Eutrophication

Eutrophication 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 concern in evaluating the status of marine waters of Puget Sound.

Source: Puget Sound Science Review

Related Articles

Report cover

Oxygen for life: Understanding how low dissolved oxygen in Puget Sound affects marine ecosystems

A 2025 report from the University of Washington Puget Sound Institute compiles a series of articles and overviews describing the impacts of nutrients on dissolved oxygen in Puget Sound.
Read More
Collage of photos of a flat fish on sand, a salmon swimming, and a crab on a rock.

New Puget Sound study examines when and where aquatic species may be deprived of oxygen

The project relies on the Salish Sea Model plus new information about the oxygen needs of various species to pinpoint danger areas.
Read More
A stream flows through dense greenery, with fallen logs in the water and trees and vegetation crowding both banks under a clear blue sky.

Many actions may be needed to improve Puget Sound waters

Scientists at the Washington Department of Ecology along with many other researchers have spent years studying and debating the problem of low oxygen in Puget Sound. Now, many new developments — technical, scientific and legal — are reaching a critical stage and setting up a framework to make some major decisions. This is part four of a four-part series originally published in the Puget Sound Institute blog.
Read More
A group of translucent jellyfish floating in greenish water, with sunlight reflecting off the surface.

Computer models examine the extent of Puget Sound's low oxygen water-quality problem

Scientists at the Washington Department of Ecology along with many other researchers have spent years studying and debating the problem of low oxygen in Puget Sound. Now, many new developments — technical, scientific and legal — are reaching a critical stage and setting up a framework to make some major decisions. This is part three of a four-part series originally published in the Puget Sound Institute blog.
Read More
Aerial view of marina with boats, nearby water treatment plant with four circular tanks, surrounded by buildings, roads, and green space.

Water-cleanup plans and the search for ‘reasonable’ actions

Scientists at the Washington Department of Ecology along with many other researchers have spent years studying and debating the problem of low oxygen in Puget Sound. Now, many new developments — technical, scientific and legal — are reaching a critical stage and setting up a framework to make some major decisions. This is part two of a four-part series originally published in the Puget Sound Institute blog.
Read More
Close-up of a crab with a dark brown shell and orange-tipped legs on a wooden surface, claws extended and shell texture visible.

The debate over oxygen in Puget Sound

Scientists at the Washington Department of Ecology along with many other researchers have spent years studying and debating the problem of low oxygen in Puget Sound. Now, many new developments — technical, scientific and legal — are reaching a critical stage and setting up a framework to make some major decisions. This four-part series was originally published in the Puget Sound Institute blog and looks back on how we have reached our present condition, including a consideration of possible solutions. Subsequent parts of the series are available through a link at the conclusion of this article.
Read More