Encyclopedia of Puget Sound (Beta version) is online as of 16 May 2012 at http://eopugetsound.org
This web site offers access to the most relevant and up-to-date scientific information, primarily for researchers and policymakers working to protect and restore Puget Sound. It is, however, also available to everyone else. This online effort is designed as a reference source for ecosystem science and ecosystem-based management. It represents the collective knowledge of leading experts from state and federal agencies, academic institutions and Puget Sound area Tribes.
The Encyclopedia is inspired by other online efforts and builds upon the groundbreaking work and contributions of thePuget Sound Partnership and Puget Sound Science Panel. You will find discussion about almost any question you can ask about the Puget Sound area. You will seldom find any simple answers as, in the scientific world, there seldom are simple answers.
If you are interested in “raw” information, instead of the pap predigested to the 5th grade level of TV, you will find the Encyclopedia useful, even in this early stage but encouraging feedback and participation as it is further refined and content developed, Just be prepared to be sidetracked in your searches by multiple interesting articles on topics that you probably have not considered.
One of the difficulties for the amateur in using this site are the formats of the map products. Most of the data are prepared for use by professional GIS programs or viewers and not easily viewed directly from the web site. The FEMA flood maps of the area, for example, currently are almost impossible to understand with the default viewer and the bathymetry maps are pretty crude. It is likely that these details will be cleaned up in the near future so browse and browse often!
The Encyclopedia of Puget Sound is a publication of the Puget Sound Institute at the University of Washington, and is founded as part of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Puget Sound Partnership.
The amazing assortment of organizations which have contributed to the information already available include:
US Government:
- Environmental Protection Agency
- US Geological Survey
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
- Office of Response and Restoration Fisheries
Washington State Departments of:
- Ecology
- Fish and Wildlife
- Health
- Natural Resources
University of Washington
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks
The Partnership’s 2011 Puget Sound Science
The Washington Natural Heritage Program
NatureServe
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
People for Puget Sound
Puget Sound Action Team
The Nature Conservancy
Stop in when you have a few minutes but be prepared to spend a few hours immersed in the fascinating science of the Puget Sound area. And, if you are producing scientific information that you want to share, sign up as a contributor.
