Quiet Sound:
Five (5) Year Service
Agreement
&
Commission Exemption
June 24, 2025
POS CLEANUP & NRD HABITAT SITE
NWSA LICENSED PROPERTY
Item No. 9a
Meeting Date: June 24, 2025
Request
1. Authorization for the Executive Director to sign a $250,000 service agreement with
Maritime Blue to support Quiet Sound Program consistent with an MOU approved by
Port of Seattle Commission on November 19, 2024.
2. Staff is also requesting that the Commission exempt the service agreement from
competitive process requirements consistent with RCW 53.19.020(5).
2
Background
• Southern Resident Orca Task Force Recommendation 22:
– Create a program similar to ECHO program for Washington State
– Coordinate with ECHO on transboundary efforts to reduce noise impacts
– Provide funding for acoustic monitoring network for Puget Sound
• Port of Seattle initiated process to set up Quiet Sound program
• Maritime Blue was selected to lead the program in 2019-20
• Participation from numerous stakeholders: Ports, Ferries,
Marine Exchange, Tribes, US Coast Guard, Cruise, etc.
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• Voluntary vessel slowdowns
(2022-2025)
• Strengthened sightings data (e.g.,
Orca Network)
• Expanded Whale Report Alert
System (WRAS)
• Legislative advocacy
• Coordination with ECHO (British
Columbia) and others
Accomplishments
4
2025-2026 Funding
• Washington State legislature
• Philanthropic partners
• Port of Seattle/Tacoma/NWSA
• Prior years included federal
funding
• Anticipating ~$400-500k
reduction compared to 2024-25
5
Quiet Sound Program
2025-2026
$884,410
Budget Prioritization
6
Commission Exemption
Competing this service is not reasonable or cost effective due to
the following:
• Quiet Sound is the only program that fulfills Orca Task Force recommendation to
develop “a parallel and adaptive implementation of ECHO and related shipping
noise-reduction initiatives”
• The program convenes a coalition that shape initiatives to inform current and future
programming in a manner that is aligned with Port of Seattle goals.
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Request
1. Authorize Executive Director to sign a $250,000 service agreement with Maritime
Blue to support the Quiet Sound consistent with MOU approved by Commission on
November 19, 2024.
2. Exempt service agreement from competitive process requirements consistent with
RCW 53.19.020(5).
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