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Potential Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on Water Quality in South Puget Sound: A Management Perspective Tali Engoltz CIG Research Presentation June 4, 2002
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Goals 1. Explore what is known about climate effects on estuarine processes. 2. Research the implications of regional climate variability on water quality in South Puget Sound.
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Goals 3. Relate the results to the perceptions of water resources managers regarding climate variability and its implications for management. 4. Suggest topics for further research on the potential effects of a variable and changing climate on the interactions between estuaries and watersheds
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Study Site South Puget Sound is defined as the waters south of the Narrows near Tacoma, WA. This study concentrated on Budd Inlet and the Deschutes and Kitsap watersheds.
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WRIA 13: Deschutes http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/wwm/utilitydev%20pages/wria_13.htm
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WRIA 15: Kitsap http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/wrias/15.html
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Methods Literature Search and Synthesis To review current and historical research on the impacts of climate variability and change on coastal systems South Puget Sound Area Synthesis Model (SPASM): A computer model developed by the WA DOE To model watershed inputs and estuarine responses under a number of climate scenarios Elite Interviewing To understand the perspectives of water resource managers on the use of climate information in management
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Results: Literature Review Impacts will vary regionally and could include: 1. Impaired water quality and quantity 2. Altered biotic community structures 3. Reduced runoff and groundwater recharge 4. Changes in the timing of low/high stream flows 5. Increased sediment and nutrient loads 6. Changes in estuarine salinity 7. Fewer socioeconomic benefits: fishing, recreation…
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Results: SPASM
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The four output parameters showed sensitivity to altered climate-related parameters as follows: Salinity: Sensitive to changes in riverflow, sunlight, and ocean boundary salinity; Water Temperature: Sensitive to changes in ocean boundary temperature and sometimes to sunlight; DO: Sensitive to changes in sunlight, DIN inputs, and ocean boundary temperature conditions; and Chl a: Sensitive to changes in sunlight, riverflow, and DIN inputs.
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Results: Elite Interviews Fifteen interviews conducted Agencies represented included: WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and WA Dept. of Ecology PSWQAT Taylor Shellfish, Inc. Thurston and Kitsap Counties City of Bremerton Tribes
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What parameters lead to water quality impairment in South Puget Sound?
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Which climate variables are likely to affect water quality in South Puget Sound and surrounding waters?
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What are your sources of information about climate variability and change?
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All 15 respondents felt that there IS a role for climate information in water resource management. This is what they would want to know:
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Conclusions, Recommendations, and Future Research Directions
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Acknowledgements JISAO/SMA Climate Impacts Group Funding Scientific support WA State Department of Ecology SPASM use and results Specifically: Professor David Fluharty, SMA Doug Canning, WADOE; Warren Wooster, SMA Skip Albertson, WADOE Jan Newton, WADOE and School of Oceanography Kurt Heintz, School of Oceanography
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