Washington Department of Ecology
Founded in 1970, the Washington State Department of Ecology has long been a pioneer in environmental protection. In 1976, Washington became the first state with a federally approved Coastal Zone Management Program. Today, Ecology oversees programs for air, water, climate, waste, hazardous substances, spills, and coastal management and facilitates collaborative planning to protect coastal communities, natural resources, and vital infrastructure.
Key achievements in ocean and coastal policy led or supported by Ecology in recent years include:
Completion of the Marine Spatial Plan for Washington’s Pacific Coast following extensive data collection and coordination with Tribes, federal and state agencies, and the public. The plan offers background data, resource information, and a management framework to protect coastal resources and existing ocean uses.
Publication of an expert-informed data gap assessment report to guide future research supporting the marine spatial plan.
Formation of the Coastal Hazards Organizational Resilience Team, an interagency initiative to promote coastal resilience and provide resources to coastal communities facing flooding, erosion, sea level rise, and other hazards.
Securing a $74 million award to fund multi-benefit projects that reduce coastal hazard impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems and provide local governments with resources to pursue funding and develop creative solutions.
Ecology has been an active participant in regional ocean forums, including the West Coast Ocean Alliance since its inception. Recognizing that ocean resources are a shared asset, Ecology regards the Alliance as a vital platform for exchanging information and strengthening ties with Tribes and federal and state agencies.
