Alaska Science 

Center

Western Fisheries Research Center

Washington Water Science Center

Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Oregon Water Science Center

Western Ecological Research Center

California Water Science Center

Pacific Islands Water 

Science Center

Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

USGS Western Region Coastal and Ocean 

Science is interdisciplinary, collaborative, and 

integrates expertise from all USGS Disciplines, 

and ten of its major Science Centers in Alaska, 

Hawai`i, California, Washington, and Oregon. 

The scientific talent, laboratories, and research 

vessels in the Western Region and across the 

Nation, strategically position the USGS to 

address broad geographic and oceanographic 

research topics. USGS information products 

inform resource managers and policy makers 

who must balance conservation mandates with 

increasing demands for resources that sustain 

the Nation’s economy.

This fact sheet describes but a few 

examples of the breadth of USGS science 

conducted in coastal, nearshore, and ocean 

environments along our Nation's West Coast 

and Pacific Islands.

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2009–3068

July 2009 Printed on recycled paper

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Nation’s largest water, earth, biological, and 

geographic science agency, studies the coasts of the western United States, including 

Alaska and Hawai`i. USGS scientists conduct research, monitor processes, and develop 

information about coastal and ocean ecosystems, species, geologic hazards, and energy 

and mineral resources. This information helps decision-makers address the use and 

protection of national coastal and ocean environments.

Pacific Islands Ecosystems 

Research Center

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 

Western Region

Coastal and Ocean Science

Supporting Sound Management of our Coasts and Seas Western Region 
Understanding Ecosystems and Predicting Change

Climate Variability and Change in Coastal and Ocean Environments

The USGS provides science results for the Endangered 

Species Act and other important policy decisions. As an 

example, populations of several key Department of the 

Interior (DOI)-managed species are strongly affected by 

characteristics of sea ice. In part because of projected 

sea ice loss, the polar bear is now listed as 'Threatened,' 

and the status of the Pacific 

walrus is in review. 

The USGS continues 

to develop modeling 

and forecasting approaches 

to understand the complex 

relationships of polar bears, 

walrus, and other species to 

sea ice under present and 

future climate conditions.

Coastal Erosion Marine Mammal and Sea Ice Relationships

From Ridge to Reef: Multidisciplinary Analysis of Linked Terrestrial and 

Marine Ecosystems in Hawai`i and the Pacific Islands

In response to concerns about the health and decline of tropical reef ecosystems, the 

USGS is developing new modeling, monitoring, and mapping technologies to understand 

how changes in coastal watersheds affect nearshore reefs. Changes in surface-water and 

groundwater availability and sediment dynamics are being studied to document landscapescale effects of variable land-use practices, climate change effects, and invasive species on 

reef health and productivity.

Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound: USGS Science in Support of 

Ecosystem Restoration

The cumulative effects of urbanization in Puget Sound (for example, over-harvesting, 

dredging, diking, filling, industrial waste discharges, deforestation, and paving) have 

resulted in serious ecosystem decline. These stressors have led to increased toxic loadings, 

declines in fish and wildlife populations, habitat loss, and eutrophication, motivating largescale preservation, restoration, and clean-up activities. USGS science on hydrological, 

biological, and geological processes, as well as development of decision-support tools, 

supports the data and information needs of State, local, Tribal, and Federal managers 

in their efforts to restore nearshore habitats and ensure a sustainable environmental and 

economic future.

Ecosystem and Coastal Wetlands of the San Francisco Estuary

The San Francisco Bay Estuary has been greatly modified by human activity. The reduction 

of wetlands, input of pollutants, introduction of exotic species, development of large urban 

areas, and regional demand for freshwater resources from northern California has resulted 

in extreme resource management and restoration challenges. The USGS has studied this 

coastal ecosystem since 1968 and currently is leading two large wetland restoration projects 

in habitats critical for fish and wildlife, including conservation of food webs and water 

quality for endangered species. USGS studies are focused on the key ecological processes 

associated with sediment transport into wetlands of concern and the use of dredged 

materials to speed the restoration process. USGS studies also are providing important 

insights into how climate change, including accelerated sea-level rise and increased water 

temperature, will change and potentially stress key estuarine habitats.

The USGS conducts the National Shoreline Change 

Assessment, documenting long-term coastal change. The 

USGS also models and forecasts storm surge and coastal 

inundation, phenomena that will grow in importance as 

sea level rises. New work along Alaska’s Arctic coast 

documents extremely 

rapid shoreline retreat 

because of wave attack 

events associated 

with diminished ice 

cover and decreased 

bluff stability from 

permafrost melting.
Energy and Minerals

Natural Hazards

Role of the Environment in Human Health

Water Resources

Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas

The Santa Barbara Channel has and will continue to be a DOI focus due to 

ongoing offshore oil and gas production in Federal waters (Minerals Management 

Service), the Channel Islands National Park (National Park Service), the presence 

of endangered species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and numerous other 

Federal, State, and local stakeholders. USGS work includes comprehensive 

sea-floor mapping, studies of rockfish ecology in relationship to oil and gas 

platforms and natural reefs, contaminants in fish, and natural oil and gas seeps 

on the sea floor. Proposed oil and gas leases off the vast coastline of Alaska also 

require USGS studies that provide critical scientific information on the geologic 

framework and marine ecosystem.

