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MRC seeks volunteers and outreach partners; annual report, oyster surveys and film-festival outreach highlighted
Summary
The committee announced multiple outreach and volunteer opportunities, including Olympia oyster monitoring, shellfish-sampling volunteers, distribution of educational coasters and a presentation pilot that reached local audiences. A longtime member resigned; the MRC is recruiting to fill open seats.
The Clallam County Marine Resources Committee used its meeting to publicize outreach, recruit volunteers and note a recent resignation from the committee.
Why it matters: the MRC relies on volunteer monitoring, event outreach and local partnerships to deliver restoration and education work; filling vacancies and recruiting volunteers affects the committee’s capacity to execute projects.
The committee announced that longtime member Bob Greenland had resigned and that the group would send a thank-you card and consider formal recognition. A speaker noted Greenland’s historical knowledge and volunteer readiness for outreach events even after resigning.
Announcements and recruitment: Amelia (MRC staff) and others reminded members about open MRC seats (community-at-large and environmental/conservation positions) and asked members to recruit candidates. The MRC’s annual report for 2023–24 was posted and staff thanked the member who finalized it.
Volunteer and outreach opportunities discussed at the meeting included:
- Shellfish-sampling volunteers sought by county environmental health staff (contact information to be provided by staff).
- Olympia oyster monitoring (dates mentioned: May 15, 16 and 28) and monitoring instructions for volunteers (square plots and counting). Annie and Kathy described recent seeding work and monitoring logistics.
- Distribution of educational coasters: staff asked members to take sleeves of coasters to local establishments in Sequim, Port Angeles and Neah Bay to raise public awareness.
- A pilot presentation ("Studio General" slide deck) taken to a yacht club drew 30–40 attendees; the committee discussed adapting the presentation for service groups (rotary, clubs) and younger audiences to aid recruitment.
- A River and Ocean Film Festival event and an oiled-wildlife response demonstration were summarized: presenters discussed large-scale penguin rescue techniques observed overseas and local WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) oil-response caches and wildlife-rescue equipment; staff described the role of PPE and triage when handling oiled wildlife.
Members urged broad recruitment — including retired professionals — and suggested staff could send formal invitations and applications to candidates. The committee encouraged members to pick up coasters and to contact staff if they can help with oyster surveys or staffing outreach booths.
Administrative actions recorded at the meeting included approval of the March 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. The committee set its next meeting for May 19.
