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
Inbreeding hinders population recovery among endangered Southern Resident killer whales March 20, 2023 While a scarcity of Chinook salmon and other environmental factors may be pushing the Southern Resident killer whales toward extinction,… 
Findings and reports: February 2023 February 28, 2023 Salish Sea Model provides insights on circulation and residence times The amount of time water circulates and "resides" in Puget… 
PUGET SOS brings new funding and a federal makeover February 21, 2023 Recently passed federal legislation has increased funding to protect Puget Sound while also changing the way ecosystem recovery efforts are… Browse posts by keyword
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