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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Beach poop is everyone's business

Swimming in fecal bacteria is not only gross but can make you sick.

Size matters — What can we learn from biomass and size classification?
We're studying benthic invertebrate biomass (critter size) for the first time on a large scale in Puget Sound.
Hitting the brakes on copper pollution

June is Orca Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to become aware of the impacts pollution coming from things like vehicle brakes can have.

The "unicorn" shrimp is pure magic
Nebalia pugettensis is a tiny crustacean that lives on the sea floor, with a horn-like rostrum and leg-like appendages that function as lungs.
Puget Sound Nutrient Watch: Algal Blooms

Excess nutrients can cause an explosion of algae growth called algal blooms, we discuss more about these blooms. 

It's field work time!
Sediment monitoring field season is a perfect opportunity to talk about how we collect Puget Sound critters.
Puget Sound officially a No Discharge Zone

Under the historic new rule, vessels are prohibited from releasing any sewage (blackwater), treated or untreated, within Puget Sound. This will help protect shellfish and people. 

The brittle stars embody nature's fragility...and resilience
The brittle stars truly are in a class all their own.
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.

All you need is mud! The sea mouse is muddy but mighty
The sea mouse may be brown and fuzzy, but that is about all it shares with its mammalian namesake. Believe it or not, the sea mouse is actually a marine segmented worm, or polychaete.