Things in the Sound
In the past 30 years there has been a large recession in the populations of the species which inhabit the Puget Sound. The decrease has been seen in the populations of: forage fish, salmons, bottom fish, marine birds, harbor porpoise and orcas. This decline is attributed to the various environmental issues in Puget Sound. Because of this population decline, there have been changes to the fishery practices, and an increase in petitioning to add species to the Endangered Species Act. There has also been an increase in recovery and management plans for many different area species.Around Puget Sound, there are an estimated 190,000 acres of classified commercial and recreational shellfish beds. However, about 36,000 acres of shellfish beds are closed due to pollution, most of which comes from fecal bacteria from humans, livestock, and pets. When fecal bacteria and other contaminants get into the water, they threaten the areas where these prized oysters, clams, and other bivalve shellfish grow.
The causes of these environmental issues are toxic contamination, eutrophication (low oxygen due to excess nutrients), and near shore habitat changes.
You can also find things such as tires or even broken TVs in the Sound. Why do we do these things? It means that we have less clean water, less sea food as well as non aquatic animals to eat, and in addition less water for attractions such as water parks, beaches, and or tourist appealing views.
The causes of these environmental issues are toxic contamination, eutrophication (low oxygen due to excess nutrients), and near shore habitat changes.
You can also find things such as tires or even broken TVs in the Sound. Why do we do these things? It means that we have less clean water, less sea food as well as non aquatic animals to eat, and in addition less water for attractions such as water parks, beaches, and or tourist appealing views.