Washington is located in a highly productive marine region, and the state is replete with resources that support tribal and commercial fisheries, sportfishing and recreational boating, tourism and wildlife viewing, and marine transportation. Yet, activities associated with human population growth have damaged sensitive watersheds. Algal blooms that produce toxins harmful to humans and animals are increasing in frequency and intensity. Washington is also one of the largest states for boating activity in the US, with over 250,000 registered vessels. Oil spills and sewage discharges from recreational boats degrade marine environments, threaten human health and close shellfish beds.

WSG’s water quality and boating specialists work with communities, tribes, state agencies, and industry partners to provide early warning of harmful algal blooms, prevent small oil spills, and divert millions of gallons of sewage from our state’s marine waters.

Quileute Birds fly over the water in Westport Washington
Photo courtesy of UPhoto

 

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