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Hood Canal Aquatic Rehabilitation Program for Low Dissolved Oxygen

    
Hood Canal’s “dissolved oxygen” concentrations have recently been at their lowest in recorded history. Although low dissolved oxygen (also called hypoxia) has occurred historically due to natural variations, it has become more obvious and widespread in recent years.
The reduction in dissolved oxygen is caused by algal blooms that die and fall to the sea floor where they consume oxygen through decomposition.  The more nitrogen and sunlight that is available, the more the algae will bloom and grow, potentially leading to hypoxic conditions.  Some have called these "dead zones." 

Hood Canal suffered significant fish kills resulting from low dissolved oxygen during 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006. These events stressed and/or killed thousands of juvenile perch and numerous other fish, octopi and sea cucumbers. Rockfish and flatfish are no longer open for fishing because of low dissolved oxygen impacts; many wonder if low DO is affecting crab fishing as well.

 

Current Research

The Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program (HCDOP) http://www.hoodcanal.washington.edu/ was established in 2005 by twenty-eight entities, including local, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, non-profits, and universities, in part to scientifically study the sources of nitrogen and other nutrients in Hood Canal and their impacts on marine life.

Preliminary results of the scientific study are available in a fact sheet and a PowerPoint presentation prepared by the HCDOP.


 

Overview of HCCC and Partner Roles & Responsibilities

In 2005 the Washington State Legislature established the Hood Canal Aquatic Rehabilitation Program (RCW 90.88) designating the Hood Canal Coordinating Council as the local management board to coordinate local government efforts for addressing the low dissolved oxygen problem in Hood Canal.

The Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) was designated as the state's lead agency to implement the Aquatic Rehabilitation Program.  The HCCC and the PSP must each approve and must co-manage projects under this Program.

In March 2009, the HCCC Board called for the formation of the Hood Canal Aquatic Rehabilitation Technical Advisory Committee to advise and assist HCCC Board members in their deliberations and development of programs and management actions to address low dissolved oxygen.

The Puget Sound Partnership's Action Agenda identifies immediate remediation actions to address Hood Canal’s low dissolved oxygen concentrations.  Furthering a collaborative approach between all interests is also identified as a near-term priority.

            

            


County, State, and Tribal agencies, health districts, utilities, educational institutions and citizen groups are active in addressing low dissolved oxygen.  Check back here soon for a more detailed list of who is doing what!