Q:

What state agencies are involved in the planning process and what is their role?

A:

A state law requires an interagency team of state natural resource agencies to develop a marine spatial plan. Washington is using an existing interagency team, the State Ocean Caucus, to conduct Marine Spatial Planning.

The team is chaired by the Governor’s office and coordinated by the Department of Ecology. Representatives on the planning team include staff from the Washington State Governor’s Office, the Departments of Ecology, Natural Resources, and Fish and Wildlife, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Washington Sea Grant, and many others. Each agency manages different aspects of marine activities and resources and brings unique perspectives and authorities to the planning process. Marine Spatial Planning can integrate and complement existing resource management and improve coordination between agencies.

For more information about the role of each agency, see the MSP website.