Projects & Programs
Rich Passage Wave Action Study/Rich Passage Eelgrass Survey
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is considered high-quality habitat that is particularly sensitive to physical disturbance and altered conditions. Eelgrass is especially susceptible to erosive forces such as waves during low tide periods, excessive deposition of fine sediments and reduction in light availability associated with increased nearshore turbidity. In this program, PNNL conducted surveys to assess the extent and health of eelgrass beds and to evaluate potential impacts of passenger-only ferry traffic in Rich Passage Washington state and the surrounding area.