Scientists from WDFW (part of PSAMP) conduct surveys of English sole in Elliott Bay aboard a trawler (June 28, 2004) / Sarah Brace, Action Team

Since 1989, scientists with the Puget Sound Ambient Monitoring Program (PSAMP) have been monitoring the health of Puget Sound. PSAMP studies provide the science that drives many Soundwide decisions about resource management. Long-term monitoring activities by PSAMP researchers include studies of marine birds, water quality, eelgrass and contaminants in sediment and fish.

The Action Team coordinates PSAMP. According to a self-assessment conducted by the PSAMP Management Committee in late 2005, the program is doing a good job in its main mission of delivering data and analysis, for example in understanding the effects of contaminants in sediments and the marine food web.

But the review found that PSAMP needs to step up efforts to integrate science and research with policy decisions and management. It also needs to do a better job connecting to the greater science effort in Puget Sound. Members also decided the name of the organization needed to reflect the increased focus on assessing the success of specific management strategies. The new name is Puget Sound “Assessment” and Monitoring Program.

In 2006, PSAMP members will look at how they can fill the gaps in science to provide more support to management decisions, and they will play a role in better coordinating science efforts surrounding Puget Sound . The group also will search for ways to get dedicated funding for studies that will address emerging issues.

PSAMP is made up of 28 scientists, researchers and managers from nine state and federal agencies. For more information, or to download a copy of the self-assessment report, visit: www.psat.wa.gov/psamp.

Contact: Sarah Brace, Science Liaison, 360-725-5464, or sbrace@psat.wa.gov.

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