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Saltwater Algae Program
Saltwater Algae Program
Introduction
Certain Puget Sound beaches are fertile grounds for blooms of sea
lettuce (several species of the genus Ulva). Sea lettuce can grow
rapidly and accumulate in thick piles driven by winds and currents.
Sea lettuce tends to occur in shallow bays and inlets when the long
hours of bright sunlight of the summer combine with a lack of wind
and an influx of nutrients from a variety of sources. All types of
seaweeds, including sea lettuce, are essential components of the
Puget Sound ecosystem. They provide food for several species of sea
birds, fish, and other marine animals, as well as shelter for
several fish species.
At times, the decay of sea lettuce accumulations can release very
unpleasant odors. Residents living near these beaches would like to
be able to manage the accumulated sea lettuce and reduce the impact
on their enjoyment of the shoreline.
For more information on sea lettuce, see:
- Blooms of Ulvoids on Puget Sound, prepared by Gretchen
Frankenstein for The Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team,
November 2000.
- Focus on Saltwater Beach Odors, Washington Department of
Ecology Publication 07-10-054, November 2007.
The Saltwater Algae Grant Program
The 2009 Legislature included language in the state’s operating
budget for Ecology to provide $140,000 in grants to:
cities, counties, tribes, special purpose districts, and
state agencies for capital and operational expenses used to
manage and study excessive saltwater algae with an emphasis on
the periodic accumulation of sea lettuce on Puget Sound beaches.
Ecology’s grants under the Saltwater Algae Grant Program will
target projects involving the management of sea lettuce
accumulations, as well as research on the environmental processes
that produce the blooms and distribute the algae, long-term trends
of sea lettuce accumulations, and research on the effects of these
accumulations on habitat, human health and quality of life.
Ecology will accept applications for funding under the Saltwater
Algae Grant program October 1 and through November 2, 2009. Grant
applications are due at Ecology by close of business on November
2, 2009.
Saltwater Algae Program Grant guidelines
Saltwater Algae Grant application
You may also contact the following people directly for more
information about the algae program:
Melanie Tyler - 360-407-7489;
Melanie.Tyler@ecy.wa.gov
Kathy Hamel - 360-407-6562;
Kathy.Hamel@ecy.wa.gov
