The Puget Sound Georgia Basin ecosystem is one of the most ecologically
diverse in North America, containing a wide range of internationally
significant species and habitats. This ecosystem is home to 200
fish species, 26 kinds of marine mammals, 100 sea bird species,
marine invertebrates and plants by the thousands and countless
communities of people. This regional jewel is a place of rare biological
diversity and high economic value. The health and productivity of
the Puget Sound Georgia Basin ecosystem is a cornerstone of the
regions quality of life and vibrant economy. Salmon fisheries,
sport fishing, shellfish production, sustainable natural resource
production, tourism, and other endeavors rely on a healthy environment.
However, this uniquely valuable estuary faces increasing pressures.
This wide ranging watershed extends from the Campbell River in
northern British Columbia, Canada to the Nisqually River in Central
Western Washington in the United States. While the ecosystem deposits
freshwater into a common saltwater basin, the international U.S./Canada
border has created a political division leading to separate management
of the Georgia Basin in Canada, and the Puget Sound in the United
States. In 2000, each country agreed to common goals for the management
of the ecosystem, beginning a new era and bright future for this
unique North American treasure.
Residents of the Georgia Basin Puget Sound region share a common
airshed, common watersheds, a common flyway for migratory birds
and habitat for fish, and common urban growth pressures. The ecosystem
has a population of over six million people with projections envisioning
that by 2020, it could easily be be nine to 11 million. Planning
now for this high rate of growth is essential to finding a new balance
in our human development and ecosystem protection efforts and to
chart a sustainable path into the future.