Washington Sea Grant – Marc Hershman Fellowship
State Ocean Caucus: Preliminary Agency Projects

In 2007, the Washington State Office of the Governor and several state agencies established the State Ocean Caucus, an interagency team, to act on the recommendations in the Washington Ocean Action Plan. Specifically focusing on Washington’s outer coast, these recommendations cover a broad range of ocean and coastal management topics, such as ecosystem-based management, fisheries, aquaculture, ocean research, education, alternative ocean energy, climate change, coastal hazards, coastal communities and governance.

The caucus provides a way for state agencies to work together to prioritize activities and solve problems related to the ocean environment and to involve local and tribal governments, stakeholders and the general public in achieving solutions. State Ocean Caucus members include the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Ecology, Department of Health and Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, as well as State Parks and Recreation, the Military Department Emergency Management Division and Washington Sea Grant. Fellows will be paired with a specific agency that is a member of the State Ocean Caucus and assist with projects that advance State Ocean Caucus work. For many projects, tasks outlined will involve communicating with multiple agencies.

Project Topic and Potential Fellowship Tasks

  1. Adaptation to and Preparation for Climate Change in Coastal Areas
    1. Examine expected climate change impacts to state-owned or managed lands in coastal areas. Research different adaptation measures and management strategies for various state-owned or managed lands.
    2. Examine how planning for state-owned lands can provide a model for managing adjoining lands and adapting local land use policies and plans. Research related policy implications for state laws, policies, rules and guidance for climate change adaptation in coastal areas.
    3. Research implications of climate change impacts to state long-term coastal hazard and emergency planning for storm events, coastal flooding, etc.  Develop recommendations for coastal area hazard and emergency plans.
    4. Review relevant state laws, policies, rules and guidance for appropriate revisions to support adaptation to and preparation for climate change impacts on Washington’s coastal areas.
  1. Washington State Coastal Zone Program Review
    1. Review effectiveness of current Washington State Coastal Zone Management Program enforceable policies and conduct research on potential new authorities to more comprehensively address coastal management issues.
    2. Work across multiple agencies (while placed at Department of Ecology) to analyze different existing authorities and assess probable outcomes of potential changes to coastal program.
    3. Provide report summarizing research findings, recommended changes to coastal program and subsequent steps.
  1. Marine Debris / Derelict Fishing Gear
    1. Review current statutory authorities for addressing derelict fishing gear and marine debris in the state.
    2. Research current activities for marine debris and/or derelict fishing gear removal and assess what physical areas and debris/gear issues are not currently being addressed.
    3. Coordinate with state agencies, local entities and NGOs currently addressing marine debris and derelict gear.
    4. Provide recommendations towards effective implementation of a statewide marine debris / derelict fishing gear removal program that builds on existing efforts while addressing gaps.
  1. Alternative Ocean Energy
    1. Analyze how existing state laws, mandates, regulations, and management relate to current and potential alternative ocean energy project proposals, and identify any gaps.
    2. Research and develop recommendations on policies, planning, or permitting strategies to comprehensively address ocean energy.
    3. Aid coordination of existing state agency policies and activities related to alternative ocean energy, such as the state coastal zone program (Ecology), management of state-owned aquatic lands (DNR) and recreational and commercial fisheries (DFW).
    4. Coordinate and communicate on state planning and policy with federal entities that have authority over ocean energy leases and licenses.