As a dedicated group of natural resource managers met for the nth time around a set of tables in the Coupeville, WA rec hall, one participant spoke up plaintively, “But do we really need to rate and rank all these proposed actions in order to move forward?”
September 26, 2013
PSI convenes forage fish study panel at Friday Harbor
By Jeff Rice As go forage fish, so may go the health of Puget Sound. That’s the conclusion of scientists who say small schooling fish like Pacific herring, surf smelt and Pacific sand lance play a big role in the marine food web. Oily and full of calories, these fish are an important source of food for familiar […]
September 11, 2013
Biedenweg leads Hood Canal human wellbeing indicators workshops
Last month, PSI’s lead social scientist Kelly Biedenweg and the Hood Canal Human Wellbeing indicator development team conducted three regional workshops to refine and rate indicators linking human well being to the health of Hood Canal’s natural resources. The 32 participants included representatives from county, public health and economic development departments, local businesses, tribes, and […]
August 27, 2013
Forage fish study panel this week at Friday Harbor
A PSI-sponsored study panel on the ecosystem-based management of forage fish is in high gear this week at Friday Harbor Labs. Forage fish populations are considered a key indicator of the health of the Salish Sea, and these expert panels are examining research questions related to status and trends, vulnerabilities and spatial variation of species. […]
August 23, 2013
Sea level rise could release toxics into Puget Sound
The environmental effects of sea level rise due to climate change are just starting to become clear. So far, much of the conversation has focused on population displacement and changes to natural features and processes. Now there is another front. NOAA’s Climate Assessment and Proactive Response Initiative (CAPRI) has been identifying sites along the shores of Puget […]
August 20, 2013
First Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus hearing
U.S. Representatives Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer convened the first field hearing of the Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus today at the Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma. The caucus was formed by the two freshmen congressmen in June, with a pledge to focus on three initial recovery priorities established in the Puget Sound Partnership’s […]
August 16, 2013
Call for Salish Sea conference proposals
A revised call for proposals is available for next year’s Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference. Session proposals are due September 30, 2013. Conference organizers are looking for proposals for “three types of sessions: Special Sessions, Regular Sessions and Panel/Round-table Discussions.” Visit the 2014 Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference website for more information.
July 30, 2013
New Puget Sound Marine Waters overview available
The latest Puget Sound Marine Waters overview from the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program is now available. It covers conditions measured in 2012 and has been expanded to include observations on seabirds that rely on marine waters. Download the report.
July 19, 2013
2013 Health of the Salish Sea Ecosystem Report
The 2013 Health of the Salish Sea Ecosystem Report from EPA and Environment Canada is now available. The report builds upon ongoing ecosystem indicator work in Puget Sound, while extending the range and scope to include the entire Salish Sea. The authors write: “There is some intentional overlap of information between this report and other […]
July 18, 2013
Eyes Over Puget Sound
Take a flight with Dr. Christopher Krembs of Eyes Over Puget Sound. View an audio slideshow on the Encyclopedia of Puget Sound Youtube channel. Eyes Over Puget Sound distributes a popular monthly report combining high resolution aerial photographs with satellite and ground-truthed monitoring data for Puget Sound surface conditions. The program was started by Dr. Krembs […]