HEALTH OF THE LOCAL MARINE ENVIRONMENT

The Washington State Departments of Ecology and Natural Resources have recently completed a number of studies in Fidalgo and Padilla bays that indicate that the health of the local marine environment is generally very good. 

1.      Ecology Publication No. 00-03-008, May 2000, entitled 'Results of a Screening Analysis for Metals and Organic Compounds in Shellfish from Padilla Bay and Vicinity' (includes Fidalgo Bay) concludes:   Results of this study show that shellfish in the Padilla/Fidalgo Bay area have a very low level of chemical contamination.  In most instances, the concentrations detected appear to be at background levels for Puget Sound.  Shellfish are direct indicators used by scientists to help determine if chemical contamination is building up in the food chain. The survey indicates that, overall, there is little or no build-up of toxic chemicals in local shellfish.

2.      Ecology Publication No. 97-338, November 1997, entitled ' Survey for Petroleum and Other Chemical Contaminants in the Sediments of Fidalgo Bay' .  The findings and conclusions of the study include:

• Results of this survey show the chemical quality of the sediments in Fidalgo Bay to be generally good.
• The survey did not clearly identify any chemical contamination that could be linked to adverse effects of herring.

Herring are a significant food source for larger aquatic species including endangered salmon.

3.      State and Federal officials are required to establish water quality standards that are protective of human health and the environment.  Should a water body contain levels of pollution that exceed these standards, the water body must be included on the National Toxics Rule 303d list.  Water in Fidalgo Bay and Guemes Channel has been extensively tested and no chemical contamination has been found in excess of acceptable water quality standards.  Thus Fidalgo Bay and Guemes channel are not listed on the National Toxics Rule 303d list.

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