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Document Library

This page includes a collection of reports prepared by the Puget Sound Institute in support of state and federal Puget Sound recovery efforts. For access to a selection of more general documents about scientific studies of the Puget Sound and Salish Sea ecosystems, visit our document archive on the Encyclopedia of Puget Sound.

Library of Puget Sound recovery grant synthesis reports prepared by PSI

Between 2011 and 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency distributed Puget Sound National Estuary Program and geographic funds via seven “Lead Organizations.” PSI has synthesized the results of more than 200 projects funded by three of the Lead Organizations in the ten analysis reports listed below. These syntheses have in turn informed Implementation Strategies and other Puget Sound recovery planning efforts.

The Marine and Nearshore Lead Organization was a partnership between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Their grant program funded projects related to the protection and restoration of marine and nearshore habitats.

The Watersheds Lead Organization was administered by the Washington Department of Ecology and the Washington Department of Commerce. Their grant program supported development and implementation of watershed-scale strategies for protection and restoration of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

The Pathogens Lead Organization was administered by the Washington Department of Health and funded projects to prevent, reduce, and control illness-causing microorganisms. Fecal coliform, Vibrio, and marine biotoxins impair water quality and can lead to shellfish harvest restrictions and swimming beach closures.

  • (Analysis Report in Progress)

In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency assembled three Strategic Initiative Lead Teams to expand the planning, coordination, and grantmaking work begun by the Lead Organizations. PSI synthesized results of 97 grants awarded by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead between 2016 and 2021 to advance habitat protection and restoration.

Library of Puget Sound Implementation Strategy products prepared by PSI

Implementation Strategies are a planning tool designed to provide priorities for the Action Agenda for Puget Sound, guide funding decisions, and serve as a road map for aligning Puget Sound recovery opportunities across agencies and programs. Implementation Strategies are produced using a process created by the Puget Sound Partnership. As part of this process, PSI researchers write two technical appendices that provide program and scientific information relevant to the strategies. PSI staff also conduct analyses relating to critical uncertainties hampering the implementation and/or development of Implementation Strategies. More information about Implementation Strategies, and links to Implementation Strategy products prepared by our partners, is provided in this Salish Sea Currents article, on this Strategic Initiatives for Puget Sound webpage, and on this Encyclopedia of Puget Sound webpage.

Base Program Analysis appendices assess ongoing programs with potential to help regional partners operationalize Implementation Strategies. They are developed consistent with National Estuary Program guidance for base program analysis (EPA 1993). Findings derived from recovery grant synthesis reports are a major data source for these evaluations.

State of Knowledge appendices provide a technical and scientific foundation for Implementation Strategies. These reports include a compilation of research gaps and monitoring needs identified during the Implementation Strategy development process.

Critical Analyses and NEP Synthesis Reports advance integration of technical and scientific information into development and operationalization of Implementation Strategies.

Critical Analyses and NEP Synthesis Reports advance integration of technical and scientific information into development and operationalization of Implementation Strategies.