Puget Sound is in trouble, there is no doubt about it. One of the major issues in Puget Sound is water pollution from land. This means that everything we dump into our sewers flows through the drain network and into the Sound. How can this hurt the Marine Life in the Sound? Well, think about it this way. If people were to dump things like oil, soap, and other chemicals into the pipes in your house that lead to your kitchen and bathroom faucets, how do you think the water would taste? Fairly nasty wouldn’t it? The exact same thing is happening to Puget Sound. Dirty water is flowing from our sewers into the Sound and the marine life is suffering for it.
This past winter, SCUBA divers took video of water flowing from a sewage discharge point in the Sound. It looked nasty and there was a lot of dirty water. It’s no wonder the marine life is suffering in Puget Sound. There is a webpage called Puget Sound Starts Here that describes the problem of sewage run off into Puget Sound. Even though this is a big problem, the website gives people like you the power of knowledge to do something about it. Check out the page on how to become a Drain Ranger. It will give you the ability to make a change around Puget Sound.
You can also make a change by learning more about Puget Sound through reading the various posts on this website and having your class attend the PMR field trip this Spring or Next Fall. Check out the various things you will learn about Puget Sound and the activities you get to do. The Marine Science Afloat (TM) program is filled with fun activities throughout the day to give you better learning experience with Puget Sound. Tell your teacher about the PMR’s Marine Science Afloat program and let them know that you are interested in attending.
The more you know, the more you care, and the better Puget Sound will be!
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Would you like to know more about the Marine Life of Puget Sound? I found an informative website which allows users to view information on various Marine Life in Puget Sound. You can search for underwater species, estuarine species, and species found in the intertidal zone. There are a total of 66 species (24 in the intertidal zone, 28 in the estaurine zone, and 14 in the underwater zone). Each species profile comes with a picture so you can identify them. Species range from algae and plants to plankton, crabs, and fish. Which species do you like best? Why? Feel free to leave a comment and ask us questions!
One group of species was not included in the profiles. Can you tell us which one?
The People for Puget Sound will be hosting a guest talk by Dr. Sylvia Earle to discuss the future of Puget Sound and the Oceans. The talk commemorates the the 20th Anniversary of the People for Puget Sound, which will take place as a luncheon on April 6th, 2011 at the Seattle Four Seasons Hotel. Here is an excerpt of the announcement from the People for Puget Sound Website:
The luncheon will be held on April 6 at 12 NOON at the Seattle Four Seasons Hotel.
Dr. Earle will fascinate us with her many expeditions as National Geographic’s Explorer in Residence and help us understand why our work in Saving Our Sound is so important.
The spring luncheon will also feature presentation of the annual Warren G. Magnuson Puget Sound Legacy Awards for individuals, groups and organizations making Puget Sound a better place for its plants and animals.
The luncheon is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Attendees will be asked for a donation to help People For Puget Sound’s education, restoration and advocacy programs.
