Here's some facts about our bay & watershed:
Liberty Bay is an important estuary for smoltification of juvenile salmon (chinook, coho, chum) and freshwater bound adult migration. Salmon populations are hovering just above the point of extinction. Preservation of Liberty Bay’s ecosystem is dependent on preserving the native vegetation and revegetating with plants that will provide habitat that support them in a healthy nearshore environment. Some other species known to use these extraordinary waters are also proposed for listing as threatened or endangered. Check out RELATED LINKS for more games & information about endangered species. Remember that endangered means there's still time!!
Liberty Bay is used by rare, endangered, highly regarded species, and unique plant communities and estuarine habitats. Promoting citizen stewardship and protection of these habitats will always be beneficial to both wildlife and water quality. The smelt population has been reduced by 50% over historic levels due to loss of preferred inter-tidal spawning substrate. Bald Eagles once frequenting the Liberty Bay area are not returning due to reduced fish population. Sea Otter population is dwindling - we found another skull while beachcombing just today - and spotting Blue Herons is harder in recent years. Planting native plants and reducing impacts to processes will prevent loss of more intertidal substrate used by bottomfish, Pacific herring, Surf Smelt, and candlefish. Educating waterfront homeowners against the use of creosote on docks and removal of vegetation in beach uplands (for creation of view corridors) will prevent the destruction of habitat for fish (Cutthroat Trout, Pacific Cod, Rock Sole,Sand Sole, Skates, Sculpins, Spiny dogfish), and disrupting beach processes. Eighteen species of ducks, including all five species of cavity nesting ducks, are common in this watershed and require woody vegetation in order to survive. Improving water quality necessary for ALL LIVING THINGS and increasing abundance of native vegetation will improve and protect habitat for many mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and insects found within these habitats.
For some really fun ways to begin
your career as a JUNIOR WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST
Click on this link:
KIDS
PAGE & GAMES FOR KIDS
or
Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife
For more information about Fish
and Wildlife in the State of Washington
and ways we can protect our precious
resources and help with salmon recovery
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