The big picture: Our comprehensive approach
Ecosystem management in Puget Sound has become increasingly complex. Scientists now recognize that what happens on the land is intricately tied to the health of the water. We face climate change and unprecedented population growth, and researchers have identified thousands of different human-caused pressures on the ecosystem. Given limited resources, how can managers and policymakers make informed decisions about where to focus their recovery efforts?
The Puget Sound Institute provides expertise across three major areas:
1. Science for policy
Technical assistance to resource managers and policymakers
PSI and our partners receive major funding from the Environmental Protection Agency to support and enhance new strategies for improving the health of Puget Sound.
2. Research
Scientific studies
Our expertise is strongly grounded in original research. Since 2010, PSI scientists along with our collaborators at the Center for Urban Waters have published on a range of topics, including the ecology of forage fish, stormwater, microplastics, social science and emerging contaminants.
3. Communication
Trusted, decision-critical information
We bring together scientific findings from around the region through synthesis, study panels, technical peer-reviews and publications such as the Encyclopedia of Puget Sound and Salish Sea Currents.
Recent blog posts
What may be the nation’s largest estuary seems hidden in plain sight for many people September 30, 2023 What is the largest estuary in the United States? This is a question loaded with confusion and open to interpretation,… 
2022 Salish Sea toxics monitoring synthesis: A selection of research September 29, 2023 A new report from the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program takes a comprehensive look at some of the greatest dangers… 
Warm ocean waters work their way into Puget Sound September 25, 2023 Unusually warm waters in the Pacific Ocean — now pushing up against the Washington coast — are keeping oceanographers on… Browse posts by keyword
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