EoPS to launch Salish Sea Currents
Historically, the waters from the Strait of Georgia to Puget Sound hosted roughly 70% of the world's western grebe population. Now biologists estimate that only 4% of the birds continue to winter here—a decline of 95%. Why did all the grebes leave? Where did they go? And what does their disappearance say about the health of the Salish Sea?
Historically, the waters from the Strait of Georgia to Puget Sound hosted roughly 70% of the world's western grebe population. Now biologists estimate that only 4% of the birds continue to winter here—a decline of 95%. Why did all the grebes leave? Where did they go? And what does their disappearance say about the health of the Salish Sea?
Eric Wagner reports on the region's declining bird populations later this month as part of our new series Salish Sea Currents. The series begins on July 22nd and features research and takeaways from the 2014 Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference. Each month through December, we'll bring you new stories, along with related media and interviews with leading scientists.
Wagner's report starts with a mystery and connects the dots between forage fish and seabird populations. Close to a third of the birds in the Salish Sea are classified as species of concern, he writes, and some scientists believe this may hold clues to the overall health of the ecosystem. We'll also have reports on why Puget Sound's salmon are dying young—is it a freshwater or saltwater issue, or both? Join us as we look at some of the science driving Puget Sound recovery efforts.
The series is supported with funds from the EPA and the Puget Sound Partnership and you might see it as the very first Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference magazine. We think Salish Sea Currents will be a must-read for anyone who attended the conference, and for those who simply want to know where the latest research is heading. These are your stories. Look for the series in the Encyclopedia of Puget Sound starting July 22nd.
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