Research & Data

Use this portal to filter and search for all of our scientific information.

Ecology provides the high-quality science that is the foundation of Washington state environmental policy. Our monitoring, assessment, and modeling services provide a data-rich understanding of our state’s land, air, and water. We provide access to that data through reports, databases, maps and user-friendly online tools.

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Long-term marine water & sediment data

We gather high quality data to help accurately reflect changes in marine environments over time.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/water-column-data

Whatcom County annual BEACH report

We sampled four beaches in Whatcom County for bacteria in the summer of 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/beach-annual-report/whatcom-county

Mapping Puget Sound bluffs and beaches

We collect topographic data about Puget Sound beaches and bluffs.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/coastal-monitoring-assessment/projects/mapping-puget-sound-bluffs-and-beaches

KeepingYourBeachClean

An infographic with tips on how to keep your beach clean.

https://ecology.wa.gov/beach-infographic-print-version

Monitoring for toxic chemicals

We conduct long-term monitoring to understand levels and trends of toxics in the environment.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/toxics-monitoring

Lake water quality monitoring & protection

Working with partners, we compile data on algae, invasive plants, and some toxic chemicals in lakes.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/lake-water-quality

River and stream monitoring

Our freshwater data helps us to assure clean and abundant water to support human and aquatic life.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring

Marine water & sediment monitoring

We conduct water and sediment long-term monitoring to identify ecosystem changes.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring

Wastewater testing

Whole effluent toxicity testing ensures wastewater does not harm aquatic life.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/wastewater-testing

Modeling the environment

Computer models mathematically represent part of the environment to predict potential changes.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/models-spreadsheets/modeling-the-environment

Freshwater fish contaminant monitoring

We analyze freshwater fish for various toxic chemicals.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/toxics-monitoring/freshwater-fish-contaminant-monitoring

Island County annual BEACH report

Learn about the four beaches sampled for bacteria in Island County in the summer of 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/beach-annual-report/island-county

Habitat monitoring

We collect data on the health of environmental systems that support plant and animal life.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/habitat-monitoring

Monitoring Puget Sound from ferries

We installed sensors on passenger ferries as a cost-effective way of collecting water quality data.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/monitoring-puget-sound-from-ferries

Skagit County annual BEACH report

We sampled Bay View State Park beach in Skagit County in the summer of 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/beach-annual-report/skagit-county

Jellyfish in Puget Sound

Jellyfish numbers may be increasing in Puget Sound. You can help us monitor them.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/jellyfish

Marine algae & plankton

Marine algae blooms are overgrowths of plankton. They can look like a spill in the water.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/puget-sound-and-marine-monitoring/marine-algae-plankton

Thurston County annual BEACH report

We sampled two beaches in Thurston County for bacteria in the summer of 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/beach-annual-report/thurston-county

Models and tools for water quality improvement

We use models to predict water quality changes to help find strategies to address pollution.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/models-spreadsheets/modeling-the-environment/models-tools-for-tmdls

Salish Sea Model

We use a computer tool that simulates hydrodynamic and water quality processes in the Salish Sea.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/data-resources/models-spreadsheets/modeling-the-environment/salish-sea-modeling