S. 1433: Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025

The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 is a bill aimed at continuing the efforts to protect the marine environment of the Northwest Straits region in Washington State, particularly focusing on the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill would do:

Reauthorizing Existing Legislation

This bill seeks to extend the life of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, originally enacted to involve local communities in safeguarding marine resources. This initiative emphasizes citizen participation in the stewardship of marine environments and helps the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) achieve its missions related to marine conservation.

Key Findings

The bill includes findings that highlight:

• The Northwest Straits region is crucial for ecological and economic purposes.
• Historical environmental degradation has affected water quality, marine life, and critical habitats.
• Climate change poses serious threats such as ocean acidification and rising sea levels.

Goals and Duties of the Commission

The bill defines the goal of the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission as one of protecting and restoring marine waters, habitats, and species in the region. To achieve this, the Commission will:

• Design and recommend projects based on scientific research and community input.
• Promote awareness and stewardship of marine resources.
• Collaborate with various partners, including local governments and Tribal authorities.
• Recognize the economic and social importance of sustainable marine resources.

Membership and Structure

The Commission will consist of 14 members, including:

• Representatives from marine resources committees of specific Washington counties.
• Appointees from Tribal governments to represent Indigenous interests.
• Members appointed to reflect diverse community backgrounds and expertise.

The Commission will also appoint a chairperson from among its members and will meet regularly to conduct its business.

Collaboration with Federal and Local Entities

The Commission is tasked with working alongside federal, state, and local governments as well as Tribal governments to ensure informed decision-making about marine resources. It aims to provide technical assistance to marine resources committees and collect data to address ecosystem health issues.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes funding of $10 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2031 for the initiative's operations. Any future funding requirements after 2031 will be subject to appropriations as needed.

Annual Reporting

The Commission will be required to prepare and submit an annual report detailing its activities and progress toward its goals, focusing on areas such as ecosystem restoration and community engagement.

Relevant Companies

• TGT (Target Corporation): As a major retailer in the region, Target may be impacted by changes to marine ecosystems and their implications for local economies.
• AMZN (Amazon.com, Inc.): Amazon has significant operations in Washington and may be affected by sustainability efforts related to marine resources.