000 miles of shorelines, which is equal to more than the distance around the earth. We work in partnership with communities, local and tribal governments, and state and federal agencies to meet state and national goals for protecting, restoring, and responsibly developing state shorelines.

Shoreline Master Programs

We work in partnership with more than 260 cities and counties to develop and implement shoreline master programs (SMPs). Local SMPs protect and restore valuable aquatic resources for future generations, provide for water-dependent uses, and ensure access to public shorelines.

Permitting and enforcement

Shoreline development proposals are reviewed by local governments for compliance with SMP standards. We provide technical assistance and guidance to local governments and review some development proposals.

Hazards

We work closely with our government and non-government partners to better understand natural hazards and build resilient shoreline and coastal communities.

Aquaculture

We have a permitting and planning role in aquaculture. We use science as a foundation for our decisions and provide guidance on wisely managing this use in a environmentally responsible way.

Contact information

Contact our regional planner assigned to your area

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