Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Marine Stewardship topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Juan County reviews 2024 marine stewardship report; council authorizes ESA comment letter
Summary
The county’s Marine Resources Committee presented a 2024 State of the Marine Stewardship Area report, asked whether the council wants county code updated to reflect the new plan, proposed two youth seats on the MRC and submitted a comment letter on proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act; council voted to send the ESA letter.
San Juan County Council members heard on May 13 from the Marine Resources Committee (MRC) on a 2024 “State of the Marine Stewardship Area” report and discussed next steps including whether to amend county code to reference the new plan.
The report, presented by Dr. Francis Robertson, Marine Project Manager with the Department of Environmental Stewardship, summarizes updated threats and nearly 60 recommendations grouped under objectives such as climate readiness, oil-spill prevention, protecting submerged aquatic vegetation and reducing vessel impacts. “The 2007 plan no longer reflects the state of the marine stewardship area today,” Robertson told the council and said the report is available on the MRC webpage.
The report’s nut graf is the MRC’s request that the council consider updating San Juan County Code chapter 16.84 — which codified the 2007 plan — to reference and rely on the 2024 findings and recommendations. Robertson asked whether the council wants staff and the MRC to draft a resolution and proposed code amendment for future council consideration.
Council member Justin Paulson said he would “absolutely entertain” updating the code but asked that any proposal include a clear cost-benefit analysis and cross-department review so the plan’s priorities are weighed alongside other county mandates such as public works, housing and transportation. Paulson also noted the County Administrative Office (CAO) review planned for the near future and suggested the MRC report could inform that process.
Katie Johnson, Marine Project Coordinator, also asked the council to consider amending the MRC rules to include up to two youth seats to bring younger island residents’ perspectives into marine planning. Council members expressed strong support for the idea and encouraged reviewing other boards and commissions for similar youth representation.
Separately, the MRC presented a draft comment letter to federal agencies opposing a proposed rescission of the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Council members said the change would be concerning and supported sending a county comment letter. The motion to approve the comment letter carried unanimously; the council instructed staff to finalize distribution details and signatures.
Discussion vs. decision: The council’s vote approved only the ESA comment letter’s submission. Council did not vote at this meeting to amend county code; staff were asked to return with materials (including possible draft language and an analysis) if the council wishes to proceed.
Background: The county designated a Marine Stewardship Area in February 2004 and adopted a stewardship plan in 2007. The MRC-led review included retreats, workshops and literature review and produced recommendations intended to align local policy and grant priorities with regional Puget Sound recovery efforts.
What’s next: The MRC will provide the full 2024 report to the council; staff indicated they can prepare a draft resolution and code amendment for future consideration if directed.
