monitoring changes in the Elwha nearshore

About

Between 2008 and 2017 a team of divers from the US Geological Survey, University of Washington and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe spearheaded a project intended to track how the removal of two dams on the Elwha River influenced the marine ecosystem, and the many animals and seaweeds that make their home in the Elwha Nearshore. Massive movements of sediment down the river in 2013 and 2014 led to turbid water, and reduced light making it to the seafloor. Some of that sediment piled on the sea-floor, creating new soft sediment habitats. This website tells the story as a series of photos, videos and maps.

This project is supported by funds from Washington Sea Grant, a leader in research, outreach and education for nearly 50 years. Based at the University of Washington, Washington Sea Grant helps people understand and address the challenges facing Washington’s ocean and coasts. Washington Sea Grant is one of 33 programs within the National Sea Grant College Program, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information about Washington Sea Grant and the research and projects it supports, see the WSG website.