Hood Canal: New dead zone

Friday, October 6, 2006

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD

A new dead zone reflects Hood Canal's perilous state. Although officials are making serious efforts to deal with the looming ecological catastrophe, the latest findings underline the need for more urgent responses.

The possibility of new trouble had been widely predicted before countless shrimp, crab, lingcod and other fish died in September. The canal had very low oxygen levels as it entered a period of peak vulnerability in the summer and early fall.

But there was still an element of shock when researchers for the Skokomish Indian Tribe reported the widespread nature of dire conditions they had found near the fish kill site earlier in the summer. The researchers reported finding white, jellylike underwater mats of bacteria. In the same area, dead Dungeness crabs and fish floated.

"No living invertebrates or vertebrates were found" at the depths where the mats existed, according to a Skokomish scientific assessment.

The photos have an ominous, eerie quality. Mary Pavel, an attorney and member of the tribe, said the concern is heightened by the impact on tribal resources as well as on the environment and health.

State, federal, tribal and local authorities are doing a great deal. In recent years, projects have been undertaken on septic repairs, public education and sewage improvements. But, especially on human waste, the actions need to be strengthened. Everyone living nearby needs to be fully engaged before Hood Canal is as dead as some of its fish.

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Who is most responsible for cleaning up Hood Canal?
34.0% Homeowners with older of failing septic systems	13.5% Local jurisdictions
37.0% The state of Washington	7.5% Federal authorities
8.0% Not sure, don't care or other
Total Votes: 200