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Saltwater Algae Program

Ecology is not accepting applications for Saltwater Algae Program grants at this time.

Revised Fiscal Year 2010 Saltwater Algae Final Offer and Applicant List

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:

Lizbeth Seebacher - 360-407-6938; Lizbeth.Seebacher@ecy.wa.gov

Kathy Hamel - 360-407-6562; Kathy.Hamel@ecy.wa.gov