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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By managing stormwater, cities and counties are helping to protect Washington’s waters
Reducing stormwater pollution helps prevent toxins from entering the water and harming orca and salmon.
Celebrate Pride! The ornate tube worm sports all the colors of the rainbow
Our benthic taxonomists share details on critters in sediment habitats, including life history, and the role each critter plays in the community. This month's focus is the Ornate Tube Worm.
Calling all lovers of the Puget Sound!

We are hosting a Puget Sound Nutrient Dialog - an all day meeting to discuss and learn. 

Latest health report on Washington beaches
See the good, the best, and the poopiest marine swimming beaches in our BEACH Program Annual Report.
Our sediment monitoring team contributes to the Smithsonian’s Global Genome Initiative
Our scientists use DNA barcoding to identify Puget Sound benthic invertebrates. This work is a collaboration for the Global Genome Initiative.
Moss animals: Animals in plant disguises!
Bryozoans take on many different growth forms that provide habitat and shelter for juvenile fish and invertebrates. Some resemble fans or lace, while others appear more geometric.
Women in Science: Laura Hermanson

Laura Hermanson is a scientist with the BEACH Program. She keeps beachgoers safe by sampling high-use beaches for fecal bacteria and warning people when it isn’t safe to recreate in the water.

My heart will go on: the humble heart cockle lives long and prospers
The heart cockle is a bivalve named for its heart-shaped profile. They are the largest cockles on the west coast, reaching almost 6 inches in length.
The dove snails bring peace and good shell to all
Dove snails don't look much like their avian namesake – except for the teardrop shape of their shells.
New Online Map: Dirt Alert

This month we launched our new Dirt Alert Map. This online map focuses on the Tacoma Smelter Plume and  covers other areas in the state where arsenic- and lead-related soil contamination may exist.