The Marine Resources Committees (MRC) are a type of government board for maritime counties in the U.S. state of Washington. It is part of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, enacted in 1998. Seven of the state's counties have MRCs: Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Clallam, Island, Jefferson and San Juan. The first MRC was San Juan County in 1996,Smith, Colleen. "Save Our Aquatic Ecosystem - Practice Marine Stewardship." The Islands' Weekly May 18, 2004. setting an example for others. A typical MRC has representation from local government, tribal government, the local port district, local business, and the scientific, recreational and conservation communities. Funding for the MRCs comes from federal, state, and local governments and non-profit groups.Stiffler, Lisa. "Marine initiative gets a thumb up ." Seattle Post-Intelligencer April 8, 2004. General operational funding is provided by the Northwest Straits Commission.Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team. "New Initiative Tackles 'Tough Problems' to Protect, Restore Marine Resources." Sound Waves 2000. Each MRC has a representative who sits on the Northwest Straits Commission board, making up the majority of the group."Giving locals a chance." Island Times July 21, 1999: 4. These committees perform baseline studies of Northern Puget Sound and provide solutions for protection of the waters and their habitats."Senator sightings abound." The Coupeville Examiner August 25, 2000. They also serve to carry out the overall mission of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative.Murray- Metcalf Northwest Straits Citizens Advisory Commission. (1998). Report to Convenors. Seattle: Washington Sea Grant Program, University of Washington.
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