🌊 North Mason County, WA · Est. 2021
Marine Health.
Community
Action.
We're on a mission to restore Case Inlet's overall marine health and to rejuvenate our salmon populations. Education and research guide our actions.
OUR MISSION
Marine Health.
Community Action.
We're on a mission to restore Case Inlet's overall marine health and to rejuvenate our salmon populations. Education and research guide our actions.
We are partnering with the North Mason High School, local businesses, the WDFW, the Squaxin Island Tribe, the Nisqually Tribe, the Ports of Allyn and Grapeview, and community organizations to complete our work.
PARTNERS:
Port of Grapeview
Port of Allyn
KEY FINDINGS
What We've Learned
So Far
Lessons from two years of community engagement, tribal partnership, and field research across Case Inlet and south Puget Sound.
01
Tribal Partnerships Are Essential
Strong relationships with the Squaxin Island Tribe and WDFW are the foundation of everything we do, without them, we cannot succeed.
04
Expanded Focus, Better Outcomes
Beyond Coulter Creek: marine health, temporary net pens, and community education all reinforce each other for greater impact.
02
Education Drives Lasting Change
Programs like Pt. Defiance, rearing 140,000 Chinook each spring, prove that involving students and volunteers creates durable impact.
05
Community Interest Is High
Local residents are eager to participate, our volunteer and education base is ready to grow, and the momentum is real.
03
Case Inlet Is Ready
North Bay has rich hands-on opportunities; WDFW hatcheries and Fair Harbor Marina are already in place and ready to partner.
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OUR PROJECTS
Salmon Smolt Rearing Project Fair Harbor Marina
The Case Inlet Fisheries Task Force is partnering with the North Mason High School (NMHS) and the Fair Harbor Marina in order to install a temporary smolt rearing enclosure at the marina.
NMHS has built a Career and Tech Education (CTE) curriculum to educate students on Natural Resource stewardship. This program includes a focus area on marine and fisheries management. The first cohort of 34 students will be completing their third and final year in the program in the 2026/27 school year. More groups follow in subsequent years.
Students enrolled in the program are gaining important experience and developing skills in all aspects of marine management including, environmental research, building and deploying submersible robotics and learning how to work safely in a marine environment. Knowledge, skills and hands on experience will prepare them to work immediately in Case Inlet’s marine related industries or to consider pursuing secondary education.
The smolt rearing project at Fair Harbor provides goes beyond classroom curriculum by providing invaluable field experience for students as they care for and raise salmon.
NMHS has purchased the enclosure and we have secured a commitment of Coho smolts from the WDFW.
We are grateful for the support we are receiving from our community.
OUR MISSION
The Great Salmon Highway
Salmon returning to south Puget Sound sustain communities along their route, from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Olympia. Fish reared and released in Case Inlet provide opportunities for Tribes and communities along the entire corridor.
Orcas (Southern Resident Killer Whales) benefit from salmon raised and released in South Puget Sound as the returning salmon travel the waters of the Puget Sound to the furthest reaches of Case Inlet.
OUR PLANS
Objectives &
Desired Outcomes
A focused set of objectives to restore Case Inlet's fisheries, build community, and create lasting educational and economic opportunity for North Mason County.
01
Support Education
Back North Mason High School's new Natural Resources program, developing the next generation of marine biologists and fisheries managers.
03
Net Pen Installation
Install a temporary rearing and release net pen at Fair Harbor Marina, stocked in partnership with the Salmon Enhancement Center.
05
Build Volunteer Base
Develop a community engagement program and volunteer base to support net pen operations and hatchery stewardship year-round.
02
Co-Management Partnership
Partner with the Squaxin Island Tribe and WDFW to create hands-on learning opportunities and effective co-management frameworks.
04
Hatchery Investment Strategy
Work with WDFW to develop a long-term investment strategy to maintain and expand the Coulter Creek hatchery facility.
06
Economic & Community Impact
Create jobs, strengthen community bonds, and improve economic opportunities for all communities surrounding Case Inlet.
Calendar Of Events
ABOUT US
Origins & Leadership
The Case Inlet Fisheries Task Force was formalized in 2021 by a joint resolution from the Port of Grapeview and the Port of Allyn, with a mission to restore marine health and salmon populations across the inlet.
2021
Task Force formalized by joint port resolution. Art Whitson (Port of Grapeview) and Travis Merrill (Port of Allyn) join as founding commissioners. Brad Pomroy named Group Facilitator.
2022-23
Focus broadened beyond Coulter Creek Hatchery to include comprehensive marine health, education, research, and community engagement across Case Inlet.
2024-25
Net pen partnership with Fair Harbor Marina and Squaxin Island Tribe in active development. North Mason High School Natural Resources program launched with Task Force support.
MEMBERS
Board & Task Force
Brad Pomroy - BOD
President/Executive Director
Rick Witters - BOD
Vice President
Roxanne Silverthorne - BOD
Secretary
Mark LaRiviere - BOD
Biologist
Bill Gaines - BOD
Bob Seda
Treasurer
Art Whitson
Task Force Member, Commissioner, Port of Grapeview
Thom Worlund
Task Force Member
Travis Merrill
Task Force Member, Executive Director, Port of Allyn
Phil Wolf
Task Force Member
Nathan Jensen
Task Force Member