MEDIA ADVISORY
October 23, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Hyde, 360.819.3045, kevin.hyde@psp.wa.gov

Ecosystem Coordination Board to discuss the Toxics in Fish Implementation Strategy

The Puget Sound Partnership's Ecosystem Coordination Board will meet on Wednesday, October 28, from 9:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the October 28 Ecosystem Coordination Board meeting will be a virtual Zoom meeting for all participants and the public. 

Join the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/91083931776?pwd=OHdkRjFMUmc2Ky9FQkwxRjB1bmZZQT09 Meeting ID: 910 8393 1776, Password: 62311. Dial from any phone: +1 253 215 8782. Meeting ID: 910 8393 1776, Password: 62311. Zoom instructions are also included in the meeting agenda, which is available here: https://psp.wa.gov/board_meetings.php

Meeting highlights include:

• A presentation and discussion about the Boards Shared Priorities for 2021. The Boards Shared Priorities articulate how the Management Conference boards work together to advance Puget Sound recovery. This session will include feedback regarding the Boards Shared Priorities for 2021, the Ecosystem Coordination Board's work plan for 2021, and possible topics the Executive Committee should consider for the Ecosystem Coordination Board's work plan for 2021. Presentation by Jamie Stephens, chair of the Ecosystem Coordination Board, and Jillian Reitz, Boards policy specialist at the Puget Sound Partnership. 
  
  
• A presentation and discussion about 2021 legislative priorities. This session will include updates about the state revenue forecast, prospects for a special legislative session, agency decision packages, and policy proposals. In addition, the session will include discussion about strategies for advancing Puget Sound policy and budget priorities. Presentation by Jeff Parsons, legislative policy director at the Puget Sound Partnership. 
   
• A presentation and discussion about the Toxics in Fish Implementation Strategy, a recovery plan focused on reducing the levels and impacts of contaminants on Puget Sound aquatic life. This session will include a discussion of the strategy and the support that will be necessary to implement it. Presentation by Derek Day, Stormwater Strategic Initiative lead, Washington State Department of Ecology. 
   
• A presentation about the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan (Kelp Plan), which identifies six goals for the preservation and restoration of kelp species in Puget Sound. The contents of the Kelp Plan may assist in prioritizing aspects of the 2022-2026 Action Agenda. Presentation by Lucas Hart, director of the Northwest Straits Commission, and Dana Oster, marine program manager at the Northwest Straits Commission. 
   

The full Ecosystem Coordination Board agenda and meeting materials are available through this page: https://psp.wa.gov/board_meetings.php. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to provide comment and learn about the regional effort to restore and protect Puget Sound.

Those who would like to attend the meeting and need special accommodations to do so should notify Boards Policy Specialist Jillian Reitz at 360.742.2936.

About the Ecosystem Coordination Board

The Ecosystem Coordination Board's main role is to advise the Puget Sound Partnership’s Leadership Council on carrying out its responsibilities. The Board is made up of 27 members representing specific interests around the Sound.

About the Puget Sound Partnership

The Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency formed to lead the region’s collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. Working with hundreds of governments, tribes, scientists, businesses, and nonprofits, the Partnership mobilizes partner action around a common agenda, advances Sound investments, and tracks progress to optimize recovery. For more information, go to www.psp.wa.gov.