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1. Appendix 4A: Elements of watershed-based strategies, links to PSP results chains (Neuman et al. 2009) Box A1. Major Elements of a Watershed-Based Strategy A watershed instead of political-boundary basis. Centralizing responsibility and authority for implementation with a municipal lead permittee working in partnership with other municipalities in the watershed as c...

Tim Essington1, Terrie Klinger2, Tish Conway-Cranos1,2, Joe Buchanan3, Andy James4, Jessi Kershner1, Ilon Logan2, and Jim West3   1School of Aquatic and Fisheries Science, University of Washington 2School of Marine Affairs, University of Washington 3Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 4Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, University of Washington ...

Puget Sound is unique in the lower 48 Unites States because of its fjord-like physiography, inland extent, wide range of depths, and urbanized watersheds and shorelines. Limited exchange of seawater between sub-basins within Puget Sound can result in long residence times, potentially increasing the susceptibility of biota to contamination introduced through human activities. The ...

BackgroundDetermination of the significance of contamination of the Puget Sound ecosystem by toxic chemicals requires measuring the health of organisms, understanding how toxics move through the ecosystem, and estimating the risks posed by exposure to toxic chemicals. In this report we integrate some of the physical characteristics of toxics in the system with the negative effects the...

BackgroundRapid growth and accumulation of phytoplankton or other algae can cause algal blooms. Bloom-forming algae that have harmful effects on people or wildlife are commonly termed harmful algal blooms (HABs). In Puget Sound, HABs may be caused by phytoplankton such as dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium, diatoms of the genus Psuedo-nitzchia, raphidophytes of the genus Heteros...

BackgroundHypoxia, defined as dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations less than 2 mg / L, has become widespread throughout estuaries and semi-enclosed seas throughout the world (Diaz 2001). While hypoxia may be permanent or intermittent, it is most commonly manifested as a seasonal disturbance, appearing in mid- to late summer after vertical stratification prevents replenishment of deep ...

BackgroundEutrophication of water bodies occurs when high levels of nutrients fuel high rates of primary production and accumulation of algal biomass, either as macroalgae or phytoplankton. Some ecosystems are naturally eutrophic, but in others human activity causes ecosystems to undergo transformations into a eutrophic state. This is termed cultural eutrophication, and is the primary...

BackgroundFecal bacteria are found in the feces of humans and other homeothermic animals. They are monitored in recreational waters because they are good indicators of harmful pathogens that are more difficult to measure. The two types of fecal bacteria monitored in Puget Sound are fecal coliforms (including E. coli), which are gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria, and enterococci, which...

Editors Scott F. Pearson1, Nathalie Hamel2, Steven Walters3, and John Marzluff3 Section Authors Introduction: Scott F. Pearson1, Steven Walters3, and Nathalie Hamel2 Climate Change: Heather Cornell3 Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development: Steven Walters3 Shoreline Modification: Steven Walters3 Pollution: James West4 Invasive and Non-native Species: Heather Cor...

The health of the Salish Sea ecosystem is directly influenced by both human activities and natural events (Ruckelshaus and McClure 2007). The mechanisms through which these actions lead to ecosystem changes are complex. Yet, the identification of threats and their myriad impacts is necessary to strategically and effectively manage their causes and their impacts on the Salish Sea (st...