About Us
Vision
WSG envisions healthy, vibrant and productive marine ecosystems together with resilient, prosperous and engaged coastal communities in Washington state.
Mission
The WSG mission is to help people and marine life thrive by supporting research, technical expertise and educational activities that foster the responsible use and conservation of ocean and coastal ecosystems.
Values
To accomplish its mission and achieve its vision, WSG adheres to a set of core values focused on achieving positive environmental and societal impact. It seeks to forge tools, foster insights, build capacity and invest in relationships for sustainable management, enjoyment and use of Washington’s marine resources to support safe and prosperous fisheries and aquaculture, rich cultural and maritime heritage, resilient communities, and biologically diverse ecosystems. Facilitating practical and collaborative solutions to today’s ocean and coastal issues, WSG supports a culture of scientific integrity and serves as a trusted source of place-based information and real-world expertise that honors the history, people and places of Washington.
WSG seeks to create access to resources and opportunities for everyone in Washington, and to incorporate the breadth of the state’s perspectives and priorities in all that we do. WSG’s work is based on a culture of trust, respect, partnerships and accountability. Specifically, WSG strives to:
- ensure the right of all people to live and work in a clean environment;
- create fair access to natural resources, opportunities, decision-making processes and protection from environmental hazards;
- foster learning by encouraging open, honest and respectful exchange that honors differences in experience, background, interests and values;
- build community and collaboration by valuing and engaging with the priorities, expertise, capabilities, and participation of diverse partners; and
- create a welcoming work environment, so that each person and group feels respected, valued and safe.
Cross-cutting Principles
Partnerships – A Cornerstone
WSG cultivates partnerships by valuing and engaging with the priorities, expertise, capabilities, and participation of diverse partners. WSG collaborates with local communities; federal, tribal, state and local governments; businesses; researchers; K-12 schools; and nongovernmental organizations and international partners on a wide variety of marine-related research, engagement and education projects.
Addressing Climate Change
Current and future climate change affects each of WSG’s program areas; addressing these impacts is essential to meeting WSG’s goals. WSG pursues strategies to advance climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience across human and ecological communities in coastal Washington state.