FAQ

The Salish Sea Alliance, formerly known as the Northwest Straits Foundation, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to restoring and preserving the long-term health of the Salish Sea by fostering collaboration, encouraging stewardship and conservation, and implementing science-based restoration.

We complete and fund restoration and conservation programs that protect marine life and shorelines. Our core programs include derelict fishing gear removal, Shore Friendly (shoreline landowner outreach), nearshore restoration and monitoring, and marine scholars and internships.

The Northwest Straits Foundation was established by Congress in 1998 as part of the Northwest Straits Initiative. In 2001 we became an independent nonprofit, and in 2026, we renamed ourselves to the Salish Sea Alliance to better reflect our commitment to our Tribal, agency, and community partners.

Over 20 years ago we started as a small non-profit working to support the efforts of the Northwest Straits Initiative. We have grown out of that role into a collaborative marine conservation organization working to protect and restore marine resources throughout the Salish Sea.

The Salish Sea is one of the most ecologically vital and beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest, but its fragile marine ecosystems face intense pressure from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Protection requires active, science-driven restoration. Healthy shorelines and clean waters are essential for salmon, orcas, and marine ecosystems, but also for the cultural, economic, and physical well-being of communities around the Salish Sea.

Derelict fishing gear is gear that has been lost, abandoned, or discarded at sea.

This lost fishing gear degrades marine habitats and entangles target and non-target species of fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and invertebrates. This “ghost fishing” kills countless marine animals with no one there to harvest or set them free.

The Shore Friendly program helps take some of the complexity out of decision making by connecting landowners to the expertise, tools and services to manage erosion and address concerns with habitat friendly methods. By making environmentally responsible decisions, shoreline landowners can protect both their homes and the health of the Salish Sea. Choosing natural approaches, rather than hard armoring, promotes healthy marine ecosystems and reduces risks of property damage.

The Caroline Gibson Scholarship in Marine Studies honors the enduring legacy of a beloved marine conservation leader who championed collaboration and partnerships in the region. Each year, the Salish Sea Alliance supports a cohort of graduate and undergraduate students pursuing applied studies in marine environments. Through financial support, mentorship, and professional networking, we are investing in the next generation of ocean stewards.

We welcome many forms of support to keep our programs thriving. You can get involved on the beaches by joining us for community stewardship days, monitoring restored shorelines, or participating in beach cleanups that we announce on our social media and our newsletter. We also deeply appreciate financial contributions, whether one-time, monthly giving, or continuing sponsorships, which go directly toward funding science-driven restoration projects and student scholarships across the region.