Warm air and water temperatures and offshore winds have persisted since fall. Numerous and sizable jelly fish patches are still present in southern inlets of Puget Sound. Coastal waters were colored in shades of gray to brown by sediment and humic substances. Phytoplankton blooms were restricted to the surf zone. We were treated to artful views of meandering sloughs and gullies on exposed mud flats during low tide in Willapa Bay, interspersed with the geometry of shellfish management. Brown pelicans: a story of recovery.
The ocean and air remain warm with sunshine and dry weather across the region. As a result, Puget Sound is a lot warmer going into the new year. Hood Canal is responding with temperatures warmer than previous measurements, breaking its low temperature stint. First signs of growing phytoplankton are coloring the water green. Patches of jellyfish are overwintering in finger inlets of South Sound. Tidal fronts and suspended sediment are visible amidst the stunning San Juan Islands scenery. A sediment-rich water mass is trapped in Rosario Strait. Check out the South Sound Estuarium and the many reasons we love Puget Sound!
EOPS_June_27_2016,
Record-breaking warmer and fresher water in Puget Sound. May-June conditions are more unusual than last year. Recent rain brought river flows close to normal but water exchange in Puget Sound remains weak due to low Fraser River flow. Phytoplankton blooms and organic material are visible in some areas of Central and South Sound but not in others. Noctiluca, while absent in Central Basin, was reported in unusual places. Jelly fish occur only in some south sound bays. Follow our BEACH program kick off, discover the Stinkworm, and find good underwater visibility for diving.
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-074
Warm waters from “The Blob” in Puget Sound combine with drought conditions as warm air has left little snow to feed the rivers. Water temperatures throughout Puget Sound are the highest in 25 years and oxygen is exhibiting record lows. High suspended sediment in the north is still coming in from the Fraser River. Otherwise, the surface waters appear very clear due to recent low river flows and weak blooming activity. A red bloom is present in Sinclair Inlet and in some confined bays. Patches of jellyfish, however, are going strong in inlets of South Sound and Sinclair Inlet. What does this all mean for salmon? Get to know some intertidal critters!
EOPS_August_24_2016,
In July, conditions were normalizing, yet river flows remained lower, continuing into August. July also saw lower oxygen appearing in southern Puget Sound. By August, jellyfish are occurring in high numbers in Eld and Budd Inlet. South Puget Sound has Noctiluca drifting at the surface in large orange lines in many places and red-brown blooms widespread in finger inlets, as well as in Sinclair Inlet. Central Sound surface-water temperatures are high, still in the 60s, and algae are abundant. See what we are measuring to understand ocean acidification in Puget Sound.
Publication No. 16-03-076
EOPS_May_2_2016,
Spring air temperatures are higher - it has been sunny and dry. The snowpack is quickly disappearing as temperatures are up to 7 °F warmer at higher elevations. Snowmelt-fed rivers are running very high. How does this affect water quality in Puget Sound? A strong spring phytoplankton bloom extends across Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Water temperatures are still higher than normal and jellyfish are already numerous in southern inlets. The high biological activity is causing organic material to drift at the surface and wash onto beaches. Do you know how fast a Sand Star can move?
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-073
A recent cold spell hits Puget Sound lowlands, interrupting this year’s warmer air temperatures. The warm ocean coincides with new maximum water temperatures observed throughout Puget Sound in October! Hood Canal’s higher dissolved oxygen and cold water anomalies are disappearing. November brings cold water from Whidbey Basin into Puget Sound with moderate levels of chlorophyll fluorescence. Abundant smacks of jellyfish in finger inlets of South Sound observed from our flight. Red-brown blooms remain strong in smaller bays of South Sound. Visible suspended sediments in the coastal estuaries from rain, wind, and waves. Playing in the water? Visit our BEACH program.
Record warm water temperatures and low oxygen continue in Ecology’s Puget Sound marine monitoring station network. Record low stream flows result in visibly low river discharge into Puget Sound, in particular for the Puyallup River. Abundant sun and unusually warm water temperatures fuel phytoplankton blooms in many areas. Bright orange Noctiluca blooms are surfacing in the Commencement Bay area and around Port Madison. Finger inlets of South Sound support extensive patches of jellyfish.
The ocean and air remain warm with sunshine and dry weather across the region. As a result, Puget Sound is a lot warmer going into the new year. Hood Canal is responding with temperatures warmer than previous measurements, breaking its low temperature stint. First signs of growing phytoplankton are coloring the water green. Patches of jellyfish are overwintering in finger inlets of South Sound. Tidal fronts and suspended sediment are visible amidst the stunning San Juan Islands scenery. A sediment-rich water mass is trapped in Rosario Strait. Check out the South Sound Estuarium and the many reasons we love Puget Sound!
EOPS_June_27_2016,
Record-breaking warmer and fresher water in Puget Sound. May-June conditions are more unusual than last year. Recent rain brought river flows close to normal but water exchange in Puget Sound remains weak due to low Fraser River flow. Phytoplankton blooms and organic material are visible in some areas of Central and South Sound but not in others. Noctiluca, while absent in Central Basin, was reported in unusual places. Jelly fish occur only in some south sound bays. Follow our BEACH program kick off, discover the Stinkworm, and find good underwater visibility for diving.
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-074
Warm waters from “The Blob” in Puget Sound combine with drought conditions as warm air has left little snow to feed the rivers. Water temperatures throughout Puget Sound are the highest in 25 years and oxygen is exhibiting record lows. High suspended sediment in the north is still coming in from the Fraser River. Otherwise, the surface waters appear very clear due to recent low river flows and weak blooming activity. A red bloom is present in Sinclair Inlet and in some confined bays. Patches of jellyfish, however, are going strong in inlets of South Sound and Sinclair Inlet. What does this all mean for salmon? Get to know some intertidal critters!
