[20151217]IF10334_普吉特湾生态系统恢复.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated December 17, 2015Ecosystem Restoration in the Puget SoundIntroduction The Puget Sound (the Sound), located in the state of Washington, is the second-largest estuary in the United States, covering 35,500 square kilometers, and the largest estuary in the country by volume. It has been deemed an Estuary of National Significance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is noted for its species diversity, ecosystem services, and economic benefit to the region. For example, activities associated with the Sound are reported to contribute nearly half of the states gross domestic product. The Puget Sound watershed also contains 67% of the states population and is home to 49 federally listed threatened and endangered species. Figure 1. Puget Sound Watershed Source: Puget Sound Partnership. The Puget Sound ecosystem is being degraded by several factors, including air and water pollution, shoreline modification, habitat alteration, development, and climate change. For example, nearly 14 million pounds of toxic chemicals enter the Sound yearly through runoff and atmospheric deposition. Interest in restoring the Puget Sound stems from its stat