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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Effectiveness monitoring for water quality

Our scientists study the effectiveness of projects to protect and improve water quality.

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

Puyallup River tributaries effectiveness monitoring

We’re studying bacteria pollution in tributaries to the Puyallup River.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/water-quality-improvement-effectiveness-monitoring/puyallup-river-tributaries

Puget Sound feeder bluffs

Protecting the cliffs that feed Puget Sound beaches with sand and the beaches that depend on them.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/coastal-monitoring-assessment/projects/puget-sound-feeder-bluff

Puget Sound feeder bluff mapping

We map the feeder bluffs that feed Puget Sound beaches with sand to understand and protect them.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/coastal-monitoring-assessment/projects/puget-sound-feeder-bluff/puget-sound-feeder-bluff-mapping

Coastal zone mapping & erosion monitoring

We survey Washington's coastlines to monitor coastal erosion and track sediment movement over time.

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

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

Data collection methods

We collect beach topography and nearshore bathymetry data using GPS, boat-based lidar, and sonar.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/coastal-monitoring-assessment/data-collection-methods

Coastal Monitoring & Analysis Program projects

Learn about coastal mapping and monitoring projects around Puget Sound and Pacific coast.

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

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

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

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

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

Stream biological monitoring

We evaluate the health of rivers and streams by studying multiple aquatic communities.

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

River & stream water quality index

The Freshwater Quality Index can help you learn about river and stream health.

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

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

Watershed health sampling sites

Learn about the sites we sample.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/habitat-monitoring/watershed-health/sampling-sites

Watershed health sampling schedules

See when our crews will be collecting data on the health of watersheds at sites across the state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/research-data/monitoring-assessment/river-stream-monitoring/habitat-monitoring/watershed-health/sampling-schedules

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