EOPS_August_24_2016,
In July, conditions were normalizing, yet river flows remained lower, continuing into August. July also saw lower oxygen appearing in southern Puget Sound. By August, jellyfish are occurring in high numbers in Eld and Budd Inlet. South Puget Sound has Noctiluca drifting at the surface in large orange lines in many places and red-brown blooms widespread in finger inlets, as well as in Sinclair Inlet. Central Sound surface-water temperatures are high, still in the 60s, and algae are abundant. See what we are measuring to understand ocean acidification in Puget Sound.
Publication No. 16-03-076
EOPS_May_2_2016,
Spring air temperatures are higher - it has been sunny and dry. The snowpack is quickly disappearing as temperatures are up to 7 °F warmer at higher elevations. Snowmelt-fed rivers are running very high. How does this affect water quality in Puget Sound? A strong spring phytoplankton bloom extends across Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Water temperatures are still higher than normal and jellyfish are already numerous in southern inlets. The high biological activity is causing organic material to drift at the surface and wash onto beaches. Do you know how fast a Sand Star can move?
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-073
A recent cold spell hits Puget Sound lowlands, interrupting this year’s warmer air temperatures. The warm ocean coincides with new maximum water temperatures observed throughout Puget Sound in October! Hood Canal’s higher dissolved oxygen and cold water anomalies are disappearing. November brings cold water from Whidbey Basin into Puget Sound with moderate levels of chlorophyll fluorescence. Abundant smacks of jellyfish in finger inlets of South Sound observed from our flight. Red-brown blooms remain strong in smaller bays of South Sound. Visible suspended sediments in the coastal estuaries from rain, wind, and waves. Playing in the water? Visit our BEACH program.
Record warm water temperatures and low oxygen continue in Ecology’s Puget Sound marine monitoring station network. Record low stream flows result in visibly low river discharge into Puget Sound, in particular for the Puyallup River. Abundant sun and unusually warm water temperatures fuel phytoplankton blooms in many areas. Bright orange Noctiluca blooms are surfacing in the Commencement Bay area and around Port Madison. Finger inlets of South Sound support extensive patches of jellyfish.
Unusually warm water temperatures continue in central and south Puget Sound. River flows remain lower than normal, especially the Fraser and Skagit rivers. Thus, with estuarine circulation much weaker, Puget Sound waters stay put. Mats of organic debris persist in Central Sound near Port Madison. Red-brown and brown blooms are now very strong in southern inlets and jellyfish patches are exceptionally numerous and large. Explore media coverage of unusual Puget Sound conditions including jellyfish.
EOPS_February_8_2016,
January air temperatures and precipitation were above normal as El Nino conditions prevail. This winter our snowpack is in much better shape, though we’ve lost some snow from the stint of warm weather. More rain and higher river flows have lowered salinities in Puget Sound and coastal bays. Nonetheless, water temperatures in Puget Sound remain at record-breaking highs. Jellyfish patches are numerous in finger inlets of South Sound and signs of phytoplankton blooms are visible in coastal bays. When conditions limit flying, Ecology’s research vessel gets the job done.
Publication No. 16-03-070
Puget Sound is starting to normalize in response to fall conditions with cooler air temperatures, rain, and recovering river flows. We are seeing fewer algal blooms, jellyfish, and macro-algae as salinities become more normal. Yet warm waters persist and El Nino and the Blob are likely to affect Puget Sound throughout the winter. The Nisqually River fared better through the drought than other rivers and best management practices have been improving its water quality. EOPS and ferry monitoring gain recognition with a national award for innovation!
A stunning view of a second large Noctiluca bloom captures the attention of many living near Puget Sound. Favorable conditions support several regional phytoplankton blooms. Red-brown blooms in Port Townsend, Discovery Bay and Bellingham Bay. Large algal mats or organic material particularly in Samish Bay. Jellyfish patches increasing in Budd, Totten and Eld Inlets.
Sunshine and warm temperatures return after last week’s intense rain. The Puyallup and Nisqually Rivers are flowing high. Red-brown blooms and numerous patches of jellyfish remain strong in South Sound, Sinclair and Dyes Inlets, and Bellingham Bay, with brown-green blooms in Whidbey Basin. Macro-algae surface debris is very high in South and Central Sound. Hood Canal remains cooler but Puget Sound-wide temperatures are now warmer and less salty. Sea surface temperatures are above 15 °C, conditions favorable for some pathogens, and harmful algae blooms. Read about super colonies of by-the-wind sailors washing up on our shores.
Puget Sound conditions are normalizing after seven months of lower oxygen. Calm, dry, cool, and foggy mornings abruptly changed on October 28 to sun and strong northerly winds. Red-brown blooms and abundant jellyfish in south Puget Sound inlets appeared as we flew to the coast. Blooms were still visible near ocean beaches and inner bays. Grays Harbor had abundant surface debris with green algae in North Bay. We spotted red-brown blooms in rivers and sloughs in Willapa Bay, as well as schooling fish near sandbanks. Many patches of suspended sediment appeared in shallow water unrelated to tidal currents and remain unexplained.
Air temperatures are warm and Puget Sound continues to show record high water temperatures. Some rain has returned to our region, yet river flows remain unusually low. Puget Sound is saltier than normal allowing oxygen-rich surface waters to more easily mix to greater depths. Lower oxygen was measured only in the Coastal Bays, Hood Canal, and South Sound. Large jellyfish aggregations continue in South Sound, the Kitsap Peninsula, and East Sound (Orcas Island). Sediment plumes in Bellingham Bay form unique patterns. Warm waters and sunny conditions fostered green tides, raising a stink along some local beaches.
EOPS_December_14_2015,
As coastal and regional conditions gradually normalize in response to a fading Blob and increased rain, the big question remains. Will the snow in the mountains stay there or come down prematurely and lower salinity in Puget Sound like last winter? Cascade snowpack is currently below normal. The El Niño at the equator is still brewing! Major rivers transport large amounts of suspended sediments and soil into Puget Sound, also seen in our ferry sensor data. Our flight team gets in the pool for safety training.
