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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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.
Going nuts over the peanut worms
Peanut worms belong to the phylum Sipuncula, meaning "little tube or siphon." They can retract their bodies into a tubular trunk like a balled up pair of socks.
New Ecology guidance helps protect cleanup sites from climate change impacts
Addressing climate change is a critical challenge for Washington state and a priority for Ecology. In response to our changing climate, we have created new guidance for cleaning up toxic sites.
What the shell? The tusk shells are in a class all their own
Tusk shells belong to the Class Scaphopoda, meaning boat foot. In contrast to a real elephant's ivory tusk, a scaphopod's conical shell is open on both ends.
Puget Sound Nutrient Watch: The Salish Sea Computer Model

We explain how the Salish Sea Model and other scientific computer models help us better understand the world around us.

Things that go bump in the night: the sea spiders look a fright
Sea spiders have segmented bodies, hard exoskeletons, and long, thin legs like land spiders, but they are not closely related.
Next phase of Port Gamble Bay cleanup is underway
Long used for recreation, food harvesting, and other culturally important activities, Port Gamble Bay, home to the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, is one of seven Puget Sound Initiative priority bays.
Get ready to "fall" for the orange sea pen
The orange sea pen resembles a colorful autumn tree waving in the breeze of moving water currents.
Eyes Over Puget Sound; Sunny, warm, and colorful

Late summer 2017 brings warm air temperatures and drier conditions throughout Puget Sound. Streamflows in the region's northern rivers are lower than rivers in South Puget Sound.