Jennifer Hennessey Marine Spatial Planning in Washington State

Marine Spatial Planningin Washington State

Jennifer HennesseyWashington State

Department of Ecology

Washington has two coasts!

Coast #1

Coast #2

Dryness

Pacific Coast vs. Puget Sound

Renewable Energy: A Planning Driver

AquaBuoy Finaveraproject: Makah Bay

Timeline: recent MSP activities

State Law

Directs state agencies to:1. Compile and incorporate spatial data into 

current plans. 2. Develop guidance on the operation and 

siting of renewable energy facilities. 3. Conduct comprehensive marine spatial 

planning for all of Washington’s waters.Amendments to law in April 2012.

Core principles: content and process

Photo: Katie Lassiter

Photo: Katie Lassiter

Report to legislature (Jan. 2011)

General recommendations for how the state should proceed with MSP, including:

• Renewable energy as key driver• Separate plans for large regions: Pacific Coast, Puget Sound, Columbia River

• Goals and objectives• Data standards, tools & management

More complexity:Federal and Tribal Governments

Source: NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

MSP Coordination

Advisory Body

Tribes Ocean 

Sovereigns Council

State Ocean Caucus(State 

agencies)

Federal and Local 

Governments

Science Forum

GeneralPublic

Timeline: Next Steps

Opportunities

• Initial funding • Some capacity• High interest and engagement• Existing and new governance structures• Political will ‐‐ legal mandate• Time ‐‐ no pending developers or projects• Strategy underway

Challenges

• No stable funding and limited capacity• Communication• Managing expectations• Establishing a common understanding of law, outcomes and process (Why? How?)

• Large area(s)• Time ‐ Less urgent driver(s)• Timing – Demonstrate success

More information

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/msp/

Contact :Jennifer.Hennessey@ecy.wa.gov

360‐407‐6595