Publication Summary

This is a report of the Ecology long-term Marine Waters Monitoring Program for October 1997 through December 2000, summarizing marine water quality data for stations in Puget Sound, Grays Harbor, and Willapa Bay. Five indicators of marine water column environmental condition are evaluated. For the Puget Sound region in general, water quality appeared to be reasonably good; however, there are several locations where water quality was reduced, due to low dissolved oxygen concentrations, fecal coliform contamination, or an indication of sensitivity to eutrophication based on stratification or nutrient conditions. Areas of highest concern, as well as human-caused and natural factors that may be responsible, are discussed.

The Appendices for this report are at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0203056app.html.

This is a report of the Washington State Department of Ecology long-term Marine Waters Monitoring Program for the period October 1997 through December 2000, summarizing water quality variables for stations in Puget Sound, Grays Harbor, and Willapa Bay. Five indicators of marine water column environmental condition are also evaluated.

For the Puget Sound region in general, water quality appeared to be reasonably good; however, there are several specific locations where water quality was reduced, due to low dissolved oxygen concentrations, fecal coliform bacteria contamination, or an indication of sensitivity to eutrophication based on stratification or nutrient conditions. Areas of highest concern are Southern Hood Canal, Budd Inlet, Penn Cove, Commencement Bay, Elliott Bay, Possession Sound, Saratoga Passage, and Sinclair Inlet. For the coastal estuaries, the primary water quality issue apparent was chronic fecal coliform bacteria contamination in Grays Harbor and adjacent to the Willapa River. Climate is also an important driver of marine water conditions.

Whether decreased water quality can be attributed to natural or anthropogenic causes is very difficult to assess and will likely vary at different locations throughout the region. The approach used in this report is intended to highlight sensitivity, in the goal of supporting wise management decisions.