BIODIVERSITY
Center for Biological Diversity Combining conservation biology with litigation, policy advocacy, and an innovative strategic vision, the Center for Biological Diversity is working to secure a future for animals and plants hovering on the brink of extinction, for the wilderness they need to survive, and by extension for the spiritual welfare of generations to come.
The Puget Sound Basin: A Biodiversity Assessment The Center for Biological Diversity, with assistance from FRIENDS of San Juans, published the results of an extensive assessment of Puget Sound biodiversity. Based on an exhaustive search of regional taxa guides, databases, and other sources, 7,013 species were identified in the Puget Sound Basin - this is more species than are found in 31 individual states - indicating that the Puget Sound is a significant hotspot for biological diversity in the United States. | PDF
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ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA)
Action Team comment letter on proposed threatened status for Southern Resident killer whales (3/22/05) | PDF
Comments on Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern Resident Killer Whale Puget Sound Action Team comment letter on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Southern Resident Killer Whale.  (8/14/06) | PDF
Endangered Species Act
Fisheries agency lists Puget Sound Killer Whales as endangered Press release from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (11/15/05) | PDF
Status of Southern Resident Killer Whales
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FORAGE FISH
Forage Fish Fact Sheet | PDF
Forage Fish Habitat Assessments
Forage Fish: Snohomish County Marine Fact Sheet Provides an overview of common forage fish species, human impacts on forage fish, efforts to protect forage fish, life history and information on how you can get involved in protecting forage fish and their habitat. | PDF file.
Jefferson Marine Resources Committee
Marine Life in Whatcom County: Forage Fish Fact sheet on forage fish published by the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee.
Northwest Straits Initiative Forage Fish Inventory
The San Juan Archipelago Forage Fish Protection Project Article provides a general introduction to the purpose and scope of this project. (By Lawrence L. Moulton, Forage Fish Coordinator for San Juan County Marine Resources Committee
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Forage Fish Web site
Washington Forage Fish Management Plan Document contains a plan for the management of forage fish resources and fisheries in Washington state. The plan will be used to guide resource management decisions, establish priorities and develop fishing regulations.
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GROUNDFISH
Bottomfish Recovery Program
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MARINE BIRDS
Research gathering energizes focus on marine birds Scientists and resource managers met in September 2005 to identify gaps in the science, research and management of marine birds and to determine next steps. (Spring 2006 Sound Waves, Puget Sound Action Team)
Video chronicles marine bird decline | File Download
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ORCAS
Killer whale fact sheet NOAA Fisheries one-page fact sheet on killer whales. | PDF
Orca Network Non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest , and the importance of providing them healthy and safe habitats.
Puget Sound orca pods lose 3: Experts believe missing adult whales may have died of starvation Seattle Post-Intelligencer
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SALMON
Salmon Facts: An informational guide to our state’s natural treasure Information from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife about the different types of salmon species in the Pacific Northwest .
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SALMON POLICY
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Wild Salmonid Policy
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SALMON RECOVERY PLANNING
Annotated Bibliography on relationships between salmonids and nearshore ecosystems
Developed by Puget Sound Partnership staff in January 2005 with substantial contributions from Don Weitkamp of Parametrix Inc.and an unpublished annotated bibliography developed by NOAA Fisheries staff in Lacey, Washington
Draft Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan
NOAA Fisheries Service: Salmon Plans in Progress
Puget Sound Nearshore Project Priorities: Assessing Consistency between Local and Regional Strategies of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan
This document compares the 14 local recovery strategies with regional strategies developed for all of Puget Sound. It identifies consistencies, inconsistencies and gaps between the two approaches to recovery in an effort to improve strategic investments made at all levels. | PDF
Regional Nearshore and Marine Aspects of Salmon Recovery. Puget Sound Partnership staff wrote this comprehensive chapter as part of the groundbreaking Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Draft Plan submitted by Shared Strategy to NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on June 28, 2005.
Salmon Recovery Funding Board The Board provides grant funds to protect or restore salmon habitat and assist related activities in Washington State . It works closely with local watershed groups known as lead entities. SRFB has helped finance more than 500 projects.
Salmon Recovery Plan Federal register notice from National Marine Fisheries. | PDF
Shared Strategy for Puget Sound
The Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office The Governor's Salmon Recovery Office was established by Washington State Legislature through the Salmon Recovery Planning Act. The Salmon Office's role is to coordinate and produce a statewide salmon strategy; assist in the development of regional recovery plans; secure current and future funding for local, regional, and state recovery efforts; and provide the Biennial State of Salmon report to the Legislature.
The Watershed Planning Act The Washington State Legislature in 1998 enacted the Watershed Planning Act, which created local planning units to decide the actions needed to provide adequate water for people and fish as well as healthy watersheds.
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SURF SMELT
Effects of Shoreline Modification on a Northern Puget Sound Beach: Microclimate and Embryo Mortality in Surf Smelt Study concludes that shoreline modification can reduce the survival rate of surf smelt embryos as much as 50 percent. The work has important implications for shoreline management and critical areas protection in Puget Sound .  (By Casey Rice, NOAA's Marine Fisheries Service. February 2006.  | PDF file
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