Poulsbo Over the next four days, researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey will study sealife, bottom sediments and water chemistry in Liberty Bay, where urban growth has been altering the ecosystem for years.</p> <p>The urbanization study is one of three USGS research projects focused on Puget Sound's shoreline environment. Researchers hope the studies will reveal new and better ways to restore Puget Sound.</p> <p>"The nearshore is where a lot of things are happening, and it's where the human influence takes place," said John Clemens of the USGS in Tacoma. "Liberty Bay is a good example of urbanization in mid-Puget Sound."</p> <p>The other two studies focus on the Skagit River delta north of Seattle, where the estuary has undergone dramatic changes due to residential and industrial growth, and the Elwha River, where a pair of dams have disrupted the natural migration of salmon upstream and gravel downstream. The Elwha dams are scheduled for removal in about three years.</p> <p>"From these studies," Clemens said, "we can apply what we learn to just about any place in Puget Sound."</p> <p>Today, biologists working from a boat in Liberty Bay will take samples of bottom creatures, fish, plankton and plants in various locations. Such biological sampling will continue Saturday along with sediment and water sampling. Water testing will continue Sunday, along with an eelgrass survey at low tide Sunday afternoon. Monday's work will focus on water quality.</p> <p>As part of the studies, researchers will examine how toxic chemicals work their way through the food web up to chinook salmon, a threatened species. Chinook are the primary food source for killer whales, the top predator in Puget Sound and a species listed as endangered.</p> <p>The USGS project, called Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound, is part of a larger effort called the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project. The nearshore project, started five years ago, involves federal, state, tribal and local governments, as well as private groups, universities and industry.</p> <p>The studies are expected to be important in the work of a governor-appointed task force called the Puget Sound Partnership, which is charged with developing a plan to restore Puget Sound by 2020. Local members of the Puget Sound Partnership are U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Belfair; state Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island; state Rep. Sherrie Appleton, D-Poulsbo, and Kitsap County Commissioner Patty Lent, a Republican.</p> <p>Area research could help in planning Puget Sound restoration.
Need Help? Call us at 1-877-304-7764.
Monday-Friday: 5am-6pm / Saturday: 5am-8pm / Sunday: 4am-11am