Ecology Publication No. 15-03-079
The weather changed from cool, cloudy and southerlies, to sunny warm conditions and light northerly winds on Mother’s Day. At the water surface, blooms and large debris lines occur in Bellingham, Padilla, and Samish Bays, Hood Canal, East Sound, and the Straits, as well as the finger inlets of South Sound. Large amounts of sediment-laden water from Port Susan are flowing into Central Basin. Turquoise water mixing to the surface in places around the San Juan Islands. After some trouble-shooting of the hardware and communication system, we will resume collecting Victoria Clipper data next week. Meet Eyes Under Puget Sound: Sediment Monitoring Program at Ecology.
EOPS_September_26_2016,
September is jellyfish season and they are everywhere in southern Puget Sound! Sunny, warm, and dry conditions promoted strong late-summer plankton blooms in colors of red, green, and brown, now widespread in many bays. In contrast, Central Sound looks clear with low algal activity. Southern Puget Sound has large floating mats of organic material and developed lower oxygen in August. Meet the Critter of the Month - The Sweet Potato Sea Cucumber.
Publication No. 16-03-077
Dr. Christopher Krembs, with the marine monitoring unit of the Department of Ecology, presented on the warm water conditions in Puget Sound. He discussed the impacts on marine food webs and potential scenarios in 2015. He presented at the June 2015 NRC meeting.
EOPS_July_20_2016,
Through June, air temperatures and sunlight were higher than normal. Recent rain generally improved river flows. However, the Fraser river flow remains extremely low, reducing water exchange with the ocean. Water temperatures are still breaking records, yet dissolved oxygen levels are normal. Coastal bays are influenced by upwelling and exhibit lower oxygen and higher salinities. Puget Sound algae are thriving with blooms observed in many South Sound inlets. Macro-algae is seen piling up on beaches and drifting in Central Sound. Jellyfish smacks are numerous in Eld and Budd Inlets. Our fliers notice seals hanging out at the beach!
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-075
EOPS_December_31_2016,
The year 2016 in pictures: After two years of very warm air and record high water temperatures starting with the Blob (2015) and followed by El Nino (2016), temperatures have fallen and remain slightly warmer than normal in Puget Sound. Very low summer river flows (e.g., Fraser River) reflect climatic predictions for the NW. Record temperatures and low salinities occurred alongside observations of abundant jellyfish, floating macro-algae, and Noctiluca blooms. Surprisingly, only South Sound developed very low summer oxygen levels in 2016. In the fall, La Niña came with a punch, rain increased, and air temperatures dropped. Will this be an unusual La Niña?
Publication No. 16-03-079
EOPS_June_5_2017,
Cooler and wetter conditions early in 2017 have set the stage for a favorable supply of freshwater. River flows are all above normal due to melting of the abundant snowpack from warmer May air temperatures. This is creating significantly fresher conditions in Puget Sound surface waters. Algae blooms are limited to some yellow-green blooms growing in bays near the Kitsap Peninsula and blooms near estuaries of the Skagit, Stillaguamish, and Puyallup Rivers. Red blooms are present in rivers feeding into Willapa Bay. Also see what is “blooming” in the sediments of Puget Sound.
Ecology Publication No. 17-03-070
EOPS_December_30_2015,
The year 2015 in pictures: Jellyfish patches persisted through the entire year in response to the exceptionally warm water caused by the Blob. Sediment loads are high as snow melts fast in the winter of 2015. Unexpected phytoplankton species occur in some bays in spring. Noctiluca, jellyfish and macro-algae appear in high numbers when rivers drop to record-low flows in early summer. Low river flows slow the renewal of in Puget Sound throughout summer and fall and jellyfish patches reach record highs.
Ecology Publication No. 15-03-080
EOPS_March_16_2016,
In response to warm and wet conditions, rivers have been running high. Salinity in Puget Sound is notably lower. Below a cooler surface, water temperatures remain high, especially in Hood Canal. We still see numerous jellyfish patches in Puget Sound inlets. Phytoplankton blooms are going strong in Hood Canal and Henderson Inlet, and picking up elsewhere. Many places showed long stretches of suspended sediments nearshore, a sign of potential shore erosion. Check out the critters inhabiting the sediments of Puget Sound.
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-071
Unusually warm water temperatures continue in central and south Puget Sound. River flows remain lower than normal, especially the Fraser and Skagit rivers. Thus, with estuarine circulation much weaker, Puget Sound waters stay put. Mats of organic debris persist in Central Sound near Port Madison. Red-brown and brown blooms are now very strong in southern inlets and jellyfish patches are exceptionally numerous and large. Explore media coverage of unusual Puget Sound conditions including jellyfish.
EOPS_February_8_2016,
January air temperatures and precipitation were above normal as El Nino conditions prevail. This winter our snowpack is in much better shape, though we’ve lost some snow from the stint of warm weather. More rain and higher river flows have lowered salinities in Puget Sound and coastal bays. Nonetheless, water temperatures in Puget Sound remain at record-breaking highs. Jellyfish patches are numerous in finger inlets of South Sound and signs of phytoplankton blooms are visible in coastal bays. When conditions limit flying, Ecology’s research vessel gets the job done.
Publication No. 16-03-070
Puget Sound is starting to normalize in response to fall conditions with cooler air temperatures, rain, and recovering river flows. We are seeing fewer algal blooms, jellyfish, and macro-algae as salinities become more normal. Yet warm waters persist and El Nino and the Blob are likely to affect Puget Sound throughout the winter. The Nisqually River fared better through the drought than other rivers and best management practices have been improving its water quality. EOPS and ferry monitoring gain recognition with a national award for innovation!
A stunning view of a second large Noctiluca bloom captures the attention of many living near Puget Sound. Favorable conditions support several regional phytoplankton blooms. Red-brown blooms in Port Townsend, Discovery Bay and Bellingham Bay. Large algal mats or organic material particularly in Samish Bay. Jellyfish patches increasing in Budd, Totten and Eld Inlets.
