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Flock of short-tailed shearwaters flying low over calm ocean water under overcast sky.

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 Report cover

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.
Proceedings cover of Clearing the waters: Improving the use and management of on-site sewage systems in Puget Sound

Clearing the Waters: Improving On-Site Sewage Systems in Puget Sound (1994)

Summary proceedings of a conference on improving on-site sewage systems in Puget Sound, November 14-15, 1994, Bothell, Washington, sponsored by Puget Sound Water Quality Authority.
1999–2001 Puget Sound Water Quality Work Plan report cover

1999–2001 Puget Sound Water Quality Work Plan

The 1999-2001 Puget Sound Water Quality Work Plan prepared by the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team coordinates state, federal, tribal and local actions to restore and protect the Sound's resources and water quality.
1997–1999 Puget Sound Water Quality Work Plan report cover

1997–1999 Puget Sound Water Quality Work Plan

1997–1999 Puget Sound Water Quality Work Plan. Legislation passed in 1996 changed the way the management plan is carried out. The Puget Sound Water Quality Protection Act (Chapter 90.71 RCW) established the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team and directed it to prepare a biennial work plan and budget (in this case, covering the period from July 1, 1997, through June 30, 1999).
1994 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan report cover

1994 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan and 1996 Amendment

The 1994 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan presented to the Washington State Governor and Legislature adopted in May 1994 and amended in May 1996 after the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority ceased to exist under provisions of the state's Sunset Act.
1991 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan report cover

1991 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan

The Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan presented to the Washington State Governor and Legislature in January 1991; adopted in October 1991.
1989 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan report cover

1989 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan

The Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan presented to the Washington State Governor and Legislature in November 1988 and adopted October 1989. This document includes information about the proposed creation of the 1991 Water Quality Management Plan.
Report cover

1987 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan

The Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan presented to the Washington State Governor and Legislature in January 1987 and adopted in September 1987.
Report cover

State of the Sound Report 2025

The Puget Sound Partnership, the state agency that leads the region’s collective effort to protect and restore Puget Sound, publishes the State of the Sound report every two years. The document reports on both the status of the Partnership's recovery efforts and a suite of ecosystem indicators referred to as the Puget Sound Vital Signs.