The Puget Sound Science Panel speaker series continues April 23rd at the University of Washington Tacoma campus. Wayne Landis addresses “Wicked problems, black swans and managing the future of Puget Sound,” while Katharine Wellman looks at shellfish aquaculture. Where: UW Tacoma, Dugan 201 When: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Download the presentation flyer for more information.
March 25, 2015
Identifying the greatest threats to Puget Sound
In the early days of Puget Sound conservation, the polluters were easier to spot. There were the usual suspects—industrial pipes pumped toxic chemicals into the water; dams blocked the way for salmon; natural resources were over-harvested. Those problems still persist, but ecosystem management has become increasingly complicated since the 1970s and 1980s. Scientists now recognize that what […]
March 10, 2015
EPA announces new funding framework for Puget Sound
The Environmental Protection Agency announced today a new model for distributing National Estuary Program funds for Puget Sound recovery. The framework is effective in 2016 and is driven by the Puget Sound Action Agenda, while emphasizing habitats, shellfish and stormwater. Funds from the program totaled $117 million dollars from 2009-2015. According to EPA, the framework will strengthen […]
March 6, 2015
Looking ahead to Salish Sea Sea Ecosystem Conference 2016
SAVE THE DATE: The next Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference is scheduled for April 13-15, 2016 in Vancouver, B.C. For additional information visit the conference website, and watch this blog for updates as they become available.
February 20, 2015
In the news: Cleaning a lake with sludge
We’ve all heard of cleaning up environmental waste, but can waste be used to clean up the environment? A research team led by PSI’s Andy James is using waste product to remove phosphorus from stormwater entering Wapato Lake in south Tacoma. A group of students in collaboration with James and UWT professor Jim Gawell has […]
February 17, 2015
Could healthier, happier humans lead to a healthier Puget Sound?
For the past two years, Puget Sound Institute Lead Social Scientist Kelly Biedenweg has been working with the Puget Sound Partnership to identify and recommend what are termed “human wellbeing indicators.” These indicators will be adopted by the agency as part of its Human Quality of Life Vital Sign. Biedenweg, along with Kari Stiles of […]
February 13, 2015
UW scientist studies how pharmaceuticals impact the environment
Dr. Ed Kolodziej is one of the Puget Sound Institute’s newest collaborators. Kolodziej began his appointment at the University of Washington Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering last fall with a joint appointment at Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at UW Tacoma. His research looks at some of the ways that organic compounds like steroids and […]
February 12, 2015
CUW in the news: testing new stormwater filter
The Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal reported on a new “stormwater interceptor mechanism” being tested in our labs at the Center for Urban Waters. The article focuses on a product under development by a company based in Kitsap County. Read the full article.
February 11, 2015
The watershed: winter bat recordings
Bats are thought of as warm weather creatures, but recent studies have shown that they can be active throughout the winter. Here in the Puget Sound region, bat echolocations have been recorded in temperatures in the low teens, and are commonly heard during more mild conditions.
February 10, 2015
Encyclopedia of Puget Sound topic editor Amy Snover recognized as White House Champion of Change
Encyclopedia of Puget Sound climate change topic editor Amy Snover has been honored as a White House Champion of Change for her work in climate change education and literacy. Snover is the Director of the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group and is Assistant Dean for Applied Research in the University of Washington’s College of the Environment. […]