Sunshine and warm temperatures return after last week’s intense rain. The Puyallup and Nisqually Rivers are flowing high. Red-brown blooms and numerous patches of jellyfish remain strong in South Sound, Sinclair and Dyes Inlets, and Bellingham Bay, with brown-green blooms in Whidbey Basin. Macro-algae surface debris is very high in South and Central Sound. Hood Canal remains cooler but Puget Sound-wide temperatures are now warmer and less salty. Sea surface temperatures are above 15 °C, conditions favorable for some pathogens, and harmful algae blooms. Read about super colonies of by-the-wind sailors washing up on our shores.
Puget Sound conditions are normalizing after seven months of lower oxygen. Calm, dry, cool, and foggy mornings abruptly changed on October 28 to sun and strong northerly winds. Red-brown blooms and abundant jellyfish in south Puget Sound inlets appeared as we flew to the coast. Blooms were still visible near ocean beaches and inner bays. Grays Harbor had abundant surface debris with green algae in North Bay. We spotted red-brown blooms in rivers and sloughs in Willapa Bay, as well as schooling fish near sandbanks. Many patches of suspended sediment appeared in shallow water unrelated to tidal currents and remain unexplained.
Air temperatures are warm and Puget Sound continues to show record high water temperatures. Some rain has returned to our region, yet river flows remain unusually low. Puget Sound is saltier than normal allowing oxygen-rich surface waters to more easily mix to greater depths. Lower oxygen was measured only in the Coastal Bays, Hood Canal, and South Sound. Large jellyfish aggregations continue in South Sound, the Kitsap Peninsula, and East Sound (Orcas Island). Sediment plumes in Bellingham Bay form unique patterns. Warm waters and sunny conditions fostered green tides, raising a stink along some local beaches.
EOPS_December_14_2015,
As coastal and regional conditions gradually normalize in response to a fading Blob and increased rain, the big question remains. Will the snow in the mountains stay there or come down prematurely and lower salinity in Puget Sound like last winter? Cascade snowpack is currently below normal. The El Niño at the equator is still brewing! Major rivers transport large amounts of suspended sediments and soil into Puget Sound, also seen in our ferry sensor data. Our flight team gets in the pool for safety training.
Ecology Publication No. 15-03-079
The weather changed from cool, cloudy and southerlies, to sunny warm conditions and light northerly winds on Mother’s Day. At the water surface, blooms and large debris lines occur in Bellingham, Padilla, and Samish Bays, Hood Canal, East Sound, and the Straits, as well as the finger inlets of South Sound. Large amounts of sediment-laden water from Port Susan are flowing into Central Basin. Turquoise water mixing to the surface in places around the San Juan Islands. After some trouble-shooting of the hardware and communication system, we will resume collecting Victoria Clipper data next week. Meet Eyes Under Puget Sound: Sediment Monitoring Program at Ecology.
EOPS_September_26_2016,
September is jellyfish season and they are everywhere in southern Puget Sound! Sunny, warm, and dry conditions promoted strong late-summer plankton blooms in colors of red, green, and brown, now widespread in many bays. In contrast, Central Sound looks clear with low algal activity. Southern Puget Sound has large floating mats of organic material and developed lower oxygen in August. Meet the Critter of the Month - The Sweet Potato Sea Cucumber.
Publication No. 16-03-077
Dr. Christopher Krembs, with the marine monitoring unit of the Department of Ecology, presented on the warm water conditions in Puget Sound. He discussed the impacts on marine food webs and potential scenarios in 2015. He presented at the June 2015 NRC meeting.
EOPS_July_20_2016,
Through June, air temperatures and sunlight were higher than normal. Recent rain generally improved river flows. However, the Fraser river flow remains extremely low, reducing water exchange with the ocean. Water temperatures are still breaking records, yet dissolved oxygen levels are normal. Coastal bays are influenced by upwelling and exhibit lower oxygen and higher salinities. Puget Sound algae are thriving with blooms observed in many South Sound inlets. Macro-algae is seen piling up on beaches and drifting in Central Sound. Jellyfish smacks are numerous in Eld and Budd Inlets. Our fliers notice seals hanging out at the beach!
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-075
EOPS_December_31_2016,
The year 2016 in pictures: After two years of very warm air and record high water temperatures starting with the Blob (2015) and followed by El Nino (2016), temperatures have fallen and remain slightly warmer than normal in Puget Sound. Very low summer river flows (e.g., Fraser River) reflect climatic predictions for the NW. Record temperatures and low salinities occurred alongside observations of abundant jellyfish, floating macro-algae, and Noctiluca blooms. Surprisingly, only South Sound developed very low summer oxygen levels in 2016. In the fall, La Niña came with a punch, rain increased, and air temperatures dropped. Will this be an unusual La Niña?
Publication No. 16-03-079
EOPS_June_5_2017,
Cooler and wetter conditions early in 2017 have set the stage for a favorable supply of freshwater. River flows are all above normal due to melting of the abundant snowpack from warmer May air temperatures. This is creating significantly fresher conditions in Puget Sound surface waters. Algae blooms are limited to some yellow-green blooms growing in bays near the Kitsap Peninsula and blooms near estuaries of the Skagit, Stillaguamish, and Puyallup Rivers. Red blooms are present in rivers feeding into Willapa Bay. Also see what is “blooming” in the sediments of Puget Sound.
Ecology Publication No. 17-03-070
EOPS_December_30_2015,
The year 2015 in pictures: Jellyfish patches persisted through the entire year in response to the exceptionally warm water caused by the Blob. Sediment loads are high as snow melts fast in the winter of 2015. Unexpected phytoplankton species occur in some bays in spring. Noctiluca, jellyfish and macro-algae appear in high numbers when rivers drop to record-low flows in early summer. Low river flows slow the renewal of in Puget Sound throughout summer and fall and jellyfish patches reach record highs.
Ecology Publication No. 15-03-080
EOPS_March_16_2016,
In response to warm and wet conditions, rivers have been running high. Salinity in Puget Sound is notably lower. Below a cooler surface, water temperatures remain high, especially in Hood Canal. We still see numerous jellyfish patches in Puget Sound inlets. Phytoplankton blooms are going strong in Hood Canal and Henderson Inlet, and picking up elsewhere. Many places showed long stretches of suspended sediments nearshore, a sign of potential shore erosion. Check out the critters inhabiting the sediments of Puget Sound.
