State Ocean Caucus

The Governor's Office and state agencies are acting on the Ocean Policy Advisory Group's recommendations, including involving local and tribal governments, stakeholders, and the general public. The State Ocean Caucus (SOC) provides a way for state agencies to work together to prioritize activities and solve problems related to the ocean environment. The SOC may set up ad hoc committees of broader participants to deal with specific issues, as necessary.

Who is on the State Ocean Caucus?

The following State agencies:

• Community Trade and Economic Development

• Department of Ecology

• Department of Health

• Department of Fish and Wildlife

• Department of Natural Resources

• Puget Sound Action Team

• State Parks and Recreation Commission

• Washington Sea Grant

What will the State Ocean Caucus do?

The State Ocean Caucus’ tasks include:

• Developing a detailed work plan to act on the Ocean Policy Work Group's recommendations in their final report, "Washington's Ocean Action Plan: Enhancing Management of Washington State's Ocean and Outer Coasts."
• Establishing a mechanism for communication and coordination with local, tribal, and regional governments, federal agencies, business and environmental interests, academic institutions, and the general public.
• Advising state activities and executing the work plan.
• Identifying and recommending necessary budget resources.

For more details on the State Ocean Caucus, please review the attached document which further outlines the mission, goals, and the purpose of the group. Click to view Mission and Goals (pdf). The documents section provides an update on state ocean caucus activities, including the work plan and recent presentations.

The State Ocean Caucus will involve and inform the public

The State Ocean Caucus will continue to solicit feedback on state activities and maintain a working knowledge of local issues including occasional outreach meetings in coastal communities on Washington’s outer coast. The Ocean Policy Work Group successfully involved local communities, coastal tribes, business and environmental interests, federal agencies, academics, and others in their efforts. This continues to be an important part of the state’s work to manage Washington’s ocean and coastal resources.

The State Ocean Caucus (SOC) will meet regularly to provide interagency collaboration, develop agendas for larger meetings, and address administrative issues. The SOC intends to use these meetings as work sessions. However, those who wish to brief the SOC on specific issues that come up between larger, public meetings are welcome to attend. Please contact the SOC Coordinator to reserve space on the agenda.

Ocean Policy Advisory Group

The Ocean Policy Advisory Group (OPAG) is a broad stakeholder advisory group to the State Ocean Caucus. The group will meet a few times a year on the outer coast. The public is encouraged and invited to attend these meetings. Please contact the SOC Coordinator to reserve space on the agenda 4 weeks prior to public meetings.

Purpose of OPAG:

• Provide input on broader policy decisions.
• Review work plan and implementation.
• Provide input between larger meetings as requested on specific policy issues via email, ad hoc work groups, and work sessions.
• Share updates and briefings on local issues related to ocean resources.

To join OPAG, fill out the form at this link (word doc) or send us your information in the form below.

Name (first, last): Organization: Title: Phone: Email: Mailing Address: Street: City:   State: Zip: Describe the ocean and coastal-related organization that you are affiliated with, if applicable. Please check the issues you have an interest in: fisheries ecosystem-based management aquaculture coastal hazards (flooding, tsunamis, storms) marine debris ocean research, monitoring, and observing ocean energy erosion and sediment management climate change sustainable communities derelict vessels derelict fishing gear ocean education shoreline management oil spills Coastal Zone Management Act other (please describe): The State Ocean Caucus will not share, sell, or distribute your contact information with any private groups or interests. By filling out this form, Ocean Policy Advisory Group members will receive updates and requests for input on state, regional, and national ocean activities and issues.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Hennessey, 360-407-6595