Puget Sound Conservation

Creating a resilient future for coastal birds and communities

Photo: Mick Thompson

Puget Sound is special. Who hasn’t been moved by the sight of birds and other wildlife on the shores and waters of the Sound, framed by snowcapped mountains and towering forests? Or the annual arrival of marine birds like Surf Scoters and Barrow’s Goldeneye, swimming next to ferry docks and piers in search of their next meal? We are truly lucky to live in such a special place. Birds connect people to the lands and waters they rely on here in the Puget Sound region and across the hemisphere. They help us understand if our environment is functioning and healthy, and point us to where we need to take action to ensure thriving natural systems. When we create the conditions for birds to thrive, people and communities can thrive too.  

Seabirds and shorebirds are in trouble, here and globally, and the urgency of the moment demands that we work across sectors and with partners, governments and local communities to pursue strategic conservation actions, science, and nature-based solutions for birds and their habitats within Puget Sound and the greater Salish Sea. That’s why Audubon Washington is working with coastal communities, Audubon chapters, agencies, and tribes to advance nature-based solutions and science that build resilience for birds and people and deliver the policy support to make lasting change.  

As a trusted partner and proven conservation leader, Audubon Washington is well-positioned to champion the needs of birds and lead fellow bird-lovers and our nearly 50,000 members statewide in achieving our vision for a resilient Puget Sound. 

Our Actions: 

  • We bring our powerful advocacy platform to bear in activating our nearly 50,000 members statewide to speak out in support of policies and funding that support food, habitat, and climate resilience for seabirds and shorebirds. 

  • We collaborate with local Audubon chapters to amplify on-the-ground efforts to advance coastal resilience and restoration projects that benefit birds and people by focusing on frontline communities. This unified approach leverages the unique strengths of the Audubon network and helps ensure that Puget Sound will continues to provide vital resting and breeding grounds for birds in the Pacific Flyway.

 

Audubon envisions a future where birds- and people- thrive. When we protect the places birds need, we protect the places that people need, today and tomorrow. 

Puget Sound Science & Monitoring
Coasts

Puget Sound Science

Building the science foundation for including birds in Puget Sound recovery

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Fostering Healthy Shorelines 
Coasts

Fostering Healthy Shorelines

Restoration of shoreline habitats is a win-win for birds and coastal communities  

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Coastal Policy
Coasts

Puget Sound Policy

Advancing policies that promote a healthy and resilient Puget Sound for birds and people

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Taking Action Against Sea Level Rise
Coasts

Taking Action Against Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise in Puget Sound threatens coastal bird species

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A Regional Framework for Monitoring Birds for Conservation
AuduBlog

A Regional Framework for Monitoring Birds for Conservation

The Salish Sea Estuaries Avian Monitoring Framework creates a shared methodology for use in avian monitoring, improving ability to support multi-species habitat management and restoration of vital estuary habitat.

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Modeling Avian Habitat Suitability in Puget Sound
AuduBlog

Modeling Avian Habitat Suitability in Puget Sound

A project of the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) Marine Birds Work Group

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Washington's Coastal Priority Birds

Coastal Conservation News Feed

This year was rough for baby seabirds. A pair of bills in Washington DC will help.
Press Center

This year was rough for baby seabirds. A pair of bills in Washington DC will help.

Fisheries bills in Washington DC are advancing and would reduce climate change impacts on seabirds

A Legislative Agenda for the Birds
Press Center

A Legislative Agenda for the Birds

Join an Audubon advocacy group to meet with your state legislator on December 7.  Audubon will schedule your group’s meeting and provide training to ensure you’re prepared to speak for the birds!

2021 State of the Sound Report
Press Center

2021 State of the Sound Report

The fate of Washington's coastal birds like Rhinoceros Auklet, Dunlin and Surf Scoter depends on the state of their habitat. Our associates at Puget Sound Partnership released their annual State of the Sound report documenting the ongoing recovery efforts of Puget Sound.

The Science Behind Saving Birds
Coastal Estuaries

The Science Behind Saving Birds

Director of Bird Conservation Dr. Trina Bayard returns to the field, investigating how coordinated bird monitoring can fill a vital data gap

New Legislation Strengthens Federal Fisheries Law
AuduBlog

New Legislation Strengthens Federal Fisheries Law

A bill to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act boosts protections for seabirds

Stopping fossil fuel transportation in Washington
AuduBlog

Stopping fossil fuel transportation in Washington

Audubon chapters fought against fossil fuel expansion in Washington for 10 years before the U.S. Supreme Court put an end to the threat this month

The historic Northwest heat wave that killed shellfish could spell trouble for marine birds
AuduBlog

The historic Northwest heat wave that killed shellfish could spell trouble for marine birds

Extreme heat related to climate change threatens food supply for marine birds in Salish Sea

Making Progress on Puget Sound Recovery
Coastal Estuaries

Making Progress on Puget Sound Recovery

Funding conservation and updating key shoreline policies

Major Victories for Conservation and Climate
AuduBlog

Major Victories for Conservation and Climate

2021 Legislative session wrap-up

Audubon Applauds Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Seabirds’ Favorite Food
AuduBlog

Audubon Applauds Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Seabirds’ Favorite Food

The Forage Fish Conservation Act will update the way that forage fish are managed federally.

How you can help, right now