1. Estuary, Marine Waters and Nearshore Indicators Presented to the Governor’s Forum on Monitoring, October 5, 2005 Sarah Brace, Puget Sound Action Team, PSAMP Curtis Tanner, WDFW, PSNERP

2. Challenges Complex systems difficult to characterize Large spatial coverage Limited available data across PS, CR and Coastal waters

3. Approach Short-term indicators No new data development. Rely on existing data as linked conceptually to salmon. Subset of indicators that would be included in long-term indicators Long-term indicators New and existing monitoring data plus analysis, synthesis and modeling. Comprehensive characterization of coastal, marine and estuarine waters.

4. HABITAT Short term: Habitat condition indicators Eelgrass Shoreline alteration Long term: Habitat condition index Eelgrass Shoreline modifications Marine riparian veg. Wetlands Kelp Mudflats Rocky habitat Invasives

5. HABITAT Short term: Water quality indicators Hypoxia Eutrophication sensitivity 303(d) List Long term: Water quality index Hypoxia Eutrophication sensitivity 303(d) List

6. Ecosystems, Communities and Species Short term: Salmon condition indicators Prey (herring) Predators (Caspian terns, marine waterfowl) Competitors (harbor seals) Long term: Species condition index Herring Marine birds Seals Groundfish Shorebirds Marine plants Salmon

7. Ecosystems, Communities and Species Short term: Ocean conditions indicators Upwelling Sea surface temperature Long term: Ocean conditions index Upwelling Sea surface temperature

8. Contaminants and Stressors: Short term: Exposure indicators Herring (pelagic) Adult salmon (pelagic) Juvenile salmon (pelagic) Seal/Orca Sediment (benthic) Long term: Exposure effect index Fish Wildlife Invertebrates Plankton Plants

9. NEXT STEPS Develop fully the short term indicators for the purpose of SOS report. Characterize the systems given the extent of data that currently exists. Develop framework for long term indicators. 1 FTE @ 9 months Approximately $55K STEP 1:

10. NEXT STEPS Invest in development of long- term indicators Fund additional monitoring, synthesis of data, modeling Build conceptual model linking indicators/indices to stressors and management actions STEP 2:

11. NEXT STEPS Coordination across workgroups: Develop land-cover change and impervious surface coverage change indicators in conjunction with freshwater and terrestrial monitoring groups – coordination across ecosystem components.