Marine toxic contaminants

Cross section of Puget Sound marine habitats with aquatic species shown.
Puget Sound marine and estuarine habitats displaying monitoring areas with key species: juvenile Chinook and river otters in riverine/estuarine areas; native bay mussels in the nearshore; English sole, Dungeness crab, rockfish, and spot prawn in the benthic (seafloor) zone; and herring, adult salmon, and orcas in the pelagic (open water) zone.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS) team monitors the geographic extent and magnitude of toxic contaminants in marine and salmonid species in Puget Sound and Washington's Pacific coast. We evaluate and track complex patterns of pollution in these ecosystems using a number of indicator species within the food web, representing a wide range of habitat and movement patterns. Results from these studies help guide efforts to protect fish and shellfish health, ensure seafood safety, and promote ecosystem recovery.

Our research covers these focus areas:

  • Performing surveys of key species in Puget Sound to track progress on restoring Puget Sound ecosystems
  • Assisting other agencies in identifying hot spots, or areas within a watershed where large amounts of toxic contaminants enter the environment
  • Developing methods to track how new chemicals enter the Puget Sound food web and support better management of emerging toxic threats

  • Providing information to other agencies to inform fish consumption advisories and water quality assessments

     

  • Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS)

    WDFW’S TBiOS team monitors the geographic extent and magnitude of toxic contaminants in fish and shellfish living in Puget Sound and Washington’s coast.

  • Study design

    TBiOS monitors spatial and temporal trends of contaminant exposure in Puget Sound fish and shellfish and the effects of that exposure on the health of these resources.

  • Sampling locations

    Locations where TBiOS collects and evaluates levels of contaminants in various fish and shellfish species.

  • Indicator species

    TBiOS monitors toxic contaminants in a number of indicator species within the food web, including Pacific herring, English sole, blue mussels, and Pacific salmon.

  • Contaminants monitored

    TBiOS monitors a wide range of toxic contaminants such as PCBs, PBDEs, DDTs, PAHs, inorganic metals and chemicals of emerging concern.

  • Publications

    TBiOS publications, reports and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs).