Marine protected areas, the big picture

OLYMPIA — Protecting the Pacific Ocean from pollution and other threats is a major concern for many Washingtonians. For Senator Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, it’s a deep calling.

Jacobsen sponsored Senate Bill 6231 this session, which the Senate passed 49-0, establishing a marine protected areas work group to look at ocean policies. The group will look at threats to the Pacific as a whole, not just Puget Sound.

While the Pacific Ocean is of particular concern, the work group will analyze what is happening in oceans around the world to get a better understanding of what policy action is needed on the federal, state and local level to maintain good ocean health.

“We need to better understand our responsibilities on the federal, state and local level for maintaining good ocean health and I believe that’s what this bill will do,” said Jacobsen.

The City of Aberdeen hosted a Senate work session on ocean policy in Oct. 2007 that brought together state, city and private organizations to discuss various observations and strategies.

SB 6231 will next be heard in the House.

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