Estuarine Quality & Productivity

Estuary systems are critically important areas for the development of juvenile marine species and shellfish production.

Invasive marine species are threatening the integrity of intertidal marine communities in Puget Sound and the coast of Washington. The expansion of the introduced cordgrass, spartina, in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor is causing massive habitat changes.

A five-year, $4.5 million PNCERS (Pacific Northwest Coastal Ecosystems Regional Study) project is currently studying how to identify natural and anthropogenic changes in coastal systems.

If you would like more information regarding this program, contact Steve Harbell, Marine Resources Agent, or call WSU Extension, 360-482-2934.

During thousands of hours of observations of shorebird feeding habits at Willapa Bay, WSU horticulturist Kim Patten says not a single shorebird was observed using a Spartina meadow.