The ecosystem services concept has become the leading framework for understanding and communicating the human dimensions of environmental change. A new report commissioned by the Puget Sound Institute focuses on several of these ecosystem benefits, including economic, social and cultural services linked to Puget Sound recovery. Read the full report on the Encyclopedia of Puget Sound.
September 28, 2015
An in-depth look at harbor porpoise in the Salish Sea
In the 1940s, harbor porpoise were among the most frequently sighted cetaceans in Puget Sound, but by the early 1970s they had all but disappeared. Their numbers have since increased, but they remain a Species of Concern in the state of Washington. A new in-depth species profile looks at the status of harbor porpoise in the Salish […]
September 21, 2015
Call for abstracts for 2016 Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference
The 2016 Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference is now accepting abstracts for individual presentations. The deadline for submission is Dec. 18, 2015. The biennial science conference will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia from April 13-15, 2016. Visit the conference website for more information.
September 21, 2015
Congressmen announce ‘Save Our Sound’ bill
A new bill proposed by Representatives Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer seeks to bring Puget Sound recovery efforts on par with other waterways such as Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes. The congressmen say those ecosystems receive far more funding and greater federal standing, despite Puget Sound’s national importance as an estuary. The bill, referred to as ‘Puget SOS’ […]
September 11, 2015
Report chronicles unusual year for marine waters in Puget Sound
The Puget Sound Marine Waters Overview for 2014 is now available. The report is part of an annual effort from NOAA and the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program to synthesize marine conditions for the region. According to its authors, 2014 “was a year with notable departures from average.” In particular, the report provides details on the […]