Gov.Christine Gregoirehas re-appointed Joe Gaydos (VMD, PhD) to serve on the Northwest Straits Commission for a second four-year term.

Gaydos is the regional director for the Sea Doc Society and is a wildlife veterinarian interested in diseases of free-ranging wildlife and the science of marine conservation. He lives with his family on Orcas.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to continue working with the Northwest Straits Commission,” Gaydos said in a press release.

“With their commitment to using science to guide the efforts of hundreds of private citizens in seven counties, this conservation initiative is a resource that everybody can get behind.”

In her appointment letter, Gregoire said, “Thank you for your willingness to join me in serving the citizens of Washington. We need people like you, who are willing to give of their time and abilities to our state.”

Gaydos is chairman of the commission’s science committee and serves on its executive committee.

The Northwest Straits Commission is a 13- member body made up of seven representatives of Marine Resources Committees from the Northwest Straits counties (Clallam, Island, Jefferson, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom). Five members are appointed by the governor and one is appointed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

The Commission takes on regional projects such as derelict fishing gear removal. The Marine Resources Committees determine priorities and undertake projects in their individual counties.

The Northwest Straits Initiative is a congressionally-authorized program to restore and protect the valuable marine resources and habitats in northern Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Visit www.nwstraits.org.