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Sub-Task G: Design a Biological Observing System (BiOS) for Puget Sound
Control of Toxic Chemicals in Puget Sound
Phase 2: Improve Loading Estimates
Sub-Task G: Design a Biological Observing System (BiOS) for Puget
Sound
NOAA Fisheries (Environmental Conservation Division of the Northwest Fisheries
Center) will begin to design a regional Biological Observing System (BiOS) for Puget
Sound to support the implementation of toxics reductions strategies. The
observing system will ultimately serve the following three primary functions:
- BiOS will expand and refine our understanding of how toxics move through
the Puget Sound ecosystem. BiOS will include assessment of
contaminants in the biota of the Puget Sound ecosystem and in human tissues.
- By tracking spatial and temporal trends for toxics, BiOS will provide a
basis for performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of toxics
reductions strategies as they are implemented throughout the region.
- BiOS will enable us to monitor the effects of toxics on the health of
sentinel species in Puget Sound and to respond accordingly. This
system will help ensure that we detect unanticipated impacts, as well as
early warning signs that may presage more serious problems for the
ecosystem.
To develop the framework for this observing system, NOAA Fisheries will convene three
workshops. The workshops will include primarily biological experts, as
well as experts in environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology.
NOAA Fisheries will conduct this sub-task.
For more information, contact Tracy
Collier at 206-860-3330.
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