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
Remembering Ken Balcomb and his extraordinary life with killer whales January 3, 2023 I’m still adjusting to the world of killer whales without Ken Balcomb. Ken, who died Dec. 15 at age 82,… 
The quest continues for a nutrient reduction plan December 20, 2022 The quest continues for a large-scale plan to reduce human sources of nitrogen and improve the health of Puget Sound.… 
A network of computer models is predicting the future of Puget Sound December 14, 2022 A new $4.8 million dollar project led by the Puget Sound Institute links together a series of computer models to… Browse posts by keyword
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