A Global Inventory of 

Natural Gas Hydrate Occurrence

Natural gas hydrate occurs worldwide in oceanic 

sediment of continental and insular slopes and 

rises of active and passive margins, in deepwater sediment of inland lakes and seas, and in 

polar sediment on continents and continental 

shelves. The USGS scientific studies provide 

essential information for understanding the role 

of hydrates in global climate change and as a 

potential energy resource.

Coastal and Marine Catastrophic Hazards

The 2004 Sumatra earthquake and Indian Ocean tsunami are sober reminders of the deadly effects and relationships 

between earthquakes, tsunamis, and coastal change. All United States coastlines, and especially those in the 

Pacific Northwest, southern Alaska, and Hawai`i, are vulnerable to these natural hazards. The USGS is an 

acknowledged national leader in mapping and monitoring offshore earthquake and tsunami sources (faults, 

landslides, and volcanoes) and in generating science-based models, assessments, and forecasts to aid in public 

safety and hazard mitigation.

Coastal Watersheds

Coastal watersheds have significant effects on the coastal ocean. USGS research in watersheds 

monitored by more than 1,100 streamgages provides important information on freshwater discharge, 

sediment, contaminant, carbon, and nutrient loads and their effects on marine habitats and food 

webs. Recent studies include investigating the effects of wild fires on coastal/ocean health, 

determining terrestrial influences on harmful algal blooms, and assessing the effects of dam removal. 

As a specific example, two dams on the Elwha River in northwest Washington will be removed 

beginning in 2012. This removal will release massive amounts of sediment to the fluvial and coastal 

systems downstream. USGS mapping, monitoring, and modeling investigations in the Elwha 

watershed and nearshore provide essential information to understand likely impacts on important 

salmon habitat, beaches, shellfish fisheries, and kelp beds.

Pollution and Waste Disposal

A major research focus is to improve our understanding of processes that transport sediments and pollutants through the coastal ocean 

off major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. The Los Angeles shelf is heavily affected by human 

activities and studies in the area highlight USGS capabilities. The bottom sediments within this urban ocean are heavily polluted by 

DDT/DDE that was released from waste disposal outfalls. These and other persistent organic compounds bioaccumulate in coastal 

food webs and in many fish, seabirds, and other apex predators. Bacteria and other pollutants are discharged into the coastal waters and 

may threaten human and biological health. Understanding the fate, transport, and effects of pollutants in coastal ecosystems is essential 

for effective resource management.

Disease Transmission

USGS is collaborating with Asian colleagues in a broad geographic study of avian influenza. Scientists use satellite 

tagging to determine how migrations of Asian and North American birds are transmitting this disease. Genetic 

analyses provide evidence of interbreeding between some species of Asian and North American birds and this 

interbreeding of migratory birds may transfer influenza viruses between continents. These studies are important to 

assess the likelihood that migratory birds could carry highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses from Asia to North 

America, and to identify where in North America such viruses may first arrive.
The USGS collaborates 

with numerous local, 

State, and Federal 

agencies to produce highresolution sea-floor maps 

for diverse user needs. 

Mapping data are used 

to characterize benthic 

habitats; for fisheries 

management including designation of marine protected areas; to provide 

baselines for monitoring environmental change (for example, effects of rising 

sea level); to develop sediment and contaminant budgets and understand 

coastal processes and erosion; to develop circulation and sediment transport 

models, including inundation from storm surge and tsunamis; to document 

potential earthquake and tsunami sources; to conduct site evaluation of coastal 

and offshore infrastructure; and to understand geologic history and change.

USGS researchers use molecular and genetic 

approaches as critical tools for investigating 

managed populations and physiological effects of 

environmental change. For example, non-lethal 

genetic techniques were developed to discriminate 

gender in Chinook salmon in the Columbia River. 

This method has been useful in studies of the 

reproductive capacity of endangered stocks as well 

as the intersex issues related to chemical pollution. 

The USGS uses cutting edge molecular genetic 

markers in conservation biology research (for 

example, marine mammal, bird, fish, and plant 

studies); disease ecology studies (for example, 

immunology and pathogen effects); marine 

ballast water investigations; and in a host of other 

applications. Genetic data and analysis are key in 

all endangered species designations.

Genetics and Molecular Ecology Seafloor Mapping

Providing Science for State, Regional, 

National, and Global Issues

Data Integration and Evolving Technologies

• Alaska, Hawai`i, Washington, Oregon, and California coasts contain more 

than 75 percent of the Nation’s coastline, extending from the arctic to 

the tropics and including a tremendous diversity of natural resources and 

ecosystems. The use of, competition for, and natural threats to resources in 

the coastal region will challenge the Nation’s ability to sustain its economy, 

safeguard its national security, maintain its quality of life, and protect its 

natural environment.

• As the Science and Research arm of the DOI, the USGS plays a critical 

role in providing science products that inform the Minerals Management 

Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in their 

execution of management responsibilities for DOI lands, trust resources, 

and species.

Why USGS?

For more information:

USGS Western Region

Anne E. Kinsinger, Director

909 First Ave. Suite 704, 

Seattle, WA 98104

206-220-4578

• Beyond DOI, USGS Science in the Western Region coastal and ocean environments supports a 

vast array of Federal, State, and local governments as they face the challenges of dealing with 

rapidly changing climates, expanding populations, and increased demands on the coastal and 

marine natural resources.

• The USGS provides a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to understanding marine ecosystems, 

and collecting and synthesizing important information about the physical, chemical, and 

biological/ecological processes for the Nation.