FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Hyde, 360.819.3045, kevin.hyde@psp.wa.gov
The Puget Sound Partnership Science Panel will meet online on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
TVW will be providing an all-virtual livestream of the meeting. TVW web link: https://tvw.org/video/puget-sound-partnership-science-panel-2023021023/?eventID=2023021023
The full Science Panel agenda and meeting materials are available through our board meetings page at: https://psp.wa.gov/board_meetings.php.
Meeting highlights include:
- A presentation and discussion about recent federal policy and the PUGET SOS Act. This session will include a review of federal actions for Puget Sound recovery in the National Defense Authorization Act and omnibus appropriations package. Presentation by Peter Murchie, program manager, EPA Geographic Programs Section, and Jillian Reitz, boards policy advisor at the Puget Sound Partnership.
- A presentation and discussion about current work on the prioritization of chemicals of emerging concern. Presentation by Ruth Sofield, director of the Institute of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and chair of the environmental sciences department at Western Washington University; Maya Faber, graduate student at Western Washinton University; and Andy James, research scientist at the Puget Sound Institute.
- A presentation and discussion about the status and trends of kelp in Puget Sound. Presentation by Jodie Toft, deputy director of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund; Helen Berry, marine ecologist with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources; and Nicole Naar, social scientist and education specialist with Washington Sea Grant.
- A presentation and discussion about the Marine Vegetation Implementation Strategy. The Marine Vegetation Implementation Strategy (IS) will support the conservation and recovery of both eelgrass and kelp populations within Puget Sound. This session will include an overview of the existing recovery plans and initiatives that will be used to inform the IS, an IS development timeline, and a brief discussion of opportunities for Science Panel engagement throughout the process. Presentation by Elizabeth Spaulding, Implementation Strategy lead at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
- A presentation and decision about the Science Panel's proposed 2023 work plan. During this session, the Science Panel will discuss and decide on their proposed 2023 work plan. Presentation by John Stein, chair of the Science Panel, and Jillian Reitz, boards policy advisor at the Puget Sound Partnership.
- A presentation and discussion about the 2023 Washington state legislative session. Partnership staff will provide an update about the 2023 Washington state legislative session. Science Panel members will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss policies in play. Presentation by Don Gourlie, legislative policy director at the Puget Sound Partnership.
- A presentation and discussion about developing the solicitation for 2023-2025 Puget Sound Scientific Research projects. Partnership staff will seek guidance from the Science Panel on the suggested approach for allocating funds and help with creating a roster of potential technical reviewers. Presentation by Scott Redman, Science and Evaluation program director at the Puget Sound Partnership, and Katherine Wyatt, assistant science director at the Puget Sound Partnership.
- A presentation and discussion about coordination between the Science Panel and the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP). This session will include a discussion about how the Science Panel and PSEMP can coordinate activities in 2023 to accomplish shared objectives for the science, monitoring, and assessment needed to support Puget Sound recovery. Presentation by John Stein, chair of the Science Panel, and Stacy Polkowske, chair of the PSEMP Steering Committee and section manager of the environmental assessment program at the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The full Science Panel agenda and meeting materials are available through our board meetings page at: https://psp.wa.gov/board_meetings.php.
If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please notify Special Assistant to the Boards Anna Petersen at 360.338.2384
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 government agencies, 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.
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