SEA Program Home > Ocean Resources Home > History

History

Washington’s reliance on ocean and coastal resources has resulted in a rich state history in policy and management of these resources. Concern over uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the state’s shorelines prompted Washington to adopt of the Shoreline Management Act in 1972. During the 1980s, public concerned over proposed oil and gas drilling off the coast resulted in adoption of the Ocean Resources Management Act (ORMA). This law establishes policies and planning criteria for ocean resources and bans leasing of Washington’s outer coast waters for oil and gas exploration, development and production.

In recent years, major national initiatives reexamined the role and scope of coastal zone management in the United States and ways to provide better links between coastal and ocean management and policy. In the early 2000s, The Pew Charitable Trusts initiated such a study through the Pew Oceans Commission which issued its final report, America’s Living Ocean, in June, 2003. In parallel with the Pew Oceans Commission, the Congressionally-mandated U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy also conducted a thorough study of ocean issues and issued their report, An Ocean Blueprint, in September, 2004. These reports highlighted critical ocean and coastal issues and needs and presented many recommendations for improving ocean resource management and policy.

Washington State Ocean Policy Work Group

As a result of national level efforts, the 2005 Washington State Legislature directed the Governor’s Office to investigate state ocean resources and report back with recommendations for improving management of Washington’s ocean resources. The Governor’s office formed the Washington State Ocean Policy Work Group (OPWG) made up of representatives from state agencies and commissions, county commissioners, members of the State Legislature, stakeholder groups, and city, county, and port associations. In addition, tribal representatives served as observers.

University of Washington Professor Marc Hershman, a former Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, served as a member of the group. Professor Hershman led a group of graduate students from the University of Washington’s School of Marine Affairs to aid the OPWG with background research and writing support for the group.

The OPWG analyzed ocean and coastal resource issues including: sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, ecosystem-based management, ocean energy, coastal hazards, erosion and sediment management, climate change, ocean research and observing, ocean education, sustainable communities, and governance.

During May and June 2006, the group conducted outreach to a wide array of stakeholders in coastal communities on the outer coast and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca to gather input and guidance on issues and recommendations. In December 2006, the OPWG produced its final report entitled “Washington’s Ocean Action Plan: Enhancing Management of Washington State’s Ocean and Outer Coasts.” The final report contained over 50 recommendations for improving protection and management of Washington’s ocean resources.

 

Questions? Contact Jennifer Hennessey, 360-407-6595