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-071
eFactor: Why Customer Experience is the Next Big Thing in SalesBarbara Giamanco
Customer experience makes a big difference in selling today.Every touch point in the process from moving someone to an interested buyer to a customer for life. How well do you stack up?
Primer portal de empleo en habla hispana dedicado a RSE, Sostenibilidad, Calidad y Comunicación Corporativa. Selección de Personal y Headhunting, Diseño de estructuras de RSE, Acuerdos Universidad y Empresa y Escuela Formativa. Candidatos y Empresas registro gratis.
Integrated Mobility QA: A Strategic Business Enabler for Enhancing End-user E...Cognizant
As smartphones and tablets enter the market at breakneck speed, organizations need to develop sophisticated testing capabilities and provide cross-platform support in order to deliver proper application quality and business assurance.
Social Media Marketing in the American and French wine industry in 2012pierrickbouquet
Every year, for the past three years, ABLE has been conducting surveys on Social Media in the American and French wine industries. This year survey was conducted in October 2012 and analyzes the impact of social media marketing on the world of wine, and compares how two key players (France and the United States) are embracing new technology. Results were presented during the 2012 European Wine Blogger Conference in Izmir.
Covers the new Apache Lucene 4 spatial module. Includes Solr usage info. Applicable to ElasticSearch too.
Presented the 2012 Open Source Search in Government conference by Basis Technologies.
At the end of summer, water temperatures are still high, and salinities and dissolved oxygen are low in Puget Sound. Both sea surface temperature and upwelling off the coast are elevated (PDO and Upwelling indices) and the the Fraser River flow is low. This combination makes it an interesting fall. Very dense and large patches of jellyfish appear in finger inlets of South Sound. Red-brown blooms also remain strong in South Sound.
Unusually warm water temperatures continue in central and south Puget Sound while Willapa Bay returns to expected water temperatures as a result of stronger coastal upwelling. Extensive mats of organic debris develop in many places, particularly in Central Sound overlapping with a fading Noctiluca bloom. King County confirms Noctiluca and shares plankton species information. Red-brown and brown blooms are going strong in southern inlets and around the San Juan Islands. Our inspiring WCC Intern gets on boats, into the air, and to the lab.
EOPS_April_6_2016,
Despite warmer air temperatures, normal snowpack in the mountains suggest that summer freshwater flows into Puget Sound might be higher than last year. As of April, the spring plankton bloom has extended across Central and South Puget Sound. Ferry data shows chlorophyll increasing after March 25 and expanding across the area. With water temperatures above normal as a carry-over from 2015, jellyfish patches are numerous in inlets of South Sound and in Sinclair Inlet, unusual for this time of year. Check out the tiny burrowing ostracods as well as our Washington Conservation Corps Intern analyzing seawater oxygen.
Ecology Publication No. 16-03-072
River flows are above normal and air temperatures are increasing slowly. The spring phytoplankton bloom is slow to develop with visible blooms limited to smaller bays such as Sequim and Bellingham Bays. Noctiluca observed in East Sound on Orcas Island, coinciding with high numbers of jellyfish. Debris lines are mostly confined to Hood Canal. Pockets of colder water observed in Central Sound and Hood Canal, likely from the colder, saltier conditions that developed during the winter in the northern regions. Oxygen is variable yet close to expected ranges. Sizable oil sheens were sighted in Gig Harbor and Carr Inlet.
EOPS_October_6_2015,
Puget Sound is starting to normalize in response to fall conditions with cooler air temperatures, rain, and recovering river flows. We are seeing fewer algal blooms, jellyfish, and macro-algae as salinities become more normal. Yet warm waters persist and El Nino and the Blob are likely to affect Puget Sound throughout the winter. The Nisqually River fared better through the drought than other rivers and best management practices have been improving its water quality. EOPS and ferry monitoring gain recognition with a national award for innovation!
Ecology Publication No. 15-03-078
EOPS_July_24_2017,
July had warm air temperatures, sunshine, and an abundant snowpack. Previous months had higher river flows (bringing freshwater) and weak upwelling (low delivery of saltier water) which resulted in very low salinities in Puget Sound, especially in the South Sound. Water temperatures are expected and warmer in Central Sound. Above normal sunshine has made Puget Sound biologically very active! Intense and unusual blooms color Hood Canal (coccolithophores) and south sound inlets. Large mats of organic material containing macro-algae drift at the surface. Many schools of fish are visible though jellyfish were absent.
Ecology Publication No. 17-03-071
Sunshine and warmth continue into September. Upwelling is higher, yet low Fraser River flow reduces the likelihood of low-oxygen water moving into Puget Sound. Dissolved oxygen remains relatively high in Hood Canal and is lower elsewhere. Satellites show relatively warm water in the Strait of Georgia and Whidbey Basin and an extensive offshore bloom. Water temperatures also remain high in South Sound were red-brown plankton blooms and large smacks of jellyfish adorn the water surface. Explore what frequent blooms in smaller bays can tell us.
EOPS_November_22_2016,
ENSO is in a cold phase (La Niña) and it is wetter and warmer than normal. Strong precipitation in October greatly improved Puget Sound streamflows. At the coast, we had strong downwelling. As a result, water temperatures, salinities, and oxygen in Puget Sound are returning to normal. While surface water in Puget Sound has cooled, it is still warmer than in the Straits. Surprisingly, masses of suspended sediment occurred east of Steamboat Island in Totten Inlet. We continue to see large jellyfish aggregations in finger Inlets of South Sound and slowly fading red-brown blooms.
Publication No. 16-03-078
Warmer and sunnier days result in higher than normal river flows from the Skagit and Nisqually. Biological activity in the water column is high. Abundant organic surface debris in Hood Canal, Padilla Bay, and many Inlets. Red-brown blooms in South Sound, Discovery Bay, and regions of Bellingham Bay. Different blooms in Skagit Bay, Padilla Bay, and Sinclair Inlet. Jelly fish are numerous in all southernmost South Sound Bays. Hood Canal remains cold but Puget Sound-wide temperatures are now warmer and less salty. Data from the Victoria Clipper and our sampling in the Strait provides important information on water exchange with the ocean.
