Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy

This article provides an overview and a link to further information about the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy. Implementation Strategies (Strategies) are plans for accelerating progress toward the 2020 ecosystem recovery targets for the Puget Sound Vital Signs. The Strategies are developed collaboratively with technical, professional, and policy experts and with local and regional input. They are funded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Marine water quality refers to aspects of water such as temperature, salinity, oxygen, nutrient levels, algae biomass, and pH. In much of Puget Sound, marine water quality is affected by many different factors including weather, climate and circulation patterns, offshore ocean conditions, inflow from rivers and streams, discharges from wastewater treatment plants and industries, erosion and stormwater runoff, ground water, and pollution. The Marine Water Quality Vital Sign gives us context for changes seen throughout the Puget Sound ecosystem: it tells us about the impacts of global and local change and human-caused stresses on Puget Sound marine waters. Marine water quality affects the food web, from the smallest invertebrates to the largest whales and humans.

 

Download information about the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy (external link)