Land-Use Planning for Nearshore Ecosystem Services—The Puget Sound Ecosystem Portfolio Model

Summary

The 2,500 miles of shoreline and nearshore areas of Puget Sound, Washington, provide multiple benefits to people—“ecosystem services”—including important fishing, shellfishing, and recreation industries. To help resource managers plan for expected growth in coming decades, the U.S. Geological Survey Western Geographic Science Center has developed the Puget Sound Ecosystem Portfolio Model (PSEPM). Scenarios of urban growth and shoreline modifications serve as model inputs to develop alternative futures of important nearshore features such as water quality and beach habitats. Model results will support regional long-term planning decisions for the Puget Sound region.

Also of Interest

USGS Open-File Report 2011–1279, Tools and Methods for Evaluating and Refining Alternative Futures for Coastal Ecosystem Management—the Puget Sound Ecosystem Portfolio Model, by Kristin B. Byrd, Jason R. Kreitler, and William B. Labiosa (2011).

First posted October 28, 2011