Research & Data

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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Modeling the environment

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

Wastewater testing

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

Habitat monitoring

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

Freshwater fish contaminant monitoring

We analyze freshwater fish for various toxic chemicals.

Models and tools for water quality improvement

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

Marine water & sediment monitoring

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

Eyes over Puget Sound

We use aerial photos and data from our monitoring stations and ferries to report on Puget Sound.

Models & spreadsheets

Computer models predict changes and spreadsheets calculate. We offer these tools to the public.

Monitoring watersheds for salmonids

Does salmon habitat restoration work? Our Intensively Monitored Watersheds program aims to find out.

River & stream water quality index

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

Stream biological monitoring

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

Forest practices effectiveness monitoring

We evaluate whether forest practices rules protect fish, wildlife, and water quality.

GIS Data

Ecology's authoritative GIS data layers are available for download.

Environmental Information Management System (EIM) - search data

Access to discrete and time-series environmental data for air, water, soil, sediment, aquatic animals, and plants.

QA planning process for NEP grantees

Printable and accessible PDF version of a flowchart showing the approval process for Quality Assurance Project Plans for National Estuary Program grantees.

BEACH annual report

See our annual county-by-county report on bacterial levels at saltwater swimming beaches for 2019.

Marine Water Condition Index

The Marine Water Condition Index is a way to assess the health of harbors, bays, and Puget Sound.

Marine water quality long-term trends

Learn about conditions in 2015 that produced mixed results for marine water quality.

Scientific descriptions of species: benthic invertebrates in Puget Sound

We study creatures in Puget Sound sediments. We classify them to observe marine habitat changes.

Marine algae & plankton

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

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