San Juan County adopts updated Marine Stewardship Area report to guide coastal decisions

San Juan County on Oct. 7 adopted a new State of the Marine Stewardship Area report intended to replace the county—ode dopted plan from 2007.

Frankie Robertson, presenting on behalf of the Marine Resources Committee, told the council the report compiles the best available science across habitat and species priorities and is designed to guide department work plans, grant applications and interagency collaboration. "This will guide work plans, prioritize grant applications, and continue to expand collaborations with our federal, state, tribal partners," Robertson said during the presentation.

Council members described the updated report as a resource for departments that affect shoreline and marine habitats. Council member Fuller asked how the update was funded and whether it connects with the county's climate and shoreline work; Robertson said the MRC used programmatic grant funding and sought to crosswalk its recommendations with other local planning efforts, including salmon recovery and climate‑related work.

The resolution the council approved replaces the 2007 plan and directs San Juan County departments to consult the new report when undertaking actions that could affect marine ecosystems. The vote to adopt the report was taken following public and council discussion.

The report includes prioritized actions, recommended agency roles and suggested timelines. Council members asked staff to use the document as a reference for permitting, acquisitions and marine‑focused grant efforts going forward.

The resolution to adopt the State of the Marine Stewardship Area report was passed by the council at the meeting on Oct. 7, 2025.