Examples of options for reducing impacts on nearshore habitat in Puget Sound include:
- Reopening access of tidal waters.
- Removing over-water structures that make salmon vulnerable to predators.
- Minimizing impacts from over-water structures by placing them away from aquatic vegetation and maximizing grating.
- Removing derelict vessels or structures.
- Planting or restoring aquatic vegetation.
- Planting native woody riparian vegetation.
- Placing forage fish spawning gravel (“fish mix”) where needed.
- Restoring beaches or other shoreline habitat.
- Reducing shoreline armoring and bulkheads. Examples and help with assessing feasibility of alternative to hard armoring can be found at: https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01583 and https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01791
- Replacing hard armoring with hybrid approaches that integrate vegetation. For more information see: http://www.shorefriendly.org/your-options/soft-shore-protection/
- Waterfront landowners in Kitsap County can find technical support and resources for bulkhead removal at: https://shorefriendlykitsap.com/
Puget Sound Nearshore Habitat Conservation Calculator main page
