Puget Sound recovery

Estuary on Spencer Island
Estuarine habitat on Spencer Island

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) works to restore, conserve, and protect habitat throughout the Puget Sound nearshore ecosystem through a variety of programs and partnerships. From leading projects on WDFW lands to providing incentives for shoreline landowners, WDFW provides technical expertise, project assistance, and funding opportunities to support and restore Puget Sound nearshore and estuarine habitats.

 

  • What is the nearshore?

    Learn more about the Puget Sound nearshore, why it's important, and how it's changed. 

  • Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP)

    PSNERP is a long-term  initiative to identify significant ecosystem problems in the Puget Sound nearshore, evaluate potential solutions, and restore and preserve habitat.

  • Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP)

    The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program provides funding and technical assistance for nearshore restoration and protection efforts in Puget Sound.

  • Shore Friendly Grant Program

    Shore Friendly is a brand developed to encourage forgoing or removing shoreline armor, incentivizing landowners and communities to inspire behavior change.

  • Puget Sound Habitat Strategic Initiative

    The Habitat Strategic Initiative, co-led by WDFW and DNR, facilitates and empowers strategic, collaborative recovery of Puget Sound.

  • 2021 Nearshore Summit

    In March 2021, hundreds of restoration scientists and practitioners gathered online for a Nearshore Summit. 

  • PSNERP Technical Reports

    Peer reviewed nearshore technical reports developed by PSNERP to support restoration in Puget Sound.

  • Maps

    Web accessible mapping resources of the Puget Sound nearshore.  

  • Restoration on WDFW lands

    WDFW manages nearly 1 million acres of land for recreation and conservation. Several estuary restoration projects are ongoing at wildlife areas on Puget Sound.