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How salmon shape regional identity and conservation in Puget Sound
A 2026 paper in the journal Environmental Management explores how salmon contribute to "sense of place" and regional identity among Puget Sound residents. The paper was produced by researchers at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
False killer whales in the Salish Sea
Overview
The false killer whale is a tropical to warm temperate species of dolphin that is not normally found in the Salish Sea. However, the species does occasionally appear in small numbers in Pacific Northwest waters of Washington and British Columbia, and even sometimes as far north as Alaska. They are highly social animals that typically feed on large pelagic fish, such as tuna and mahi mahi.
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Humpback whales of the Salish Sea
Overview
Humpback whales have made a remarkable recovery in Puget Sound and throughout the Salish Sea. While their numbers vary through the season, they can be seen in almost any month of the year. In essence, this has been a return to waters they formerly used prior to commercial whaling that wiped out the local population. Humpback whales around the world have made strong recoveries from whaling
Study finds juvenile coho salmon at risk from deadly tire chemical
Untold numbers of hatchery fish may be dying from exposure to tire-contaminated runoff, according to a new study.
Paper examines the potential for conflicts between humans and cougars
A 2025 paper in the journal Ecological Applications found that male cougars prefer to hunt in habitats where they are more likely to encounter humans. The authors hope the findings can be used to better understand and potentially minimize human-cougar conflicts.
2000 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan
The Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan was Washington State’s long-term strategy for protecting and restoring Puget Sound. This report was released in 2000 and also served as the federally approved Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Puget Sound under Section 320 of the federal Clean Water Act.
Summary report of 2024 human wellbeing Vital Signs survey
This report presents results of the 2024 survey to monitor the subjective human wellbeing Vital Signs prepared for the Puget Sound Partnership by Oregon State University. The specific categories of human wellbeing covered in this report include good governance of natural resources, local foods, sound stewardship, nature-based work, psychological wellbeing, cultural practices and traditions, sense
Looking back on a year of Puget Sound surprises: rare birds, gray whales, water
The year 2025 has been fairly mystifying to experts who make their living studying natural systems in the Puget Sound region.
Unusual observations this year include record-low dissolved oxygen levels, unexpected gray whale visitations, and the sudden arrival of an astounding number of short-tailed shearwaters — a seabird almost never seen in Puget Sound.
Cold waters rising from the deep along the
1992 State of the Sound
The third State of the Sound Report summarizes what is known about Puget Sound, its resources, and trends that threaten it.