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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Slime is the new black for the flabby bristle worm

This month's critter is the flabby bristle worm. It might look slimy and unappealing, but it plays an important role in cycling nutrients through the Puget Sound food web.

New grant program aims to restore, protect Puget Sound riparian areas

We are launching new grant program to make Puget Sound riparian areas more resilient to climate change.

Big investments boost Washington's coastal resiliency

New $73.6 million federal grant helps tackle coastal climate-related threats.

Proposed Port Angeles pilot project seeks to test technology to pull harmful carbon dioxide out of the air 

A pilot project proposed in Port Angeles is designed to test a new approach to removing carbon pollution.

Cleaning up: Sampling and dredging in I & J Waterway begins this summer

Dredging and sampling work begin this month in Bellingham's I & J Waterway

Proposed settlement reached to restore habitats in Port Gamble Bay

The proposed settlement, now available for public comment, would require building two habitat restoration projects worth nearly $10 million.

The scoop on monitoring for marine beach poop

View our safe swimming map for summer beach advisories and closures. Help us keep poop off the beach.

When pee is pollution

Puget Sound communities, Ecology, and our partners are working to reduce the amount of nutrient pollution in Puget Sound.  

West Point Treatment Plant water quality permit now issued

We've now issued the final permit for the West Point wastewater treatment plant in Seattle. It strengthens protective measures for Puget Sound with updates that match current water quality rules.

Looking back and looking forward on our beach monitoring season

Every summer we monitor beaches for fecal bacteria to protect beachgoers. Read our 2023 BEACH Program report and send us feedback on the proposed list of beaches that will be monitored in 2024.