Salish Sea Alliance Derelict Gear Program

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Salish Sea Alliance Derelict Gear Program

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The Salish Sea Alliance works to eliminate harm from derelict fishing gear in Puget Sound. Formerly known as the Northwest Straits Foundation.

The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation works to identify emerging issues of import the Salish Sea marine ecosystem, build local consensus for marine conservation, educate communities about the marine environment, and restore critical nearshore habitats. A partner organization within the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, the Foundation collaborates with county-based Marine Resources Committees and the Northwest Straits Commission to support research, monitoring, restoration, stewardship, conservation and education programs and projects at the local and regional level.

08/25/2026

Big news! We have a new name!
We’re excited to announce that after 25 years of marine conservation, the formerly known Northwest Straits Foundation, is updating our name to the Salish Sea Alliance!
Since our foundation, we have grown into a leader in nearshore restoration, derelict fishing gear removal, and support for marine scholars. Our new name reflects our deepening work with our partners, and our unwavering commitment to building a more resilient Salish Sea.
While our name is changing, our mission is not. The work you’ve supported to restore and protect shorelines, prevent the loss of derelict gear, and support marine scholars is continuing and we will do so as a collaborative marine conservation organization working throughout the Salish Sea. Please consider becoming a sustaining supporter of the Salish Sea Alliance. Your meaningful donation will be put to work today.
We look forward to remaining your Partners in Marine Conservation for years to come!
Share this post with your friends to celebrate!

06/24/2026

Are you ready for the crabbing season!? Join us Monday, June 29th from 6 – 7 PM as we host a live online workshop with WDFW experts to help you be a successful and responsible crabber.

Don't miss out—register now at https://tinyurl.com/2026crabbing and secure your spot!

06/11/2026

Join us for a free, in-person, crabbing workshop in Jefferson County! If you’re interested in learning about crabbing in Washington State and want tips on setting up your gear to catch more crab and avoid losing your crab pots this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Head to Chimacum’s Tri-Area Community Center on Wednesday, June 24th, from 6-8pm for a free workshop hosted by the Jefferson Marine Resources Committee in partnership with the Northwest Straits Foundation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. Register here: https://crabbing2026.eventbrite.com/
Can’t make it to this workshop? No worries – we are also hosting a free virtual crabbing workshop on June 29th from 6-7pm. Register for the virtual workshop by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/2026crabbing

06/08/2026

Summer crabbing is almost here! Join us on June 29th for a FREE virtual workshop with the experts at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Gain valuable insights, tips, and tricks to and make the most of your adventures. Don't miss out—register now at https://tinyurl.com/2026crabbing and secure your spot!

06/01/2026

Our newly acquired remotely operated vehicle (ROV) completed its maiden voyage this month!
Staff members Jason and Haley joined representatives from Oceanbotics and our partners at the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for hands-on training with the new equipment. During the training, the team learned how to pilot the ROV and successfully located and retrieved a derelict crab pot containing 10 harvestable-size male Dungeness crabs, all of which were safely returned to the ocean.
Once training is complete, the ROV will help expand our derelict crab pot retrieval efforts by allowing crews to recover gear at depths beyond the limits of our dive teams.
This project is a partnership between the Northwest Straits Foundation, the Skagit and Island County Marine Resources Committees, and the Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting new tool helps us recover more lost gear and protect marine life!

10/06/2025

Our removal team is grateful to everyone who helps to keep the Salish Sea clear of marine debris. It’s been a busy season for us, and we thank the fishermen who have diligently reported net entanglements so we can remove the gear before unnecessary harm is caused.

This is a great example of industry and community working together for a healthy Salish Sea.

Report lost fishing nets at 360-733-1725 or derelictgear.org. Remember, there are NO penalties, removals are FREE, and this simple act can do more than save fish. Let’s work together!

08/29/2025

Headed out crabbing this Labor Day weekend? 🦀
Play along with our Crab Bingo! Each square is a step to protect your gear and our marine environment. A little prep goes a long way to making sure you Catch More Crab and lose less gear! Watch the Catch More Crab videos by following this link: https://nwstraitsfoundation.org/derelict-gear/catch-more-crab/

07/07/2025

Just in! WDFW has announced a new rule prohibiting crabbing and sh*****ng around Puget Sound ferry terminal areas. It’s always been best practice, but now it’s the rule. Protect your gear, avoid the fine, and Catch More Crab! To learn more and see which locations are affected by the closure zones check out the link in the comments!

07/03/2025

Shell yeah! It’s (almost) the Fourth and crabbing season is kicking off! 🦀🎆
July 3rd marks opening day across much of Puget Sound, so get ready to sea-ze the day! Don’t be shellfish, do your part to keep the season safe and sustainable. Head on over to CatchMoreCrab.org to make sure your gear is properly rigged and ready to roll!

06/25/2025

Last Chance to Register!

Crabbing season is almost here! Register now at https://tinyurl.com/45z8tsmf for our online workshop today, June 25th from 6 – 7 PM with experts from WDFW who will share everything you need to know for a successful crabbing season.

Registration is required, so secure your spot now! https://tinyurl.com/45z8tsmf

Learn to be a responsible and successful crabber so you and future generations can !

Address

Bellingham, WA
98225

Telephone

+13607331725

Website

https://salishseaalliance.org/

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