Priority locations for nearshore protection and habitat restoration

The nearshore area is an ecosystem of dynamic transition between land and water based processes. It is that area of marine and estuarine shoreline that extends from the top of the shoreline bluffs to the depth offshore where light penetrating the Sound’s water falls below a level supporting plant growth.

Some of the initial steps in understanding the important role of this habitat and identifying potential ecosystem functions that may be restored from its alteration was begin by a small group of scientists with interest in the Puget Sound nearshore ecosystem here at the University of Washington. That group supervised the development of the physical template (characterization of the physical environment) of Puget Sound's nearshore and beaches. This initial work led to a seamless topography and bathymetry and to a physical description of characterization of beach morphology in Puget Sound. Additionally, members of the Near-PRISM team now serve on the Nearshore Science Team for the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Program. The Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership is a large-scale initiative that affords a unique opportunity to tackle some of the foremost habitat restoration needs within this important ecological system.