"> Are species consigned to the Endangered Species List destined for extinction? Some species may be, but certainly not all. We know this from the recovery of the bald eagle, gray wolf, humpback whale and other rebounding species removed from the list. Still, 28 populations of salmon remain at risk, seemingly stuck on this roster of […]
May 1, 2024
"> Key job changes at Hood Canal Coordinating Council set the stage for summer chum delisting
Scott Brewer, who has served as executive director of the Hood Canal Coordinating Council for the past 16 years, has stepped down from that position to focus his attention on the council’s efforts to remove Hood Canal summer chum from the Endangered Species List. This unique population of chum salmon, listed as threatened, has made […]
April 15, 2024
"> From PCBs to PFAS on May 9
As pioneers in their respective fields, Steven Eisenreich and Scott Mabury will reflect on lessons learned to more efficiently understand the threats and impacts of PCBs and PFAS. There are important similarities and important differences; both can be informative. Despite decades of regulation and remedial effort, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) continue to impair environmental health in […]
April 8, 2024
"> May 7 roundtable will explore eDNA in the Salish Sea
The Salish Sea Science Roundtable speaker series continues on Tuesday, May 7 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. Ryan Kelly, Director of the eDNA Collaborative will highlight new and recent research using eDNA in Puget Sound and the region, with an emphasis on management applications. For example: how far does dolphin DNA travel? Tune in to find […]
March 28, 2024
"> Ask a scientist: Are human-derived hormones like estrogen harming fish in Puget Sound?
Hormones such as estrogens that humans create in their own bodies are entering Puget Sound through wastewater, raising concerns about their effects on fish and other wildlife. We spoke with Puget Sound Institute scientist Maya Faber about how environmental exposure to human-derived estrogen can alter the reproductive cycles of male and female fish. The effects […]
March 27, 2024
"> Decision support tools for Puget Sound restoration and protection
The following article was commissioned by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead (HSIL), a cross-agency team co-led by the Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources. Where are the best places to invest in restoration and protection of beach and riparian habitats? In this post we highlight three tools, funded by the Habitat Strategic […]
March 25, 2024
"> Speaker series continues with focus on groundwater and stream flow models
The Salish Sea Science Roundtable speaker series continues on Tuesday, April 2 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. The talk is hosted by the Puget Sound Institute and will look at how the Suquamish Tribe is using models such as MODFLOW and VELMA to manage groundwater and stream flows. As climate change intensifies, more frequent heatwaves, reduced snowpack, […]
March 25, 2024
"> Climate change adaptation and resilience tools
The following article was commissioned by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead (HSIL), a cross-agency team co-led by the Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources. The effects of climate change can already be seen in more frequent and larger wildfires like those in Canada and California, hotter summers, and stronger flooding events. To […]
March 22, 2024
"> Water affordability study approved by WA Legislature
Puget Sound residents struggling to pay high water utility fees could benefit from a study funded this month by the Washington Legislature. The legislation coincides with research sponsored by the Puget Sound Institute that quantifies wastewater utility costs for the region. The funding for the study is part of Senate Bill 5950, omnibus legislation passed […]
March 20, 2024
"> Resources for local habitat protection, monitoring, and adaptive management
The following article was commissioned by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead (HSIL), a cross-agency team co-led by the Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources. Do you work with local environmental regulations? Would you like to improve habitat protection through more effective permitting? This overview can help if you are thinking about responding […]