This indicator is under development and is proposed as a measure to integrate attributes of drift cell function including 1) armor and overwater structures in the sediment supply and deposition zones as well as the transport reach, (2) marine riparian vegetation cover, and (3) forage fish presence/absence.

This indicator measures the amount (acres and percent) of floodplain area in functional condition in Puget Sound’s 17 major rivers. Floodplain function is assessed at a regional scale using river connectivity and land use and cover. Areas that have natural land cover and unrestricted river flow are expected to be the most functional and provide the most ecosystem services. Floodplain function is impaired in areas with non-natural land cover or restricted river flow due to constraints or barriers (for example, roads, railroads, and levees).

The Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) describes the biological condition of stream sites and their surrounding habitat based on the diversity and relative abundance of the benthic (bottom dwelling) macroinvertebrates found at the site. Ten measures of biological condition are scored and summarized as the B-IBI, which ranges from a score of 0, indicating very poor stream condition, to 100, indicating excellent condition.

This indicator measures the number of pocket estuaries and embayments that are accessible to juvenile salmon.

This indicator evaluates the abundance and trends of the 22 Chinook salmon populations by measuring the number of natural-origin adult fish on the spawning grounds of five Puget Sound regions. Abundance estimates here do not include hatchery-origin fish (with few exceptions) or Chinook taken in harvest or by predators like orcas. The indicator is intended to reflect the goal of achieving wild population recovery of Puget Sound Chinook, which are federally listed as threatened.

This indicator evaluates the abundance and trend of five coho salmon management units as measured by the number of natural-origin adult fish on the spawning grounds of Puget Sound. Abundance estimates here do not include hatchery-origin fish or coho salmon taken in harvest or by predators like orcas. The indicator is intended to reflect the abundance of wild coho salmon in Puget Sound, which are not federally listed under the Endangered Species Act.

This indicator evaluates the abundance and trend of the 32 steelhead populations by measuring the number of natural-origin adult fish on the spawning grounds of three Puget Sound regions. Abundance estimates here do not include hatchery-origin fish or steelhead taken in harvest or by predators like orcas. The indicator is intended to reflect the goal of achieving wild population recovery of Puget Sound steelhead, which are federally listed as threatened.

This indicator evaluates the abundance and trend of the 2 Hood Canal summer-run chum salmon populations by measuring the number of natural-origin adult fish on the spawning grounds. Abundance estimates here do not include hatchery-origin fish or fish taken in harvest or by predators like orcas. The indicator is intended to reflect the goal of achieving wild population recovery of Hood Canal summer chum, which are federally listed as threatened.

This indicator measures the acres of riparian floodplain areas acquired for conservation or future restoration activities. Riparian areas are critical habitats that border marine and freshwater systems and keep waters clean and cool, control erosion, moderate flooding events, and offer key habitat for a diversity of wildlife. This indicator can help us evaluate our success accelerating the pace of habitat protection.

This indicator measures the acres of riparian floodplain areas improved through restoration activities. Riparian areas are critical habitats that border marine and freshwater systems and keep waters clean and cool, control erosion, moderate flooding events, and offer key habitat for a great diversity of wildlife. This indicator can help us evaluate our success accelerating the pace of habitat restoration.