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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Moss animals: Animals in plant disguises!
Bryozoans take on many different growth forms that provide habitat and shelter for juvenile fish and invertebrates. Some resemble fans or lace, while others appear more geometric.
Women in Science: Laura Hermanson

Laura Hermanson is a scientist with the BEACH Program. She keeps beachgoers safe by sampling high-use beaches for fecal bacteria and warning people when it isn’t safe to recreate in the water.

My heart will go on: the humble heart cockle lives long and prospers
The heart cockle is a bivalve named for its heart-shaped profile. They are the largest cockles on the west coast, reaching almost 6 inches in length.
The dove snails bring peace and good shell to all
Dove snails don't look much like their avian namesake – except for the teardrop shape of their shells.
New Online Map: Dirt Alert

This month we launched our new Dirt Alert Map. This online map focuses on the Tacoma Smelter Plume and  covers other areas in the state where arsenic- and lead-related soil contamination may exist.

Oak Harbor has Puget Sound's future in mind
The city of Oak Harbor is about to bring Puget Sound's newest wastewater treatment plant online.
Monitoring is essential to Puget Sound

We recently adapted our sediment monitoring program to collect data that will help better understand the effects of climate change and of nutrient pollution flowing into the Sound.

Bad to the bone: The skeleton shrimps are drop-dead cool
If you can put aside their alien appearance, skeleton shrimp are fascinating creatures.
Think pink: bloodworms rule the beaches of South Sound
Bloodworms are a type of polychaete, or marine segmented worm, in the family Glyceridae.
Ecology researchers study climate effects on Puget Sound food web

Unusual phytoplankton blooms caused by warm ocean water give scientists a glimpse into the future of marine life, from shellfish to whales.