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MRC to advance 2025–27 project proposals but derelict-gear removal may be tabled for lack of co-lead and funding
Summary
Clallam County MRC moved forward with most 2025–2027 project proposals but flagged the derelict-gear removal project as likely to be removed from its biennial package unless a co-lead and adequate funding are secured before the submission deadline.
The Clallam County Marine Resources Committee reviewed draft project proposals for the 2025–2027 biennium and agreed to proceed with the slate minus a derelict-gear removal project that lacks a co-lead and is underfunded. Committee members said the project could be revived if a volunteer co-lead steps forward before the proposal deadline.
Latricia Suggs reported that Mike Doherty offered to co-lead the Edis Hook (debris removal) project, but that no co-lead had been identified for a broader derelict-gear removal effort. Committee staff and members noted the high cost of locating and removing derelict gear, especially when ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) are needed; divers are limited by depth regulations and are not always usable in deeper bays.
Kathy (staff) and Jeff Ward explained that Jason Morgan is pursuing a separate derelict-gear project focused on Sequim Bay and Port Angeles Harbor and is seeking letters of support; his work would be funded through NOAA and may include ROV trials. Members discussed cooperating with Jason’s effort as a learning opportunity, even if the MRC does not lead a removal operation itself in the coming biennium.
Committee members agreed to one final outreach to solicit a co-lead for the derelict-gear project; if none steps forward by the submission deadline of May 29, the MRC will submit proposals without that project. Members emphasized that removal at scale is expensive — side-scan surveys and ROV days can cost several thousand dollars per day — and that the project, as currently scoped, is substantially underfunded.
