Senator Sharon Shewmake recently visited the Washington Sea Grant (WSG) office in Bellingham, which is located in her legislative district, to learn more about WSG鈥檚 work in Whatcom County and across Washington state.
Housed within the UW鈥檚 College of the Environment, WSG proudly serves as a resource on shoreline and coastal issues across the state. For over 55 years, WSG has partnered with local communities, Tribes, resource managers, businesses, educators, and the public to promote the sustainable use of marine resources, advance coastal and shoreline resilience, and support workforce development. Between 2018 and 2023, WSG delivered over $190 million in documented services and economic benefits to Washington state.
During her visit, Sen. Shewmake met with WSG leadership, local staff, and community partners to explore key initiatives in the region. A central topic was water quality in the Salish Sea, with a particular focus on the SoundToxins program. Using a statewide volunteer monitoring network, this program provides early warnings to state decision makers and the public of harmful algal blooms and other marine toxins that threaten public health, shellfish growers, and marine ecosystems. Sen. Shewmake also gained hands-on experience by helping collect and test ocean water samples for hazardous phytoplankton.
The visit also emphasized the broader role WSG plays in supporting Washington’s marine communities and the economy. The WSG team shared about their community outreach programs on aquaculture, boating, fisheries, hazards and resilience, environmental threats such as the invasive green crab, marine and coastal planning, safe and sustainable seafood, and shoreline living and restoration.
Thank you, Sen. Shewmake, for taking the time to visit the Washington Sea Grant Bellingham office and for engaging on critical marine and coastal issues.