MEDIA ADVISORY
December 16, 2019

MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Hyde, 360.819.3045, kevin.hyde@psp.wa.gov  

Science Panel to discuss 2020-2024 Science Work Plan

The Puget Sound Partnership's Science Panel will meet on Tuesday, December 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, December 18, from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Puget Sound Regional Council, 1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, Wash.

Meeting highlights include:

• An update and discussion about the 2020-2024 Science Work Plan. The goals of the Science Work Plan are to assess how ongoing research addresses decision-critical uncertainties relating to the recovery of Puget Sound, identify additional science needs to support ecosystem recovery, and make recommendations for priority science actions. It also responds specifically to state statute (RCW 90.71.290(5)). Click here to view the 2016-2018 Science Work Plan.
• A presentation of the Chinook Progress Report, by Jason Hall, project lead and senior scientist at Cramer Fish Sciences. The Chinook Progress Report provides information about the development of recovery targets and the progress towards recovery of Chinook salmon habitat. 
• A presentation on connection points between the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) and Science Panel priorities, by Tish Conway-Cranos, nearshore science manager at the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. ESRP provides funding and technical assistance to organizations working to restore the shoreline and nearshore habitats critical to salmon and other fish species in Puget Sound. 
• A presentation and continued discussion about alternative future scenario analysis. This presentation will give an overview of relevant scenario experience, ongoing efforts in the region, and alternatives for Science Panel engagement.  

The full Science Panel agenda, meeting materials, and directions are available at http://www.psp.wa.gov/SP_meetings.php. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to provide comment and learn about the regional effort to restore and protect Puget Sound.

If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please notify the Special Assistant to the Boards, Deborah Hagen, at 360.819.0057.

About the Science Panel

The Science Panel's expertise and advice are critical to the Puget Sound Partnership’s efforts to develop a comprehensive, science-based plan to restore Puget Sound. The members, appointed by the Leadership Council, are chosen from the top scientists in Washington State.

About the Puget Sound Partnership

The Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency formed to lead the region’s collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. Working with hundreds of governments, tribes, scientists, businesses, and nonprofits, the Partnership mobilizes partner action around a common agenda, advances Sound investments, and tracks progress to optimize recovery. For more information, go to www.psp.wa.gov.

For more information, go to www.psp.wa.gov.