Fisherman Bay Marine Health Observatory
Fisherman Bay Marine Health Observatory (Lopez Island) monitors the largest historical estuary and smallest Urban Growth Area in the county. County roads have reduced tidal circulation while private dikes and ponds have diverted most of the original freshwater inputs. Abundance, diversity and behavior of seabirds and other waterfowl are recorded at six viewpoints around the bay several times each month. Prey captures by birds and marine mammals provide an estimate of fish diversity and abundance in different parts of the bay. Algal blooms, oxygen levels at the bay bottom, and dissolved nutrients and hydrocarbons are measured seasonally. Petroleum residues in sediments, maximum sea levels and shoreline erosion patterns are assessed annually. The annual spring Day for the Bay event offers monitoring reports, field trips, local art, and discounts at local businesses.
Visit the website: Fisherman Bay Marine Health Observatory