Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead

To address the challenges facing kelp and eelgrass, a holistic and inclusive approach to research is needed. Proposals are encouraged from diverse fields of study to include (but not limited to) biophysical science, social science, and Indigenous science.

The Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead 2023 Investment Plan contains five investment priorities (A-E)
recommended by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Advisory Team. The Plan informs the upcoming
allocation of up to $11 million in Puget Sound Geographic Program funds. The following five priorities
are not listed in prioritized order:

A. Increase capacity and workforce development to meet Puget Sound habitat recovery goals.
B. Local support for habitat protection, monitoring, and adaptive management.
C. New science, synthesis, and analysis for improved protection and restoration of kelp and
eelgrass in Puget Sound.
D. Restoration effectiveness of soft shore alternatives to hard armor.
E. HSIL-Hosted recovery community engagement.
E.1 Understanding and planning for sea level rise and climate related hazards to shorelines
in Puget Sound.
E.2 Increased marine vegetation awareness and support through place-based community
leader engagement.
E.3 E.3: Integrating across the terrestrial-nearshore-marine interface to scale up nearshore
habitat restoration and protection