Air temperatures are warm and Puget Sound continues to show record high water temperatures. Some rain has returned to our region, yet river flows remain unusually low. Puget Sound is saltier than normal allowing oxygen-rich surface waters to more easily mix to greater depths. Lower oxygen was measured only in the Coastal Bays, Hood Canal, and South Sound. Large jellyfish aggregations continue in South Sound, the Kitsap Peninsula, and East Sound (Orcas Island). Sediment plumes in Bellingham Bay form unique patterns. Warm waters and sunny conditions fostered green tides, raising a stink along some local beaches.
Puget Sound is feeling the heat! Starting in October, temperatures are the highest on our record since 1989. Salinity and oxygen are much lower. Recent rains have rivers flowing high. Aerial views show dramatic sediment loads from rivers mixing into otherwise blue water. But don’t be fooled – by summer, snow-fed rivers are expected to run significantly below normal, with implications for Puget Sound water quality. For details, explore the special Drought Effects segment. Spring blooms are visible only in some confined bays. Jellyfish are going strong in finger inlets of South Sound. Glimpse Puget Sound’s glacial history.
The year 2014 in pictures: In 2014, Puget Sound and Hood Canal behaved distinctly different in temperature and dissolved oxygen. In Puget Sound, generally warmer conditions, abundant and diverse algal blooms, and large pools of organic material persisted along with lower oxygen, high jellyfish abundances, and a lot of suspended sediment. On the other hand, Hood Canal was colder, more oxygenated, and algae blooms were rare. People and planes: past and present.
After weeks of clouds and warmer air, blue skies and cold temperatures set in. Strong tidal fronts and sediment-rich brackish plumes leave Whidbey Basin and move into Admiralty Reach. A pod of Orcas follows the edge of the plume heading north! Red-brown blooms continue in Henderson, Eld, and northern Budd Inlets. Long organic debris lines are numerous in northern Budd Inlet, Hood Canal, and in Central Sound north of Edmonds (Triple Junction). Conditions in the water column in Puget Sound continue to normalize after seven months of lower oxygen. Water is very clear for this time of the year, particularly in the north.
Sun and high air temperatures warrant en route ozone measurements for model validations. A furry visitor takes a rest on the float plane. Spotlight on our pilot, Joe Leatherman. High river flows lead to striking fronts of turquoise-colored water carrying glacial flour in many northeastern regions. Satellite and aerial images show widespread phytoplankton blooms in Whidbey Basin, Hood Canal, South Puget Sound, and West Bay of Orcas Island. Numerous large debris patches in Hood Canal, Central Sound, and South Sound Inlets. After two years of colder temperatures and higher oxygen, Puget Sound waters are returning to expected or lower dissolved oxygen levels.
The year 2013 in pictures: Low oxygen conditions persisted from January into August and broke a two year anomaly of more favorable water quality conditions (lower temperature and salinity and higher dissolved oxygen). Dramatic Noctiluca blooms appeared one month earlier than normal (May), lasted for two months and coincided with lower oxygen. Large jellyfish patches persisted over the winter but then were less visible for the rest of the year. Large drifting algal mats appeared in August.
Air temperatures have been slightly warmer and river flows are higher. Blooms are present only in Whidbey Basin and isolated bays. The water column otherwise is relatively clear. Sediment rich water is entering from the Stillaguamish River. Debris lines were visible in Hood Canal and North Sound. Multiple reported oil sheens seen in Lake Washington Ship Canal. Generally, the year 2014 started colder and saltier throughout Puget Sound. Oxygen is lower in Whidbey Basin, Central and South Sound, but higher in Hood Canal. Upwelling favorable conditions stimulate a spring phytoplankton bloom off the Washington coast.
A stunning view of a second large Noctiluca bloom captures the attention of many living near Puget Sound. Favorable conditions support several regional phytoplankton blooms. Red-brown blooms in Port Townsend, Discovery Bay and Bellingham Bay. Large algal mats or organic material particularly in Samish Bay. Jellyfish patches increasing in Budd, Totten and Eld Inlets.
After 2-years of conditions favorable for water quality, with colder temperatures and higher oxygen, Puget Sound water conditions are closer to expected again. This year phytoplankton blooms and seasonal oxygen maxima are notable, while extensive Noctiluca blooms showed up early following a period high freshwater inputs and milder weather conditions. The Fraser River sediment influence is very strong north of San Juan Islands and warm, fresh water is entering Central Puget Sound from Whidbey Basin. In the past few weeks river flows and air temperatures have been higher than normal and now are decreasing.
1. Eyes Over Puget Sound
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Publication No. 15-03-070
Start here
Up-to-date observations of visiblewater quality conditions in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca
January 28, 2015
Surface Conditions Report
2. Personalfieldlog p.3
The BrownPelicanPelecanus occidentalis and
warmer water.
Climateconditions p.5
The air temperature andoceanconditions remainwarm. Rivers
are above normal except at the coast (Chehalis). Sunshine and
precipitationhave beenepisodic during the past two weeks.
Watercolumn p.6
In2014, temperatures got really warm,salinity decreasedin
Central andSouthSound, andoxygenwas mostly lower except
in HoodCanal where a highanomaly persisted.
A Hypothesis p.9
Nitrogenis significantly increasing.The nutrient balance is
changing inPuget Sound. We need to talk about it!
Aerialphotography p.10
Numerous patches of jellyfishpersist inclear water of finger
inlets of SouthSound. Willapa Bay reveals its interesting
subtidal patternand humanactivity during ebbing tide.
LONG-TERMMARINEMONITORINGUNIT
Brooke McIntyre
Mya Keyzers
Laura Hermanson
Skip Albertson
Dr. Christopher
Krembs
Julia Bos
Suzan Pool
Editorial assistance provided by: CarolMaloy and Julianne Ruffner
Marine conditionsfrom 1-28-2015 at a glance
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Please give us feedback
3. The Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
Paleyellow crown
Silver/grey/brown
body
Very long bill that
can hold about 3
gallonsof water
3.25-5 ft. long
6-12 lbs.
