The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for more than 2.6 million acres of aquatic lands, lands that are submerged under Puget Sound, and lands of navigable lakes and rivers. As land steward, DNR manages and protects aquatic resources to benefit the people of Washington by providing sustainable opportunities to generate revenue while protecting fish and wildlife.
In order to balance public benefits of state-owned aquatic lands, DNR established the Aquatic Reserves Program, which promotes the protection of important native ecosystems and aquatic habitats. Currently, DNR has four designated aquatic reserves and three more that have been selected for protection.
Cherry Point, an aquatic reserve that was designated for protection in 2000, is currently undergoing the final steps of public comment before the management plan for the area is finalized. Cherry Point hosts a robust aquatic ecosystem that houses one of the largest herring spawning grounds in Puget Sound. The site is also home to migratory salmon, birds and orca whales – species that thrive on the abundance of pacific herring in the area.
The Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve Management Plan recognizes the importance of keeping these species and landscapes healthy, which is why specific research and monitoring goals have been incorporated into the plan.
Currently, two oil refineries and one aluminum smelter are inland from the reserve and have docks that operate on the shoreline – which have been noted as a potential risk to the health of the aquatic habitats that thrive at Cherry Point. As of late, the herring population at Cherry Point has hit a decline and has been cause for concern.
When finalized, the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve Management Plan will recommend modifications to future industrial uses that are at the site. These modifications are established to help keep the aquatic ecosystem strong, as well as help current site lessees make their uses more sustainable.
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