Puget Sound Priority Ecosystem Science (PES) supports interdisciplinary ecological research in the Puget Sound, Washington, watershed and nearshore.
Puget Sound Priority Ecosystem Science (PES) supports interdisciplinary ecological research in the Puget Sound, Washington, watershed and nearshore. USGS research is coordinated with and informed by close collaborations with federal, tribal, state, and local partners leading salmon and nearshore recovery efforts. Puget Sound PES studies link both the ecosystem services and detrimental aspects of sediment and associated contaminants to natural hazards management (e.g., channel aggradation and flooding, shoreline erosion), habitat function and restoration, and other societal concerns. From assessing the effects of tidal restoration and dam removal on salmon recovery in the Nisqually River Delta and Elwha River to modeling the flow of sediment through nearshore habitats and impacts of associated contaminants on marine food webs, USGS science is being used to guide restoration and management decision-making for ecosystems and human health and wellbeing. Puget Sound PES addresses goals of the USGS Science Strategy, Puget Sound Federal Task Force Action Plan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Estuary Program, and Northwest Fisheries Indian Commission.

Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound
PS-CoSMoS: Puget Sound Coastal Storm Modeling System
Estuaries and large river deltas in the Pacific Northwest
USGS science supporting the Elwha River Restoration Project
River Loads into Puget Sound
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
Puget Sound Priority Ecosystem Science (PES) supports interdisciplinary ecological research in the Puget Sound, Washington, watershed and nearshore.
Puget Sound Priority Ecosystem Science (PES) supports interdisciplinary ecological research in the Puget Sound, Washington, watershed and nearshore. USGS research is coordinated with and informed by close collaborations with federal, tribal, state, and local partners leading salmon and nearshore recovery efforts. Puget Sound PES studies link both the ecosystem services and detrimental aspects of sediment and associated contaminants to natural hazards management (e.g., channel aggradation and flooding, shoreline erosion), habitat function and restoration, and other societal concerns. From assessing the effects of tidal restoration and dam removal on salmon recovery in the Nisqually River Delta and Elwha River to modeling the flow of sediment through nearshore habitats and impacts of associated contaminants on marine food webs, USGS science is being used to guide restoration and management decision-making for ecosystems and human health and wellbeing. Puget Sound PES addresses goals of the USGS Science Strategy, Puget Sound Federal Task Force Action Plan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Estuary Program, and Northwest Fisheries Indian Commission.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details. - Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound
A Pacific Northwest icon, Puget Sound is the second-largest estuary in the United States. Its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters produce and sustain biologically productive coastal habitats. These same natural characteristics also contribute to a high quality of life that has led to growth in human population and urbanization. This growth has played a role in degrading the Sound...PS-CoSMoS: Puget Sound Coastal Storm Modeling System
The CoSMoS model is currently available for most of the California coast and is now being expanded to support the 4.5 million coastal residents of the Puget Sound region, with emphasis on the communities bordering the sound.Estuaries and large river deltas in the Pacific Northwest
Essential habitat for wild salmon and other wildlife borders river deltas and estuaries in the Pacific Northwest. These estuaries also support industry, agriculture, and a large human population that’s expected to double by the year 2060, but each could suffer from more severe river floods, higher sea level, and storm surges caused by climate change.USGS science supporting the Elwha River Restoration Project
The Elwha River Restoration Project has reconnected the water, salmon, and sediment of a pristine river and coast of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington.River Loads into Puget Sound
The Issue: Puget Sound, WA, is the second largest estuary in the United States and its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters sustain biologically-productive terrestrial, coastal, and marine habitats. Development and associated human activities have significantly degraded the Sound, causing declines in fish and wildlife populations, water-quality issues, and losses of critical habitats... - Multimedia
- News
- Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.