Our Salmon Science Program helps guide salmon recovery efforts using the best available science and planning. We fund and report on studies, share knowledge, and work with experts to increase our understanding of Puget Sound salmon ecosystems. This science-first and knowledge approach helps us support and improve policy solutions with the goal of improving planning and support policy solutions. Examples of this work include:

• Tracking progress - We develop, analyze and report on Puget Sound Indicators, including Salmon Habitat Indicators, to measure and share our progress towards salmon recovery. This helps our understanding of salmon-specific ecosystem conditions in Puget Sound.
  
• Funding research - We offer funding opportunities ask important questions and fill knowledge gaps to help improve recovery efforts.
  
• Leading adaptive management - We lead adaptive management efforts for the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan Addendum.
• Providing expert support - We provide technical support and guidance to our agency and external partners along with a regional network of science and monitoring experts, such as the Salmon Science Advisory Group and the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program Salmonids Work Group.

Last updated: 11/05/25