Marine toxic contaminants

Cross section of Puget Sound marine habitats with aquatic species shown.
Puget Sound marine and estuarine habitats displaying monitoring areas with key species: juvenile Chinook and river otters in riverine/estuarine areas; native bay mussels in the nearshore; English sole, Dungeness crab, rockfish, and spot prawn in the benthic (seafloor) zone; and herring, adult salmon, and orcas in the pelagic (open water) zone.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS) team monitors the geographic extent and magnitude of toxic contaminants in marine and salmonid species in Puget Sound and Washington's Pacific coast. We evaluate and track complex patterns of pollution in these ecosystems using a number of indicator species within the food web, representing a wide range of habitat and movement patterns. Results from these studies help guide efforts to protect fish and shellfish health, ensure seafood safety, and promote ecosystem recovery.

Our research covers these focus areas:

  • Performing surveys of key species in Puget Sound to track progress on restoring Puget Sound ecosystems
  • Assisting other agencies in identifying hot spots, or areas within a watershed where large amounts of toxic contaminants enter the environment
  • Developing methods to track how new chemicals enter the Puget Sound food web and support better management of emerging toxic threats

  • Providing information to other agencies to inform fish consumption advisories and water quality assessments

     

  • About Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS)

    WDFW’s TBiOS team monitors the geographic extent and magnitude of toxic contaminants in fish and shellfish living in Puget Sound and Washington’s coast.

  • Publications

    Data from our surveys is available through our publications and reports.

  • Monitoring toxic contaminants

    TBiOS monitors chemicals that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in Puget Sound aquatic species to identify areas of greatest exposure and types of contaminants that can cause health risks to wildlife and people.

  • Improving Puget Sound health

    TBiOS research directly supports Puget Sound recovery efforts. TBiOS partners with state and federal agencies, tribes, and organizations to track Puget Sound ecosystem health and monitor contaminant impacts to human health.