Puget Sound

Puget Sound, the nation’s second largest marine estuary, faces a number of challenges related to population growth and development, habitat loss, and pollution. We work with local and tribal governments, state and federal agencies, non-profits, and private sector partners to protect and restore the Sound.
Puget Sound, the nation’s second largest marine estuary, faces a number of challenges related to population growth and development, habitat loss, and pollution. We work with local and tribal governments, state and federal agencies, non-profits, and private sector partners to protect and restore the Sound.

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New science sheds light on Puget Sound dissolved oxygen

Two new reports evaluate the influence of people, climate, and the Pacific Ocean on oxygen levels in South and Central Puget Sound, as well as the larger Salish Sea.

Around the Sound: Ongoing and future restoration, redevelopment, and recreation
Port Gamble Bay on scenic Hood Canal was once home to a saw mill that operated for 142 years. The in-water cleanup and restoration and preservation efforts continue to transform this bay.
Ecology opposes federal proposal to allow offshore drilling on Washington’s coast

Ecology Director Bellon submitted a letter to the U.S. Interior Secretary opposing a federal proposal to allow offshore oil and natural gas leasing on WA's outer continental shelf.

We're over the moon for the moon snail
With its easily recognizable shell (the largest found on Puget Sound beaches), we are certainly over the moon for this month's critter: the Moon Snail.
Ring in the New Year with the black-eyed hermit crab
The black-eyed hermit is never far from home, because it carries it along. Hermit crabs find protection from predators inside empty snail shells.
Eyes Over Puget Sound: La Niña is here!

November 2016 surface-conditions report: heavy rains swelled Puget Sound rivers and streams to above-normal levels, so water temperatures, salinity, and oxygen improved.

Making a stink: the Pacific stinkworm
When disturbed, Travisia pupa, the stinkworm, as its name suggests, gives off a pungent odor similar to rotting garlic.
Sound-to-table? The sweet potato sea cucumber is a produce impersonator
With its smooth, plump body, this month’s critter bears a resemblance to items you might find in a grocery store. Meet Molpadia intermedia, the Sweet Potato Sea Cucumber.
Riddle me this: What is a glistenworm?
The glistenworm is a shell-less, footless mollusk that burrows into marine sediments by digging with the shield around its mouth.
Ocean Acidification is real

Let’s be clear. Ocean acidification is real. Determining the causes, impacts, and identifying potential solutions are high priorities for our agency and the state.