6-8 ft. Wingspan
Webbed feet
Characteristics Habitat
Coastalareas including sandy beaches, lagoons, and
marineestuaries.
Oncea month we travelto GraysHarbor and Willapa Bay for our Coast marine flight. During these flights we
usually see brown pelicans. Itis alwaysentertaining to watch these large, beautiful pelicans fly and dive for
food. So this month we wanted to highlight some facts about this charismatic coastal bird.
Mudflatsin GraysHarbor
Range Map
Atlantic,Pacific,and Gulf Coast
White head
SandyBeaches at Ocean Shores
Personal Field Impression 1-28-2015
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
4. Diet
Marineinvertebrates and mostly small foragefish such as…
Behavior
Brown pelicans are gregariousbirdsthat roost, migrate, and
feed in groups. They plunge dive fromup to 60 ft. to catch
fish with their huge bill pouches.
Brown pelicans and seagulls
feasting on a school of fish in
Willapa Bay
Herring SardinesMullet
ConservationConnection
Brown pelicans almost wentextinct in the late
1950’sdueto harmfulpesticides, such as DDT,
entering the food web.
Pastprotection under the endangered species
actand banning DDThas enabled brown pelican
populationsto recover and thrive today.
Affected by an Unusually
Warm Ocean?
NOAA scientists observed much higher than
usual sea surface temperatures in the North
Pacific Ocean throughout2014 thatdid not
follow typical El Niño weather patterns. The
warmwatersmay benefit some species and
negatively impact others. Scientists also
observed raresightings of tropical species off
the west coast due to these warmer waters.
Click links to articles formore info.
NOAA Article & OPB Article
Diving pelican
Photo Credits – Christopher Krembs; Bill Holsten on www.whatbird.com ;
www.montereyfish.com; www.monkeyfacenew.com; www.fooduniversity.com;
http://www.theanimalfiles.com/birds/pelicans_relatives/brown_pelican.html
Personal Field Impression
Fieldlog Weather Water column Aerial photos - -
Personal Field Impression 1-28-2015
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
5. Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Climateand natural influencesbefore 1-28-2015
Summary:
Air temperatures have generally
been above normal continuing a
9-month trend.
Precipitation has been episodic,
with several rain events in the past
two weeks.
Sunshine has alternated with clouds
over the past two weeks.
River flows are above normal
across the Puget Sound region, but
below normal at the coast (Chehalis
River).
PDO remains in the warm phase,
and upwelling is increasing.
lowerhigher expected No data
New section! Climate and natural influences are conditions that influence our marine waters,
including weather, rivers, and the adjacent ocean (previously called Weather). For an explanation of
the figure, see: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/weather.html, page 26.
6. We use a chartered float
plane to access our
monthly monitoring
stations.
We communicate data and
environmentalmarine
conditions using:
1. MarineWater
ConditionIndex
(MWCI)
2. EyesOverPuget
Sound (EOPS)
3. Anomaliesand
sourcedata
Fieldlog Weather Water column Aerial photos - -
Ourlong-termmarinemonitoringstationsinWashington
Starthere
Isl.
.
7. Temperature warmer Oxygen lower except HC
In2014,conditions were dominatedby warm water during summer and fall,associatedwiththe NE Pacific warmsurface
anomaly. InOctober andNovember,temperatures were the highest onour recordsince 1989. Salinity was higher inearly
2014,then waters southof Admiralty Reachbecame fresher while saltier conditions persistedinthe SanJuans. Oxygenwas
mostly lower except inHoodCanal where a highanomaly persistedinto the fall.
Salinity lower in Central& South
2014: Very Warm Fall! Physical conditionsin the water column
Fieldlog Weather Water column Aerial photos - -
8. a) PacificDecadalOscillationIndex(PDO,temperature) (explanation)
b) UpwellingIndex(anomalies)(Upwelling,lowoxygen) (explanation)
c) NorthPacificGyreOscillationIndex(NPGO,productivity) (explanation)
NPGO(x10)
PDO/UpwellingIndex
Three-year running average of PDO, Upwelling, and NPGO indices scores
Fieldlog Weather Water column Aerial photos - -
Theoceanaffectswaterquality:OceanClimateIndices
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
Ocean boundaryconditions have been favorable for water qualityin Puget Sound: (a)colder water (PDO),
(b)less upwelled lowoxygen and high nutrient ocean water reachingPuget Sound (UpwellingIndex),and
(c) higher surface productivityalongthe coast (NPGO). Where are we headingnext?.
9. Is the food web changing in Puget Sound?
Follow the experts
WebEx
Hypothesis!
Increasesin
nitrate
concentrations
couldbe caused
by a top-down
controlon
phytoplankton
biomass.
Noctiluca
a visible
harbingerof a
food web
change?
Hypothesis for combining a series of recent observations
affecting energy and material transfer to higher trophic levels
Arechangesin highertropic levelspart of a story of the low food web?
10. Summary: Aerial photography1-28-2015
Numerouspatches of jellyfish persist in clear water of the finger inlets in South Sound.
Willapa Bay reveals it’s interesting subtidal pattern and human activity during ebbing tide.
Fieldlog Weather Water column Aerial photos - -
Start here
Mixing andFronts:
Strong tidal frontsin GraysHarbor and Willapa Bay.
Debris:
Organic debrisand foamforming in patches near mudflats,
river plumes, and tidal fronts.
Visible blooms:
Within surf zone of coastal beach.
Jellyfish:
Jellyfish patches still numerous in southern inlets of South
Sound (Totten, Eld, and Budd Inlets).
BloomDebrisFront
Suspendedsediment:
Suspended sediment along riversand draining mudflats.
Plume
1 20
3
11 12
Brooke McIntyre: our talentedintern
CTD package being loweredinto the water
3 8 16
4 5
8 9 10 16
12. B. 1:58 PMA. 9:06 AM
Numerous jellyfishpatches in otherwise clear blue green water.
