Salmon and other anadromous fish spend most of their adult lives in marine ecosystems where they grow and mature. Limited rearing habitat in rivers and estuaries pushes salmon into and causes them to be more dependent on nearshore ecosystems, and the water quality in those ecosystems impacts their health, including through ingesting contaminants. Salmon gain 99% of their weight in the marine environment, so water quality in this part of their life cycle can have significant impacts (Pearsall et al 2021). Water quality also impacts human wellbeing, as the Snohomish Estuary and nearshore are popular locations for fishing, shellfish gathering, swimming, boating and other activities that impact human health. The local economy is also closely tied to these activities and is critically impacted by local water quality.

 

Outcome 6: Increase Marine Water Condition Index score above zero for Whidbey Basin by 2031: negative 11 baseline.

 

 

Support WRIA 7 partners’ efforts to work with the City of Everett to extend wastewater discharge pipes deeper into Puget Sound during key periods when juvenile salmon are present. This will reduce nutrient and contamination in the nearshore where juvenile salmonids are more susceptible.