Location: A.Off YoungCove, Eld Inlet,B. , Budd Inlet (South Sound).
1 Aerial photography 1-28-2015 Navigate
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
jellyfish
jellyfish
jellyfish
jellyfish
jellyfish
jellyfish
jellyfish
jellyfish
jellyfish
barge
13. 2 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
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Industrial complex next to Chehalis River with billowing emissions traveling at low altitude.
Location:Cosmopolis,Aberdeen (GrayHarbor)9:25AM.
14. A.
3 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
A.Offshore wind pushing sediment rich Chehalis River plume into the ocean below. B. Low lying clouds.
Location: OffDamon Point (Grays Harbor),10:19 AM.
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Debris
B.
Front
Plume
boat
15. 4 Navigate
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Aerial photography 1-28-2015
Diatom bloom in surf zone, suspended sediment from waves and low lying clouds.
Location: OffTwin Harbor State Park, Cohasset Beach (Coast),10:25 AM.
Bloom
suspendedsediment
16. 5 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Boggy water mixing with a diatom bloom in surf zone.
Location: OffTwin Harbor State Park, Cohasset Beach (Coast),10:26 AM.
Plume
Bloom
17. Cranberry fields with a nice splash of color, cloud banks and windmills.
Location: Grayland,(Coast),10:29AM.
6 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
windmills
18. Boggy water entering from Drainage Ditch number 1 into Willapa Bay.
Location: Entrance to WillapaBay(Willapa Bay),10:32AM.
7 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Plume
Plume
19. Numerous large fronts lined by organic debris and foam show surface water flow during ebbing tide.
Location: OffKindred Island (Willapa Bay),11:00 AM.
8 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
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Front
Debris
20. A. B.
Regular convection cells at the transition to deeper water as ebbing water moves into channels.
Location: A.Off Diamond Point on Long Island,B. StanleyChannel (WillapaBay),12:00 PM.
9 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Plume
Plume
Debris
Debris
21. 10 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
Surface water of different origins (South and North Bay) meetingat the entrance to Grays Harbor.
Location: OffSunshine Point,Naselle River (Willapa Bay), 12:24 PM.
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Plume
Debris
22. 11 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
Tidal gullies connect draining mud flats during ebbing tide and expose nice patterns.
Location: OffSunshine Point,Naselle River (Willapa Bay),12:44 PM.
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Plume
suspendedsediment
23. A draining mudflat showing a mixing of clearer and muddier water during ebbing tide.
Location: OffNeedle Point,near South Nemah River (Willapa Bay),12:45 PM.
12 Navigate
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Aerial photography 1-28-2015
Plume
suspendedsediment
suspendedsediment
24. Crushed shells distributedon mud flats highlight the large-scale underwater management of the bay.
Location: BayCenter (Willapa Bay),12:50 PM.
13 NavigateAerial photography 1-28-2015
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
shells
beds
25. Patterns on mud flats, resembling fields,highlight the large-scale underwater management of the bay.
Location: BayCenter (Willapa Bay),12:50 PM.
14 Navigate
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Aerial photography 1-28-2015
beds
beds
beds
26. 15 Navigate
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
Patterns on mud flats, resembling fields,highlight the large-scale underwater management of the bay.
Location: BayCenter (Willapa Bay),12:51 PM.
Aerial photography 1-28-2015
beds
beds
beds
beds
beds
beds
27. 16 Navigate
Long foamy debris lines form along convergences of surface water leaving the bay.
Location: Russell Channel (WillapaBay),12:51 PM.
Aerial photography 1-28-2015
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Debris
28. A. B.
17 Navigate
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Tidally regulatedregions at the Willapa Bay estuary garner productive grasslands.
Location: A.Mailboat Slough,B.Stuart Slough (Willapa Bay),12:53 PM.
Aerial photography 1-28-2015
dike
29. 18 Navigate
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
The artisticpatterns of mud flats and tidal gullies.
Location: Across KelloggSlough (Willapa Bay),12:53 PM.
Aerial photography 1-28-2015
30. 19 Navigate
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Interstate crossingsouthern reaches of Eld Inlet during high tide.
Location: Mudd BayRoad,Southern extent ofEld Inlet (South Sound),1:52 PM.
Aerial photography 1-28-2015
32. Numbers on map refer to picture
numbers for spatial reference
Date: 1-28-2015
Coast
Aerial photography observations in Central SoundObservations in Central and North Sound Navigate
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9
4
3
8
13
14
15
16
2
17
18
5
6
10
7
11
12
33. Date: 1-28-2015
Observations in Hood Canal and South Sound
Numbers on map refer to picture numbers for spatial reference
Navigate
Fieldlog Climate Water column Aerial photos - -
SouthSound
19 20
1
34. Legendto map annotations
Comments:
Maps are producedby observers during and
after flights. They are intendedto give an
approximate reconstructionofthe surface
conditions onscales that connect to and
overlapwithsatellite images inthe sectionthat
follows.
Debris:
Debris canbe distinguished into natural and
anthropogenic debris floating at the surface
sensu Moore andAllen(2000). The majority of
organic debris inPuget Soundis natural and
mixedwithdiscardedman-made pieces of
plastic,wood,etc. Fromthe plane,we cannot
differentiatethe quality of debris at the surface
andtherefore,call it for reasons of practicality
just “debris”.
S.L. Moore,M. J. Allen. 2000. Distribution of
Anthropogenicand Natural Debris on the
Mainland Shelf of the Southern California Bight.
Marine Pollution Bulletin,40(1): 83–88.
Navigate
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36. You maysubscribe or unsubscribe to the Eyes Over Puget Sound email listservby going to:
http://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?A0=ECOLOGY-EYES-OVER-PUGET-SOUND
Many thanks to our business partners: Clipper Navigations,SwantownMarina,andKenmore Air.
We are looking forfeedbackto improve ourproducts.
Dr. ChristopherKrembs
christopher.krembs@ecy.wa.gov
Marine Monitoring Unit
EnvironmentalAssessment Program
WA Department of Ecology
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